When I first arrived in the United States, I was a young man with big dreams and very little certainty about what the future would hold. I had grown up in Lebanon, moved to Kuwait, and eventually found myself in Michigan to pursue an engineering degree. My plan was simple: study, earn my degree, and return to Kuwait to build a career. But something unexpected happened along the way—I fell in love with America. The energy, the opportunity, the sense of freedom—it all captured me. I knew this was where I wanted to stay, build my life, and eventually, start my business journey.

A Fresh Start in a New Land

Moving to a new country is never easy. There’s the language, the culture, and the small details that many people take for granted. Everything feels unfamiliar at first. But what helped me navigate it all was the fact that America, at its core, has always been a nation built by immigrants. This country welcomes those who are willing to work hard and chase their goals. That’s exactly what I set out to do.

I started my business journey with a restaurant called The Sheik in West Bloomfield, Michigan. It wasn’t a big chain or a fancy concept. It was a simple place, rooted in the flavors and hospitality of my heritage. What made it special was the cultural connection it created. People came not just for the food, but for the experience—for something that reminded them of home or introduced them to a new tradition.

The Power of Cultural Fusion

One of the most beautiful things about being an immigrant entrepreneur is the ability to bring your culture into your business. Whether it’s food, design, service style, or values—immigrants infuse their background into everything they do. This adds incredible richness to the American marketplace.

In my restaurant, I saw this every day. Lebanese food wasn’t widely known in my area at the time, so we weren’t just serving meals—we were educating people about our culture, one plate at a time. The hummus, the shawarma, the warm pita bread straight from the oven—it became a bridge between communities. Food has that power. It opens doors and starts conversations. And in business, that’s everything.

Immigrants Drive Innovation

Many people assume entrepreneurship in a new country is about survival, but I believe it’s about innovation. When you come from another part of the world, you bring a different perspective. You see gaps and opportunities that others might not. You’re often more willing to take risks, because you’ve already taken the biggest one—leaving everything familiar behind to start again.

After running The Sheik for several years, I transitioned into the airport food and beverage industry. This was a completely different environment: fast-paced, high-traffic, and extremely regulated. But it taught me even more about adaptability, efficiency, and scaling a business. Immigrant entrepreneurs thrive in these situations because we’ve been adapting our whole lives. That flexibility becomes one of our greatest assets.

Building More Than Just Businesses

Immigrants don’t just build businesses—we build communities. We hire local staff, train them, support them, and often treat them like family. We become part of the neighborhoods we serve. And that connection creates a ripple effect. People start to see us not just as “outsiders” but as leaders, employers, and neighbors. That changes perceptions. It builds understanding. And it strengthens the very fabric of American society.

One thing I’ve always believed in is giving people a chance, just like someone once gave me one. Whether it’s a young worker just getting started or someone going through a rough patch, I’ve made it a point to open doors for others. That’s part of our cultural value system—family, hospitality, and helping those in need. And it’s something I’ve tried to bring into every business I’ve run.

Challenges Are Real—But So Are the Rewards

Of course, the road isn’t always smooth. Immigrant business owners face real challenges: from language barriers and cultural misunderstandings to legal and financial hurdles. There are moments of doubt and frustration. But those moments also shape us. They teach us grit. And over time, that grit becomes the foundation for long-term success.

In my experience, the biggest reward isn’t just financial. It’s knowing you’ve made something out of nothing. It’s watching your business grow, seeing your kids walk through the doors of something you built with your own hands, and knowing that your story has become part of America’s story.

A Stronger Economy for Everyone

There’s a lot of talk these days about what strengthens or weakens the economy. But I can tell you this: when immigrants succeed, we all benefit. We create jobs, bring diversity to industries, revitalize neighborhoods, and generate revenue that supports schools, infrastructure, and public services. According to the data, immigrants are more likely to start businesses than native-born citizens. That’s not a coincidence—it’s a mindset. A drive to make it work no matter what.

Final Thoughts

If I had to sum up my journey in one sentence, it would be this: “I came to America to study, but I stayed to build.” And in building my life here, I’ve seen firsthand how immigrant entrepreneurs enrich this country—not just with products and services, but with heart, culture, and a deep commitment to hard work.

For anyone thinking about starting a business—whether you’re born here or just arrived—my message is simple: your background is your strength. Use it. Honor it. Let it guide you. Because when we bring our full selves to the table, we don’t just succeed—we help others rise too.