I lost my home when I decided to start ‘Traffic Shawarma’ – Beverly Afaglo

Ghanaian actress and entrepreneur Beverly Afaglo has shared her challenges in starting Traffic Shawarma.

In an interview with Irene Adubea Aning on The Career Trail Program, she discussed her journey. She opened the business after a devastating fire destroyed her house.

Beverly's love for Shawarma began during a trip to Lagos. She was impressed by the quality there, which surpassed what Ghana offered. "The Shawarma in Lagos was always good," she said. She wanted to bring that quality to Ghana.

Before launching her business, tragedy struck when fire razed her home. "I lost everything," she recalled. Despite not having capital, she was determined to start Shawarma.

She rented a four-room apartment for the chef from Lagos. They began their journey in a small six-foot container, experimenting with recipes and asking friends for feedback.

"Traffic Shawarma was born from that small idea," she explained. Along the way, Beverly faced many challenges, including issues with the Nigerian chef.

After six months, she had to let him go despite it being difficult timing. "Things weren’t working between us," she noted. This decision made her consider shutting down the business.

However, her supportive team encouraged her to keep going. “They told me we are not shutting down,” she said gratefully.

Beverly decided to train a new Ghanaian recruit since no one had been trained before. She closed the business for two weeks to focus on this training.

"Traffic Shawarma was closed for two weeks in Tema," she recalled. Their efforts paid off as they perfected the recipe and reopened successfully.

Today, Traffic Shawarma has expanded from a small container to five branches. They now offer burgers and have launched a franchise creating opportunities for others.

Beverly advises aspiring entrepreneurs not to give up on their dreams despite challenges. “Don’t back down,” she urged them passionately.

“It’s hard when you put in money and don’t see returns,” she added. But there is always light at the end of the tunnel if you keep going.

This Saturday, March 29, actress Yvonne Nelson will share her journey on ‘The Career Trail’. Don’t miss it!