A Labor of Love: From Farmers Markets to Our First Retail Location By Niehla O. | Founder, Homegirl’s Hummus

Niehla O. spent over 20 years in the fashion and beauty industry but decided to pivot into an industry that helps people look good on the inside. After a chance encounter with a tasty green hummus blend, a late-night craving led her to begin mixing unique hummus flavors of her own. Her goal is to continue to spread love and hummus throughout our community.

On November 7, 2026, I experienced one of the most meaningful milestones of my entrepreneurial journey: the grand opening of Homegirl’s Hummus' first retail location in Oak Lawn, Illinois.

And BABY, what a journey it has been!

As entrepreneurs, we often celebrate the finished product without discussing the blood, sweat, tears, and occasional moments when we question our own sanity that go into making it happen. (Because trust me, there were a few!)

Opening a retail location is no small undertaking. The planning, preparation, financial commitments, unexpected challenges, and endless decisions can be overwhelming. There were long days, late nights, and moments when my to-do list seemed to multiply while I slept.

But through it all, I remained committed to the vision.

Faith Through the Process

One thing I've learned throughout my entrepreneurial journey is that faith doesn't mean the road will be easy. It means trusting God even when you cannot see how everything will come together.

There were moments when I felt stretched beyond my comfort zone. But I continued to pray, trust the wisdom God has given me, and put one foot in front of the other.

Sometimes faith looks like believing for something extraordinary. Other times, it looks like picking up a paintbrush, assembling furniture, or figuring out how to make limited resources stretch just a little further.

And believe me, I've done plenty of that!

The Power of Community

What made our grand opening especially meaningful wasn't simply seeing the doors open. It was seeing the incredible outpouring of love and support from our community.

Customers, friends, fellow entrepreneurs, and supporters showed up to celebrate this milestone with us. Some have been part of the Homegirl’s Hummus journey since our earliest farmers markets. Others have joined us along the way.

Every hug, purchase, encouraging word, and smiling face reminded me that this business has always been about more than hummus.

It's about connection, community, and creating something that brings people joy.

It's Never Too Late to Dream Bigger

As a 51-year-old Black woman entrepreneur, opening my first retail location is especially meaningful.

I hope my journey encourages another woman who may be wondering whether she's too old, too late, or too far behind to pursue her dreams.

You're not.

The road may be difficult. The resources may be limited. The timeline may look different from what you imagined.

But your dream is still worthy of pursuit.

Our grand opening wasn't the finish line. It was the beginning of an exciting new chapter.

And while there's still so much work ahead, I'm choosing to celebrate this moment.

Because sometimes we're so busy praying for what's next that we forget to thank God for what's already happened.

On November 7, I stood inside an answered prayer.

And for that, I am eternally grateful.


With flavor and favor,

Niehla O.
Your Favorite Homegirl 

Learn more about Niehla O. at www.homegirlshummus.com 

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