In this profoundly moving episode, we sit down with Ibra Idrees, founder of Malmö's beloved Hummusson and former banking executive, who shares his extraordinary journey from Syria to Sweden with a story that embodies resilience, family devotion, and the power of starting over.
Episode Highlights:
- The difficult decision to leave Syria at age 27, just before the civil war began
- Building a successful banking career in Qatar while supporting his family
- The emotional weight of living with temporary residency and yearly visa renewals
- Applying to over 2,000 jobs in Sweden without success
- The pivotal moment of transforming rejection into opportunity by creating Hummusson
- How banking skills translated into entrepreneurial success
- The role of the community in supporting a new business during COVID
- Creating a Mediterranean oasis in Malmö with his parents and aunt
Memorable Quotes:
"I never had a proper goodbye with Syria... those few days [visiting] are now 12 years." - Ibra Idrees
"When applying from abroad, they consider you a skilled worker. But when you come without a job and apply for jobs in Sweden, they see you as an immigrant." - Ibra Idrees.
"The thing I hate most about giving up is how easy it is." - Ibra Idrees.
"We are Mediterranean. Our balcony is our second living room on the street. We say hi to everyone. We wave to everyone. We invite everyone." - Ibra Idrees.
Key Takeaways:
- Success often requires redefining your goals rather than changing your strategy.
- Family can be both a responsibility and a source of strength
- Cultural integration can happen through food and genuine hospitality
- Professional expertise in one field can provide unexpected advantages in another
- Community support is crucial for immigrant entrepreneurs
Notable Moments:
- The newspaper interview that made Ibra cry on the bus, seeing his story through someone else's eyes
- Getting a microfinance loan approved in 3 hours due to his banking background
- Creating a community in his apartment building through chocolate and laundry room diplomacy
- The family collaboration that makes Hummusson's food "taste like love."
Resources Mentioned:
- Hummusson - Malmö's first hummus bar
- Red Cross volunteer program
- Swedish microfinance initiatives
Connect with Ibra:
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