We recently connected with Edward Anassah and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Edward thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

Growing up, pursuing a university degree was not a common goal in my family. However, I was determined to break the cycle and became the first person in my family to attend university, studying at the University of Waterloo. This experience has shaped my outlook on life and inspired me to help others achieve their dreams.

As the founder of Humble Beginning Stories, I have created an inclusive ecosystem where entrepreneurs and community influencers can share their inspirational and diverse stories. Our platform features engaging stories from underrepresented communities, including First Nations, LGBTTTQQIAA, minorities, the diaspora, and people with disabilities.

As a leader, I have learned to take responsibility, collaborate, and network effectively. One of my key roles is to help small business owners navigate the challenges of starting and growing their businesses. However, my main focus is on sharing the stories of community leaders and influencers, their entrepreneurial journeys, and the hurdles they have overcome through my platform at www.hbeonline.com.

Currently, I am volunteering my time to mentor and coach upcoming entrepreneurs globally through organizations such as the Ghana Hub Network, Startup Canada, and WE Incubation Hub, as I believe in supporting the next generation of change-makers.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

Breaking the cycle and becoming the first person in my family to attend university, studying at the University of Waterloo, is a major achievement I am proud of. As the founder of Humble Beginning Stories, I have created an inclusive ecosystem where entrepreneurs and community influencers can share their inspirational and diverse stories. Our platform features engaging stories from underrepresented communities, including First Nations, LGBTTTQQIAA, minorities, the diaspora, and people with disabilities.

What I am most proud of is my drive and appreciation for different cultures and their social impact on society and the economy. I am honored to be part of the multicultural trendsetters in my community and abroad, and have always thought about how I can make a difference in Ghana and my surrounding community or ecosystem.

Throughout my travels, I have come to the conclusion that entrepreneurship is what has allowed the West to establish a superior economic system. I quickly understood that the West is built on the dream of substantial wealth, governing laws, technology, and entrepreneurship. These are the main things I want people to know about me, as they have shaped my journey and inspired me to continue making a positive impact in the world.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Despite facing tremendous loss in my personal life, I have always strived to remain resilient and carry on the legacy of my family. Losing both of my parents in such a short period of time was devastating, but their sacrifices and constant support have instilled a strong sense of determination and resilience within me. I am forever grateful for the lessons they taught me, especially about showing kindness and compassion in everything I do.

In honor of my parents, I dedicate my work with Humble Beginning Stories to them, appreciating all the successes we have achieved together. My journey has taught me to celebrate all of life’s wins, big and small, and to cherish the people who are closest to me. I am determined to never let anyone take away my daily joy.

I strive to extend myself beyond the traditional confines of a desk or comfort zone, always seeking opportunities to find a niche where creativity, hard work, brainstorming, teamwork, collaboration, and implementation intersect. Through my work with entrepreneurs and community influencers, I hope to empower others to find their own path towards success and resilience.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Growing up, I had the privilege of working in my mom’s grocery store, which taught me valuable lessons about hard work and entrepreneurship. However, it wasn’t until later that I realized how much small grassroots businesses have to work to put food on the table. This realization sparked my desire to create the Humble Beginning Stories platform, where I could shine a light on the struggles and successes of these small business owners.

Through this platform, I aim to highlight the often-overlooked stories of community leaders, social entrepreneurs, street hawkers, mom and pop stores, and many others. These are the stories that are often left untold, despite their significance to our communities and economies.

My burning desire to start Humble Beginning Stories has been with me for over a decade, and it continues to drive me today. By acknowledging and celebrating the journeys of grassroots leaders and entrepreneurs, from musicians and woodworkers to wedding planners and fashion designers, I hope to inspire others to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact on the world.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hbeonline.com/
• Instagram:@hbsblog and @eanassah
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hbswow/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwardanassah/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/hbsux?lang=en

Image Credits
Photo Credits: 1. Larissa Hikel – (Stratford, Ontario ) www.fearlessclicker.ca Instagram: @fearless_clicker 2. Kris Von Kleist (they/them) – (Stratford, Ontario) www.krisvonkleist.ca Instagram: @krisvonkleist