When Temitope Margaret Ajayi-Salami moved from Nigeria to Fife, Scotland, five years ago, she realized something surprising: there were no Afro-Caribbean grocery stores in the area. Longing for the tastes of home, she traveled to neighboring cities and even ordered online from England just to find the products she and her family loved. That challenge sparked an idea, and from it, AYT Foods Limited was born, a company that would, over five years, grow into a thriving hub for Afro-Caribbean flavors, serving not just Fife but communities across the UK.
Today, Temitope is the founder and CEO of AYT Foods, the first Afro-Caribbean grocery store in Fife. What started as a small venture has evolved into a bustling center for culture, cuisine, and community. “Impacting people is the real measure of success,” she says. “Success is relative. It’s about leaving a positive footprint on your community.” Guided by this philosophy, AYT Foods celebrated its 20-month anniversary this year and continues to expand its reach through a growing online platform.
AYT Foods is more than just a grocery store. Temitope envisions a one-stop destination for everything Afro-Caribbean: groceries, household items, ready meals, and even a restaurant. The store also doubles as a community hub where people gather, celebrate their culture, and share a sense of home.
Business, she admits, has not always been smooth. “It’s been a rollercoaster,” she says. “When we started, the community welcomed us, but meeting monthly targets has sometimes been a challenge. Logistics, costs, and staffing have been the toughest hurdles, but these challenges have only made us stronger.” To address delivery challenges, Temitope is exploring the use of her own distribution van, ensuring that the joy of Afro-Caribbean cuisine reaches homes across the country.
Her drive comes not just from ambition but from family. “I have four children, and I want them to see that true success comes from impacting people, from giving back,” she shares. This sense of purpose has shaped both her personal and professional journey. Beyond AYT Foods, Temitope also organized Scotland’s first Afro-Caribbean Summer Festival, a celebration that brought culture and community together.
Reflecting on her personal growth, Temitope recalls her younger, timid self. “I’ve learned from my mistakes and taught myself self-management and self-awareness. My younger self would be proud of who I am today and who I am becoming.”
Temitope’s message is simple yet powerful: be true to yourself, treat people well, and make a positive impact wherever you can. In a world increasingly driven by commerce and technology, she reminds us that business can be a force for community, connection, and joy. Through AYT Foods, Temitope Margaret Ajayi-Salami is doing just that, bringing a taste of home to Fife, Scotland, and creating a legacy that extends far beyond groceries.
