Akin’s International Foods opened in 2000 at Ellice and Furby with fifteen thousand ($15000) dollars in seven hundred (700) square feet of space. In 2004, Elizabeth added a diploma in Business Administration from Red River Community College. “When the Food Store was in the early stages of growth I had many challenges to persevere through.” 2002, Akin’s Employment Agency started operating on the second floor of the Food Store building, until 2005, wanting to fully concentrate on the Food Store at that time. 2003 saw Elizabeth start full-time with the Regional Health Authority as a Healthcare Aid working nights, midnight to 8am, while operating the Food Store during the day. This continued for ten (10) years. February 2006 saw the Food store move to 570A Sargent Avenue, with Elizabeth purchasing the complete three (3) unit building, adding commercial property to her portfolio.

In 2008, Assiniboine Credit Union came into the picture to help with growing the Food Store to the next level. 2013, Elizabeth added residential property to her portfolio, and reopened Akin’s Employment Agency at 819 Sargent Avenue. 2015 saw Akin’s International Foods move to its’ seven thousand (7000) square foot permanent location of 550 Sargent Avenue. Bringing the value of the business to over a million ($1000000) dollars. The next step in Elizabeth’s business life will be the opening of her West African Restaurant in the spring of 2018.

“The purpose of this is to tell other banks that life is more than a number. I appreciate the faith that Assiniboine Credit Union had with me! Encouraging me, treating me like a part of a family. Assiniboine Credit Union is more than just a bank. Their community rep, Jeff, talked to me one-on-one, visiting the store to offer suggestions for the business to be even more successful. Thank-you Assiniboine Credit Union for everything and being there!”