This blog is the first in a series for Black History Month to celebrate and share the stories of Black American manufacturing leaders. Toyin Kolawole is the founder and CEO of Iya Foods, a nourishment-focused food company inspired by her African roots and located in Illinois. Toyin grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, assisting with her family’s numerous entrepreneurial ventures, which included a small convenience drug store and a fast food business. Growing up as an entrepreneur Food, family and faith define Toyin’s life. Growing up in Nigeria as the eldest daughter in a family of five children, she
