A Chicago restaurant owner moved to Ghana for retirement, but ended up rebuilding his business from scratch.

When Telie Woods decided to leave St. Louis and relocate to Ghana in 2022, he believed it was time for a slower pace of life. After years of building his renowned Caribbean fusion restaurant, Jerk Soul, into a beloved staple in the Midwest, Woods was ready to retire and enjoy the fruits of his labor.

He shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE that he was completely worn out after four years in St. Louis and was looking forward to some well-deserved rest and relaxation. However, retirement didn't last long for Woods.

After neglecting his personal well-being for so long, he felt compelled to follow where the Divine was leading him. His friends had warned him that he was a workaholic and too young to retire, and they were right. After six months of rest, Woods opened Jerk Soul Ghana and found himself back in the game.

He explained that the move was a result of a calling and divine guidance, and he couldn't ignore it. Originally launched in St. Louis in 2018, Jerk Soul quickly became a hit thanks to its unique blend of Caribbean and soul food.

Despite the restaurant's success, Woods felt a pull towards something bigger. After researching business opportunities and hearing stories from members of the African diaspora who had relocated to the continent, Woods sold most of his belongings and took his dog with him to Accra, Ghana. The expansion to Ghana seemed like the perfect next chapter for Woods.

Jerk Soul Ghana became one of the largest African American-owned restaurants in the country, and it became a hub for Black expats, tourists, celebrities, university groups, and organizations visiting the continent. Woods shared that the restaurant had hosted numerous groups, including universities, religious organizations, celebrities, and the NAACP. He was proud to have created a space where the diaspora could come together, enjoy familiar food, and meet new people.

However, building a business overseas proved to be much more challenging than Woods had anticipated. He faced difficulties in navigating the necessary permits and found himself having to learn the hard way. He admitted that it had cost him unnecessary time and money.

On top of that, cultural differences presented an entirely new learning curve. Woods had to slightly adjust his menu to cater to the local palate, source ingredients that were not readily available, and understand the mentality of his Ghanaian staff members. He shared that it was a challenging experience that had given him more gray hair.

But despite the challenges, Jerk Soul Ghana evolved into something uniquely Ghanaian as Woods adapted the menu to local tastes. He explained that it had become a fusion of Caribbean, soul, and Ghanaian cuisine. For example, he had fused jerk and jollof and created one of the restaurant's most popular dishes.

However, after making history with the first Ghana location, Woods is now looking for a new home for Jerk Soul as the original setup did not work out in the long term. He shared that they were preparing for a new home and that there was more history to be made. For Woods, this venture was more than just a business; it was a ministry.

Woods advises anyone looking to open a business abroad to take the time to visit and familiarize themselves with the culture. He shares that it's essential to allow your mind and spirit to guide you to the right opportunities. Connecting with other expats can also be beneficial as they can help you learn the unwritten rules and navigate the culture.

Having grown up in Chicago, Woods shared that his upbringing had prepared him to handle adversity and survive both business and personal struggles. He explained that he had become numb to issues and had developed a mindset that helped him push through tough times. Despite the difficulties, Woods has no regrets about taking the leap and moving to Ghana.

He shared that he had seen many people talk themselves out of life-changing blessings and that he was grateful for the opportunities he had been given. He wrote a book titled "Personal, Professional, and Positive," where he shares his life experiences and entrepreneurial journey. Woods also created the Diaspora Enrichment Awards, an annual event that honors members of the African diaspora who are contributing to development across Africa.

His emotional connection to his ancestors and the Motherland continues to inspire him to give back and use his talents and gifts to make a difference.