We had the good fortune of connecting with Antwan Aiken and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Antwan, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I wanted to be in control of my own financial freedom and impact communities that look and feel like me.

What should our readers know about your business?
I am the CEO/Co-Founder of The Aiken Foundation (www.theaikenfoundation.org) which is a 501C3 domestic nonprofit. What we do is fundraise money and contribute our own money that we then redistribute into the community. What sets us apart is that we impact communities that look and feel like us. Impacting the community has always been a goal of mind and I got sick and tired of watching failed government programs, or lack thereof. I wanted to be apart of the change that I continue to demand. I want the world to know that we are changing our communities one person at a time and the ways you can support us is by visiting us online and donating to our cause. I am the CEO/Managing Member of The Aiken Group LLC where I own and operate Subway in Camp Creek in Atlanta. What makes us different is that we empower our employees and provide incentive pay to really reward employees for the hard work that they do. This business was strategically opened in Southwest Atlanta so that we could again impact people that look and feel like us. Operating a new business, particularly a food industry business in the midst of a pandemic was challenging but what we learned is the benefits of saving money and never being afraid to make risks.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am a big supporter of black owned businesses and restaurants and my week long itinerary would represent that. I would certainly do brunch at Milk and Honey, OLG, BQE, Suite Lounge or Fins and Feather. I would do happy hour at Escobar or 656 Lounge. I would visit the MLK memorials and museums. I would take a ride on the Atlanta Streetcar. I would go hiking at Stone Mountain park & Kennesaw Mountain. I would tour the Atlanta University Center.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Letter to my Young Black Men by Hill Harper

Website: www.theaikenfoundation.org

Instagram: @theaikenfoundation; @agaiken

Linkedin: Antwan Aiken

Twitter: @theaikenfounda1

Facebook: The Aiken Foundation

Youtube: Antwan Aiken

Image Credits
Josh King @jokivisualz @joki_15

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlana is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.