Introducing Thirteen Muesli: the faces behind the Social Enterprise

Last month we told you a bit about the Muesli Project — and this month we’re back to introduce the team behind this social enterprise. If you’re interested in learning more about the project, you can visit their website at www.thirteenmuesli.com. 

We are thirteen teenagers with a business. Not much money. Lots of heart. A vision for a healthier future. For all of us.

 

AYAN
Hi, I’m Ayan. My parents were born in Somalia. I was born in Holland in 1999. I speak Dutch. My mother and I brought my two younger sisters and baby brother to Canada in September 2014. I dream of a bright future.

Now I am one of Thirteen: A Social Enterprise. We proudly create, market and sell small batch, handcrafted muesli. It is healthy, convenient and versatile. This business is my responsibility. It will help fund my education, change my life, send me to law school.

 

GHITA
Hi, I’m Ghita.
I was born in Morocco in 2000. We came to Canada when I was 8 years old.
My mother is a nurse. But not here.
I am an only child.
I am a student in the International Baccalaureate Program.
Maybe one day I will be your doctor.
Now I am one of Thirteen: A Social Enterprise. We proudly create, market and sell small batch, handcrafted muesli. It is healthy, convenient and versatile.
This business is my responsibility.

KEJAH
Hi, I’m Kejah. I was born in Ottawa. Most of my relatives are from Britain, Trinidad and Jamaica. I have one sister. I am the oldest. We are homeschooled. I live in Rochester Heights. But just because you live in the ‘hood doesn’t mean you have to stay in the ‘hood.
One day I will be a neurosurgeon. Now I am one of Thirteen: A Social Enterprise. We proudly create, market and sell small batch, handcrafted muesli. It is healthy, convenient and versatile. This business is my responsibility. The next time you pick up a box of sugary cereal or processed granola I bet you will wonder, “Why not muesli ?”

DAIJAH
Hi, I’m Daijah. I was born in Ottawa in 2001. Most of my relatives are from Britain, Trinidad and Jamaica. I have one sister. I am the youngest. We are homeschooled.

I dance. You can read my mind when I dance.
Now I am one of Thirteen: A Social Enterprise. We proudly create, market and sell small batch, handcrafted muesli. It is healthy, convenient and versatile.
This business is my responsibility. It is limited only by my imagination.
I dream large.

 

DAVID
Hi, I’m David. I was born in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo and lived in Uganda before coming to Canada as a refugee in 2013.
There are 12 people in my family.
I speak 3 languages well – English, Kiswahili, Lugando – and I am learning French.
Soccer is my game.
Now I am one of Thirteen: A Social Enterprise. We proudly create, market and sell small batch, handcrafted muesli. It is healthy, convenient and versatile.
This business is my responsibility.
All the money I earn from it will be spent on my education

DASHA
Hi, I’m Dasha. I was born in Ottawa in 1996. Most of my life I have lived in Ukraine. I live in an apartment with my mother and younger sister.

I have a job. I love to draw.
One day I will be a doctor.

Now I am one of Thirteen: A Social Enterprise. We proudly create, market and sell small batch, handcrafted muesli. It is healthy, convenient and versatile.
This business is my responsibility.
Believe in me.

GLODIE
I am Glodie. I was born in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo and lived in Uganda before coming to Canada as a refugee in 2013. There are 12 people in my family. I have a job. In 2016 I will go to university. One day I will be a lawyer.

Now I am one of Thirteen: A Social Enterprise. We proudly create, market and sell small batch, handcrafted muesli. It is healthy, convenient and versatile. This business is my responsibility.

 

LANDRY
I am Landry. I was born in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo and lived in Uganda before coming to Canada as a refugee in 2013. There are 12 people in my family.

I play the piano without knowing how to read music. I take every opportunity to learn. One day I will be a doctor.

Now I am one of Thirteen: A Social Enterprise. We proudly create, market and sell small batch, handcrafted muesli. It is healthy, convenient and versatile. This business is my responsibility.

 

THIENA
I am Thiena. I was born in Burundi, where my parents still live. I came to Canada with my aunt. We live in a family shelter. I am now a University of Ottawa student. One day I will be an anesthesiologist.

Now I am one of Thirteen: A Social Enterprise. We proudly create, market and sell small batch, handcrafted muesli. It is healthy, convenient and versatile. This business is my responsibility.

 

 

KEREN
I am Keren. I was born in Belgium in 2001. Both of my parents were born in Congo. We came to Canada in April 2015. I love basketball, dance and music.

I am learning English, but speak fluent French and Dutch. 

Now I am one of Thirteen: A Social Enterprise. We proudly create, market and sell small batch, handcrafted muesli. It is healthy, convenient and versatile. This business is my responsibility.

 

SUMMER
I am Summer. I was born in Ottawa in 1997.

I am a mother. I dream art.

Now I am one of Thirteen: A Social Enterprise. We proudly create, market and sell small batch, handcrafted muesli. It is healthy, convenient and versatile. This business is my responsibility.

 

 

EMMA
I am Emma. I was born in Belgium. My parents were born in Congo.

Music makes me move. African dance is in my heart. I’m very social, and adore spending time with those I love. I am learning English. Practise with me.

Now I am one of Thirteen: A Social Enterprise. We proudly create, market and sell small batch, handcrafted muesli. It is healthy, convenient and versatile. This business is my responsibility.

 

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Huge thanks to JVL Photography for generously taking photographs of the entire Thirteen Muesli team.