Tay Reh

When Tay Reh thinks about his childhood, he remembers mountains, trees, and rivers filled with fish. He remembers growing up in a refugee camp until the age of eight, surrounded by a Karenni community where people shared what they had and looked after one another. Meals were eaten together, work was done collectively, and everyone had something to offer to the community. Tay learned the value of showing up for others at a young age, and he continues to carry that value to this day. Life in the refugee camp was marked by uncertainty. The strong sense of community taught him that people can overcome hardships when there is support and that relationships mattered more than possessions. These are lessons that Tay has carried with him to Minnesota and that continue to guide his life.

In 2009, Tay and his family immigrated to the United States. The move was both exciting and difficult. He was eager to see what existed beyond the camp and curious about the opportunities that laid ahead. At the same time, he was leaving behind friends and the only home he had ever known. Adjusting to life in the United States was not easy. Everything seemed so different compared to the refugee camp. Language barriers made everyday tasks complicated. At school, he was teased for wearing flip flops. His family faced financial hardship, and there were times when they questioned how they would afford food for the week. He watched his father struggle in workplaces where he could not always speak for himself and his mother navigate illness while trying to understand a healthcare system in a language she did not speak. Despite these hardships, his parents remained determined to build a better future for their family. Watching their perseverance inspired Tay to approach challenges with grace and patience, to believe that difficult circumstances can change through hard work and persistence.

Seeing his parents’ struggles shaped Tay’s sense of responsibility. As a child, he promised himself that one day he would be able to help his family and create opportunities they never had. That promise became a guiding force as he grew older. When he started his first career as a dental assistant, he felt proud to have a stable profession, one that financially supported himself and his family. But Tay found himself questioning whether the path he was on reflected the future he wanted to build. He kept returning to a dream he had carried since childhood: opening a Karenni grocery store. He remembers visiting grocery stores as a child and feeling utter excitement from all the choices of snacks and drinks. He imagined opening one himself, particularly one that reflected his culture. 

The idea took six years to bring to life. With no background in business ownership, Tay learned through trial and error. He had to learn how to lease a big space and how to apply for grants. Community members offered advice, helping him turn his ideas into reality, and his wife remained one of his strongest supporters, especially during moments of doubts. In February 2025, Tay opened the first Karenni grocery store in the Twin Cities. For Tay, the store represented a way to preserve Karenni culture by selling familiar snacks, essential cooking ingredients, and traditional products more readily accessible to families. He also makes the best chatpate, a popular spicy nepali snack that his wife introduced him to. He wanted the grocery store to be a space that felt welcoming for everyone, whether they were longtime members of the Karenni community or first time visitors interested in learning about the culture. 

Today, he fills many roles at once: owner, stocker, cleaner, and worker. The store has become a gathering place for community members and an opportunity for others to learn about Karenni culture. Tay hopes to continue growing the business, expanding and creating new ways for people to access cultural products and clothing. He enjoys seeing his customers reconnect with foods that remind them of home and introducing younger generations to traditions they may not have experienced growing up in the United States.

Living in St. Paul has connected him to the larger Karenni community. He values the community events, local leaders, and networks of support that helped people navigate life together. Tay reflects on how easy it can be to lose touch with one’s roots in a new environment. For him, preserving Karenni traditions is about remembering the past and about ensuring future generations understand that past as well. He believes culture carries the values, stories, and lessons that shape a person’s identity. Tay continues to build on the lessons he learned as a child: that people are strongest when they look after one another and that even small acts can make a lasting difference. 

As Tay looks toward the future, he hopes his journey encourages other young Karenni people to pursue their dreams, even when the path feels uncertain. He believes success is about giving back to the community. Whether that is through providing culturally familiar foods, creating a welcoming gathering space, or inspiring the next generations of business owners, Tay hopes his work will leave a lasting impact on the community.