By Kailash Mishra

Columbus, the bustling town of Ohio, where Short North may be the only bustling thing. Ohio, where fertile land stretches as far as the eye can see, encompassing the slogan “the heart of it all.” Truly, new Americans have enriched this heart, and they are investing their traditional knowledge in these fertile lands.

Bista Farm is a new American business that operates as both a producer and supplier. Though legally separate entities, they are guided by the same individuals with a shared vision of providing for their families and community.

Image Grocery, nestled in the North side of Columbus, finds itself in a plaza flourishing with diverse New American businesses. New Americans have infused vibrancy into the North side, from Somali malls to Nepali groceries, making significant contributions to the local economy.

Family-run by the Bista Family, Image Grocery specializes in selling authentic Nepali food, catering to a large community in the North side. You can find everything from Nepali chaya pati (loose tea leaves) to Churpi (hard chewy cheese) in their store. Every Thursday, they offer fresh goat meat sourced directly from Bista Farm, their very own meat-producing venture.

The Bista Family, originally from Bhutan, belongs to the ethnic Nepali community and were forced to leave their homeland in the early 1990s due to discriminatory practices by the government. They spent nearly two decades in a Nepali refugee camp before finding amnesty and settling in the United States. The challenges they faced nurtured their entrepreneurial drive and their willingness to take risks.

Despite the obstacles, the Bista Family transformed their experiences into a steppingstone, establishing a thriving business that not only supports their livelihood but also celebrates the rich Nepali culture and serves as a vital resource for the North side community.

Image Grocery has been serving the community for eight years, meeting the needs of the large Nepali community in the North side. Bista Farm, located in Danville, Ohio, has been in operation for the past four years. They grow some of the food they sell in their store right on their farm.

The farm not only provides fresh produce for the store but also offers goat meat to customers. Those seeking high-quality, locally sourced goat meat can directly visit the farm and purchase it. The connection between the farm and the store ensures a seamless farm-to-table experience, where customers can have confidence in the origin and quality of the meat they are purchasing.

The Bista family’s businesses have served as a cornerstone for their community, providing essential services for nearly a decade. By nurturing their own farm and operating a store that highlights their culture, they have not only created economic opportunities but have also preserved and shared their traditions with others.

During this Small Business Month, we celebrate the resilience and contributions of businesses like Image Grocery and Bista Farm. These small businesses, particularly those founded by new Americans, play a vital role in driving local economies, fostering cultural diversity, and creating a sense of community. They exemplify the enterprising spirit and determination that makes Columbus, the heart of it all, thrive with vibrancy and opportunity.

(Kailash Mishra, a recent graduate of The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics & Political Science, is a passionate individual with diverse experiences in legislative affairs and research, aiming to pursue a legal education to advocate for equal access to law and make a positive impact in the field.)

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