In 2022, at the age of 26, Tyra Ivory, an African American entrepreneur from Macon, Mississippi, became one of the youngest Subway franchisees in the U.S. After initially being rejected from dental school, Ivory changed her plans and started her journey as a business owner.
"Anything is possible and I know that it may sound cliche but it has not been easy. My aspirations were to become a dentist and literally before the offer came about I was applying to dental school and I didn't get in. I didn't understand then but now I know why it did not," Ivory told WCBI.Ivory credits her journey to the support of her community and family. At her ribbon-cutting ceremony, people from her hometown and beyond came to celebrate her achievement.
"So surround yourself with people that’s going to push you that’s going to have strength for you when you don't have strength because that is how I have gotten here," she said.
Ivory, who is now 29 years old, also finished her Master's degree at Texas Southern University, an HBCU. She encourages others to chase their dreams and ask for help when needed.
"I will say to anyone if this is something you want to pursue and anything beyond you becoming a subway franchisee, teacher, doctor, go after it and do not be afraid to ask for help and I do not take no for an answer. I asked and used my resources and that has gotten me so far," she said.
Coming from a family of achievers, Ivory plans to pass her business down to future generations, inspiring them to follow their own dreams along the way.
Be sure to follow her on Instagram @Tyra_Ivory