Laylo was born in Somalia but grew up in Kenya. She came to Idaho in 2009 and loves it here. “Boise feels like a second home,” she says. “People are so helpful and welcoming, and we’ve made lots of friends.”
Laylo experienced many ups and downs before coming to the United States, having spent 18 years in refugee camps. But despite the various challenges she’s faced, Laylo has always had a keen sense of who she is. “I am strong and talented,” she says. “And I can do anything I set my mind to. I am willing to try anything at least once.”
Starting Her Own Business
Not long after arriving in Idaho, Laylo started her own childcare business. “I love my daycare and serve the children from my heart,” she says. “I do my best to give parents the peace of mind that their kids are well cared for. I know what it’s like to be in need and I’m here for everyone who needs me.”
For Laylo, coming to EO for a loan to start her day care business just made sense. “Many banks don’t know how to work with refugees,” she says. “EO knows how to help us. They understand where we’ve come from and where we want to go. There are many nice, wonderful people there. I am so grateful to Jannus and EO for how they help women. There are too many people to thank, really.”
EO also helped Laylo’s mother start a daycare business back in 2009, which she ran until 2011. “EO helped me and my mom become businesswomen,” she says. “Without them, we could not have reached our dreams.”
Helping Others Move Forward
Laylo is also doing her part to help other refugee women who came to Boise. She volunteers as a translator and interpreter for Jannus. “I know how hard it can be for women who arrive here from another country and don’t speak the language,” she says. “My mom came here a long time ago and it was incredibly hard for her not knowing anyone and not being able to speak much English.”
Looking toward the future, Laylo hopes to continue to grow her business. She says what’s most important to her is being happy and being with her family, which includes a husband, a three-year-old boy, and a one-year-old girl. Her extended family is very close as well, and she has four brothers and a sister here in Boise.
