Rakiya Sherry: From Entrepreneur to Empowerment – The Story of Agape Cafe

In commemoration of International Women’s Day, Barbados TODAY highlighted women working in various fields – from health to telecoms, from development to politics – as they share their sources of success and triumph over challenges they have encountered. Here is an interview with Rakiya Sherry, Founder of Agape Cafe about her journey.

Rakiya Sherry’s journey is one of faith, perseverance, and bold moves.

‍In 2022, after noticing an opportunity to diversify the local cafe market, the entrepreneur tranformed an old horse trailer (found by chance on Craig’s List), into the first Agape Cafe storefront.

Her unique twist? Specialising in bubble tea, a popular Taiwanese drink made with tea, milk, sweetener, and chewy tapioca balls that could become a new local favourite.Today, Agape Café has expanded to three of the most coveted retail locations in Barbados: Worthing Square, Bridgetown and Haymans Market.

Rakiya’s path wasn’t easy. Only a few years ago, before the pandemic, she faced deep uncertainty and self-doubt, something typical in adulthood but humbling for her go-getter attitude. An unexpected spiritual awakening in 2019 provided clarity, and a sense of peace.
With no formal business training but a renewed belief in God’s vision for her life, she took a leap of faith into entrepreneurship, living without fear and learning to lead with grace.

This article appeared in the March 8 International Women’s Day Magazine by Barbados Today. View the magazine here.