In an inspiring tale of entrepreneurial determination, Tyra Ivory made headlines in late 2022 when she became one of the youngest Subway franchise owners in the United States at the age of 26. The African-American entrepreneur from Macon, Mississippi, purchased the Subway location in her hometown after a significant career shift.
Ivory’s original aspirations were in the field of dentistry, but after being rejected from dental school, she pivoted her focus. The opportunity to purchase the Subway restaurant arose after the former owner offered it to her mother, Shelleen Farmer, who had been managing the location for two years. When her mother declined, Tyra Ivory decided to take the leap of faith, recognizing a prime business opportunity.
“Anything is possible, and I know that it may sound cliché, but it has not been easy,” Ivory told WCBI. “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’s achievement has been celebrated by her community and family. She emphasizes the importance of a strong support system, noting, “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.”
Now, a couple of years into her journey, Ivory, who also earned a Master’s degree from Texas Southern University, continues to build her business and use her experience to inspire future entrepreneurs.
