Avenue’s of Impact Grant Recipients
Tenzin Yeshi (aka Kyikyi)
Himalayan Dumplings by Kyikyi
Kyikyi is the founder of Himalayan Dumplings by Kyikyi, the first woman-owned Tibetan food brand in the United States. What began as a seasonal passion project to share her heritage has grown into a national award-winning business named the SBA’s 2024 Nano Small Business of the Year.
As a Tibetan refugee, Kyikyi’s self-funded immigrant dream, with aspirations to grow nationwide, is as much about honoring Tibetan culture and a story of resilience as it is about inviting the community to experience the flavors, spirit, and living history in every bite, while breaking ground in representation as the only Tibetan in the frozen dumpling category.
“Brand visibility has become more important than ever for small businesses, and for me, wearing every hat on a shoestring budget means marketing often feels like one of the steepest climbs. The Avenues of Impact mentorship and grant equipped me with practical tools, essential guidance, and funding to make brand building feel less overwhelming and more sustainable, ultimately helping amplify my small business voice. As the first recipient of this grant, I’m deeply grateful and honestly proud to receive this award from one woman founder to another, and the kind of subject-matter expert guidance I couldn’t have accessed at this stage of my journey without this opportunity.” - Tenzin