Ms. Agelidu, you decided to go into self-employment for yourself by opening a REWE supermarket in Cologne, which you successfully managed for many years. What was the deciding factor that led you to take this step?
“Counterquestion: Why should a woman hesitate?”
Debora Agelidu has laid the foundations for her family business: At the age of 57, confident, self-assured, with and for her son, the experienced REWE store manager set up her own business. For the Cologne native, self-employment is not a matter of courage, but of confidence in her own abilities as a senior manager. For example: organizing and communicating. And who, according to Agelidu, can do that better than women?
Reading time: 4 min.
Debora Agelidu: My son wasn’t the only deciding factor, but he was certainly one of them. He completed his apprenticeship at REWE and now works here with me at the store. When I heard that the stores were going to be privatized, I went through the assessment center in November 2024 just to be on the safe side. I figured that if an opportunity came up and I was still up for it and in the mood for an adventure like that — then I’d already have this “license to be an entrepreneur” in my pocket. Last summer, I found out that my store was up for sale. And this store here is my baby. And if my baby is being sold — and my big baby, my son, works here… For me, it was a wonderful coincidence, and I expressed my interest.
The coincidence came to you to your aid. But does it take courage ?
Debora Agelidu:I’ve always had courage. As someone who switched careers, I know exactly what I’m capable of and how much I can achieve. And because I was a single parent, I have a lot of self-confidence. Being self-employed is now my chance to start a family business and pass it on to my son, securing a future for him. For a mother, there’s nothing better than that. It’s good to know that he’s protected within the cooperative. Actually, this cooperative is great. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel; you help each other, share experiences, and even swap extra flour sometimes. I’m not alone there—my network keeps growing and growing.
You’re becoming self-employes at the age of 57…
Debora Agelid:…a wonderful age, right in the middle of my life. My grandfather and my great-grandfather both lived past 100; I have good genes, and I don’t feel old. And this job keeps my mind young and sharp: new technology, new expertise, new ideas, new products. As someone who switched careers, I’ve learned so much at REWE. You always have to stay open-minded, let life flow, and embrace whatever comes your way.
Many female colleagues hesitate to take the step of starting their own business; only about 20 percent of business owners are women. What are your reasons for taking this step?
Debora Agelidu: Counterquestion: Why should I hesitate at all? Shouldn’t I rather ask myself: What do I have to lose? You can only learn from the experience. Unfortunately, most women don’t live up to their full potential. Many don’t dare to take the plunge. Yet most women are so well-organized. They manage their jobs, households, and children. After all, work is primarily about organization. The rest can be learned—leading people is something you can learn. Because: Who communicates more, us women or men?
What does it take to run a market successfully?
Debora Agelidu: It takes a passion for the job, for food but also for the work with the team, the contact with the customers. For me, it’s just the right thing. I’m a people person. And I am greek. I love food.
Finally, a question: Based on your professional experience, what advice would you give your son and future colleagues?
Debora Agelidu: I want him to enjoy doing his job. And that he knows: The more you give in life, umso you get more in return.
