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: organising and communicating. And who, according to Agelidu, can do that better than women?
one: Mrs Agelidu, you decided to become self-employed with a REWE-Marktplatz in Cologne, which you ran successfully for many years. What was the deciding factor for you to take this step?
Debora : The deciding factor was not only, but also, my son. He completed his apprenticeship at REWE and now works here in my shop. When I heard that stores were to be privatised, I went through the assessment centre in November 2024 as a precaution. I thought that if an opportunity arose and I was still fit and up for such an adventure, then I would have this "driving licence for entrepreneurship" in my pocket. Last summer, I found out that my branch was being advertised. And this branch here is my baby. And when my baby is sold - and my big baby, my son, works here... It was a wonderful coincidence for me, and I registered my interest.
one: Chance came to your aid. But does it take courage?
Debora : I've always had courage. As a career changer, I know how much and what I can achieve. And because I was a single parent, I have a lot of self-confidence. Self-employment is now my opportunity to set up a family business and pass it on to my son, to secure a future for him. There can be nothing better for a mum. It's good to know that he is secure in the co-operative. In general, this co-operative is great. You don't have to reinvent the wheel, you help each other, exchange experiences and sometimes even surplus flour. I'm not alone there, my network is growing and growing.
one: You're going into self-employment at the age of 57..
Debora: ...a wonderful age, in the middle of my life. My grandfather and great-grandfather are both over 100, I have good genes and I don't feel old. And this job keeps me young and fit in the head: new technology, new expertise, new ideas, new products. As a career changer, I have learnt so much at REWE. You always have to be open, let life flow and embrace whatever comes your way.
„As a career changer, I have learnt so much at REWE. You always have to be open, let life flow and embrace whatever comes your way.“ Debora Agelidu
one: Many female colleagues are reluctant to take the step of becoming self-employed, only around 20 per cent of retailers are female. What arguments do you have in favour of this step?
Debora : Counter question: Why should I hesitate at all? Shouldn't I rather ask myself: What do I have to lose? You can only learn something new. Unfortunately, most women fall short of their potential. Many don't dare. Yet most women are so well organised. They manage their job, household and children. Work is above all organisation. The rest can be learnt, leading people can be learnt. After all, who communicates more, us women or the men?
one: What does it take to successfully manage a market?
Debora: You need a passion for the job, for food, but also for working with the team and contact with customers. For me, it's just the right thing. I'm a person who likes people. And I'm Greek. I love food.
one: Finally, what do you want to pass on to your son and future work partner from your professional experience?
Debora: I want him to enjoy his work. And that he knows that the more you give in life, the more you get back.
- Training as a medical assistant, followed by training as a beautician. "Neither was my thing". This was followed by 26 years as a restaurant manager at a McDonald's branch, then five years as the manager of a Kodi branch.
- From 2017: Store manager at REWE to Go Cologne Central Station and Hohe Straße (Cologne city centre)
- Since 2022 Store Manager at the REWE-Marktplatz Widdersdorfer Straße, Cologne-Ehrenfeld.
- 2026: Self-employment as a REWE saleswoman.
