By Sonjie Johnson
“You bought a gas station?” Whether it’s her family, friends, customers, or this writer, Amna Kiran often hears this comment. “D & L is my third one,” she replies, and goes on to tell the story of her somewhat unusual life.
A first-generation immigrant, Amna was born in Pakistan. After completing two master’s degrees, she immigrated to the U.S. when she was 27 years-old. Amna worked at gas stations/convenience stores to fund her third master’s degree from Hamline University. Over time, and in whatever neighborhood she worked, Amna became a manager. She realized that she had a gift for creating family and customer-oriented service.
In 2016 she opened an abandoned station in Fridley, completely updated it and named it Kitty’s Corner. Although it was across the street from a Super America, within a year it was making a small profit. Amna credits that success to a combination of low gas prices, family emphasis and customer service. By eliminating coupons and advertising, Amna was able to offer prices 10 to 15 cents/gallon lower.
A subsequent second store was totaled during the George Floyd protests.
Undaunted, Amna took over management of Kitty’s Corner 2, on Sherwood/Prosperity in St. Paul. Again, her goal was two-fold – create a family-oriented convenience store with the lowest gas prices. In a short time, Amna greeted most customers by name, and made listening to customers’ needs a priority. Amna added more propane options and manages to keep the prices lower, as well. My recent visit to the store revealed a clean, attractive, and widely-stocked market.
In October of this year, Amna took over her third station at Dale/Larpenteur in Como Park. At this point, she’s concentrating on a total update, including new freezers, a more convenient floor plan and fully stocked shelves. She plans to open it as Kitty’s Corner 3 in 2024. Providing the same level of low prices and customer service, Amna plans to add extras like recycling.
In addition to working as a full time ESL teacher, Amna spends most nights and weekends in her businesses. Concerned about spending time with her 17- year-old son, Amna decided to attend basketball training with him, even though she was older and taller than most beginners on her team. They both trained at 43 Hoops (now Legacy Hoops). Amna was an immediate hit with the spectators. The opposing side often cheered when she scored a basket.
A lasting interest in the issues facing non-English speaking people, Amna is also working with authorities to make the state driver’s test more understandable. Double-negatives and unnecessary language are often confusing to non-English speaking citizens.
Possibly the only woman to be sole owner of a gas station in St. Paul, Amna hopes to build D & L/Kitty’s Corner 3 into a robust community business. A cancer survivor, a single parent and a determined entrepreneur, the best way to describe Amna K is a woman on the move. She’s fueled up and ready to go!
Do you know some interesting history about your home, your neighbor or about the Como neighborhood? Anyone is welcome to do an interview, share historic photos or do a write up for the Know Your Como segment of our newsletter! For more information on how to submit go to our Know Your Como page.