Black Business Spotlight: Madame C. Ibena Asante, At the Cornerstone
Healthy eating is at the heart of our mission. It has often been said that “inner-city stores are food swamps, where it is easier to purchase alcohol, cigarettes, and potato chips than fresh produce.” The term “food desert” is commonly used to describe urban grocery stores that lack nutritious options. Our goal is to change this narrative by encouraging a healthier diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables.
Madame C. Ibena Asante is the manager of Asante Sana Expressions, LLC, the holding company for At the Cornerstone Market & Shops, located at 398 Thurston Rd, Southwest Rochester, NY.
This family-run business, which opened in October 2024, specializes in cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and fresh produce, offering a health-conscious grocery shopping experience. Unlike many inner-city stores that focus on takeout deli foods, often featuring carnival-style meals, Cornerstone Market takes a different approach. The deli serves soups, salads, and sandwiches, alongside lighter finger foods, promoting a more balanced diet.
At the Cornerstone Market & Shops, we firmly believe in the saying, “You are what you eat.” Healthy eating transforms lives, impacting not just individuals but the community as a whole. We strive to make fresh fruits and vegetables a staple in daily diets. To make healthy eating more accessible, we offer a produce membership, which provides customers with a curated box of fresh produce regularly.
A Store That Goes Beyond Groceries
The 2020 pandemic was a wake-up call, highlighting the need for more diverse and community-centered grocery options. At the Cornerstone Market & Shops is more than just a grocery store—it is a multi-functional space designed to meet a variety of needs. The store features a specialty shop offering balloons, novelties, gifts, and printing services. Adjacent to the market is a photography studio, managed by Asante’s youngest son. This space doubles as a venue for small social gatherings, meetings, and DIY activities, making it a hub for community engagement.
The name “Cornerstone” holds deep significance. Drawing from a biblical concept—”the stone the builders rejected”—the name symbolizes transformation and renewal. When the building was acquired, it had been neglected for years. Thanks to the expertise of contractors Dr. Wanda Gibbs & Tony Wright of Wright Remodeling, LLC, the space was revitalized into a welcoming and modern marketplace. Many first-time visitors enter expecting a typical corner store, only to be surprised by its unique offerings and Afrocentric flair. Black-owned grocery stores are a rarity in Rochester, NY, and even fewer prioritize fresh produce and holistic wellness. To sustain this vision of “health is wealth,” community support is essential.
The Woman Behind the Mission
After more than 35 yrs in the RCSD, holding various positions, Madame C. Ibena Asante retired in 2018 as a Special Education Consultant. She is a writer and poet and the author of several books. “Parents Take Charge,” for parents of school aged children; “Bite your Tongue, Alex” a Playbook for character development for youth 6-12; and a fiction novel for new teachers, entitled, “Undercover Teacher.”
Asante is a mother of four, grandmother of twelve, and great-grandmother of nine. She holds an Associate of Science Degree in Business (MCC), a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, and a Master of Science in Education (Nazareth College of Rochester). Recently, she completed coursework in Nutrition Coaching to further support her mission of promoting healthy eating.
Madame C. Ibena Asante believes that change is not only possible but long overdue. By adopting the philosophy of “Each One, Teach One,” we can create a ripple effect of positive transformation in our communities. Supporting
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