‘Saving is important’
SAVING money is very important. This is the belief of Shofeed Saiyad Ali. “We should form a habit of saving for rainy days because it provides a sense of financial freedom when unforeseen calamities surround us,” said Mr Ali.
The 28-year-old is managing his family business, selling a variety of lentils and spices at the Lautoka Municipal Market.
Mr Ali operates the Azaad Ali’s kiosk and has always had an affinity with the place since he was in preschool, playing a lead role in managing the family business.
“I have been associated with this place since I was in kindergarten,” he said.
“After school, I always used to come and assist my uncle who owns the stall. This stall has been in the same place for more than 30 years.
“I learnt the tricks of the trade from him and my father. There is never a dull moment because we’re constantly meeting new people,” he said
The Buabua, Lautoka resident, who is the second eldest in a family of five, said all products are bought from wholesalers packed and sold by weight.
“I ensure that the customer’s needs are met by packing the products in appropriate weight categories,” he said.
“I am aware of their preferences.” Mr Ali says he is a tradesman by profession.
“After finishing my Year 12 education from Drasa Secondary School, I enrolled at the Fiji National University and graduated in the Heavy Automotive Engineering course,” he said.
Mr Ali ventured into mechanical work because he wanted to utilise the knowledge he attained while at the tertiary institution.
“I have worked at a couple of places. But nothing beats this job because the difference is that I am my own boss,” he said.
Mr Ali says they too have been affected by this pandemic.
“My business has suffered immensely and I have made a plea for assistance to wave fee for small and medium enterprises like mine,” he said.
Mr Ali has been managing his uncle’s stall for more than six years and has accumulated enough wealth to invest further.
“I have built a house with two flats from the money I earned. Each flat contains two bedrooms and I intend to rent it out.
“One has to have a goal in life to be successful. There is no substitute for hard-work. Plan your earnings because it will enable you to be debtfree.
“Use money wisely and most importantly, respect the money you earn,” he said.