Focus, success — all in a day’s work
Couple soar to great heights marrying business, pleasure
MOHAMED and Humeira Kazi have bagged the best deal of the of their lives — by having a beautiful family, running a successful business and living out their dreams.
The couple run a shopping bag manufacturing company in Mayfair, Johannesburg.
Two years ago, they landed a contract with Woolworths in Gauteng to produce the retail store’s Trenery and Country Road branded shopping bags. They make 8 000 bags every week.
Despite the success their business has enjoyed in the last three years, both Mohamed, 36, and Humeira, 37, said they owe their achievements to their highly efficient staff.
The Kazis were camera shy and reluctant to have any attention focused on them. They, however, pointed us in the direction of their workshop where the staff were busy rolling out hundreds of shopping bags.
The couple resigned from their full-time jobs in 2010 to join Humeira’s father, Mohamed Mogalia, who also runs a shopping bag manufacturing company, Classique Bags.
Mohamed worked as a product manager in a bank and Humeira worked at a consulting company.
“We decided to quit our jobs and help Humeira’s dad with his business. The contracts were growing and he needed help to take the company forward,” said Mohamed.
“In August 2011, we secured the Woolworths contract and decided it was time to branch out with our own company — this is how Bagpac was born.”
Their first order from Woolworths was 25 000 bags as part of a trial run, which proved successful. Thereafter, they landed the big deal of 400 000 bags. This paved the way for their business to grow.
“We employ about 10 staff and work very closely with them.
“Once we get an order, we just give them the number of bags we need to deliver and, like magic, it’s done,” said Humeira.
Although their business is small, landing a huge contract with one of the country’s largest retail stores proves that dynamite comes in small packages.
“We literally go the extra mile. We realise we are in a competitive industry, but we are a small company that pays personal attention to our clients,” said Humeira.
Juggling three children, a business, consulting (both Humeira and Mohamed still do part-time consulting for their old employers), and making time to relax is simple for the Kazis who say “it’s all part of a day’s work”.
“We have to draw a line between work and home.
“We work together and could easily get carried away with our jobs — allowing them to spill over into our home life — but we try our best not to.
“When we are at home, that’s the time we spend with our children, relaxing.
“We love nature and try to spend a lot of time outdoors,” said Mohamed.
The couple, who have been married for 12 years, live in Fordsburg with their children, Mohamed Reeza, 10, Leeyah, 6, and Nabeel, who is 16 months old.
As successful as the Kazis are, they remain humble and focused.
They do not take anything for granted and chug along trying to make a name for themselves, proving they are worthy competition.