SHAZAAM Ali is the owner and co-founder of Sally Seafood Restaurant. Though he is a successful entrepreneur who started his business venture without having to initially pursue tertiary education, Ali knew that this was a necessary step for his overall professional development.

The Pepperpot Magazine sat down with businessman Ali and he shared his journey into the business and working world. Ali told the Pepperpot Magazine that after leaving high school, he immediately pursued his business dream.
“After finishing school, I didn’t go straight to university. Instead, I jumped into working. I started my own business and worked in IT for a large company for a short time. I tried many business ideas; some worked, but many didn’t. These experiences over more than two decades taught me a lot,” Ali told the Pepperpot Magazine.

The businessman recalled that he enjoyed his social life, got married, and had learnt to wade through all the financial and entrepreneurial challenges during his career after successive tries at various business ideas and ventures.
Ali said that during this period of his life, he met his wife, got his children, and is now enjoying life.

“During this time, I also enjoyed a long-spirited social life. I met my wife on one of my ventures. She’s a university graduate, and I’m proud of her. We’re lucky to have three beautiful children, with one more on the way,” he shared.
According to him, it is not only academics that matter, but resilience is also equally important. Now, after two years of hard study, Ali moved a step beyond his Bachelor’s Degree and earned his Master’s in Business Administration, specialising in Information Technology.

“I’m not sharing this to brag, but to show what I’ve achieved for me and my family. I’m really proud of it, and hope it can inspire others. I don’t have huge political ambitions. As a proud Guyanese, my goal is simply to make a positive impact while I’m here,” said.

ADVICE AND INSPIRATION
Ali mentioned that his path wasn’t easy and it’s not over. He failed more than he succeeded. But every failure was just a step towards success, he said. Life is full of ups and downs, and nobody’s journey is perfect. He hopes that his story encourages you to keep going, no matter how tough it gets. Every step forward is worth celebrating.
According to Ali, the main thing that drives him in his business journey is his passion, and wanting to make a difference, especially in Guyana.

“Every business I start teaches me something, whether it succeeds or not. I love the challenge and learning from it. It keeps me excited about being an entrepreneur. What really keeps me going is wanting to create things that help people,” he said. “For me, it’s more than just making a business work; it’s about doing good things for others, and showing my kids that they can do anything if they keep trying and learning.”

ADVICE TO YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS
Ali encourages young people who are in business and want to give up they should keep going, even when it’s hard. He reminded them that failing is part of learning. Be open to changing your plans, and don’t be shy about asking for help. The most important thing is to not give up, he says. The journey might be long, but it’s worth it.

He opined that his faith also helps him make good choices in his business. According to him, “It gives me strength when things are tough and guides me to be honest and fair to everyone. It reminds me that my work should not only make money but also do good for others.”

He encouraged that to build strong businesses in Guyana, there needs to be easier ways to access financing and support for new businesses. Training for entrepreneurs would also help a lot, he asid and there needs to be greater encouragement for people to be creative and brave in starting new businesses.