Abdul Azam, a 55-year-old entrepreneur from Macuata, exemplifies how overcoming adversity can shape a successful future. Raised amidst the rice paddies and sugarcane fields, Azam’s challenging childhood instilled in him a fierce determination to pursue a better life.
Reflecting on his upbringing, Mr. Azam shared, “Growing up, life was tough. It forced me to work hard and overcome my problems.” After discontinuing his education after Form 4, he sought greater opportunities, moving to the Garden Island in the 1980s to work with a shoemaker in Somosomo. This pivotal experience ignited his ambition for entrepreneurship.
Eventually, Mr. Azam relocated to Viti Levu, taking on the role of a truck driver as he awaited the right opportunity to fulfill his dreams. In 2000, that chance arrived when he established Bob’s Shoe Repair in a modest space within the Nasinu Town Council building in Valelevu.
“Life can be unfair at times, but you must never give up,” he advised, as he built his business that not only repairs shoes but also bags and cooking stoves. His resourcefulness encourages customers to fix their belongings rather than discard them. “If you have these things at home in a state of disrepair, then I am your man,” he asserted.
Despite facing fluctuations in income, Mr. Azam has achieved financial stability, supporting his two daughters and acquiring two properties. He values the independence that comes with being a business owner, stating, “Because I have my own business, I can lock up anytime and go home. Nobody bosses me or tells me what to do.”
Above all, Mr. Azam treasures the relationships he cultivates through his work. He finds fulfillment in connecting with people and sharing their stories, emphasizing the importance of listening to others. His passion extends to guiding the youth, as he works to steer them away from substance abuse, which he believes can disrupt lives irrevocably.
“Don’t throw your life away by taking up drugs,” Mr. Azam cautioned, encouraging young individuals to nurture their potential and make their parents proud.
Abdul Azam’s journey stands as a potent reminder that humble beginnings can transform into purposeful and successful lives. Through unwavering determination, hard work, and a positive mindset, he has rewritten his story, demonstrating that one’s past does not dictate their future.