Passion and precision
Everlasting fragrances
Sunnamusk recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. Our success isn’t the result of a random throw of a dice. Everything we do or have done is done with passion, precision, creativity and discipline. So how exactly did we turn a tiny startup into a multi-million-pound organisation in less than 10 years?
From our first fragrant sample from Egypt to our trading stall in Whitechapel, Sunnamusk has an exceptional history. My family and I moved to London in 1997 without any riches. Often migrants growing up in the UK face a hard time receiving opportunities and I was no exception! Before Sunnamusk, I worked some of the most unflattering jobs, further strengthening my desire to succeed with Sunnamusk.
Passion and precision
Everlasting fragrances
Sunnamusk recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. Our success isn’t the result of a random throw of a dice. Everything we do or have done is done with passion, precision, creativity and discipline. So how exactly did we turn a tiny startup into a multi-million-pound organisation in less than 10 years?
From our first fragrant sample from Egypt to our trading stall in Whitechapel, Sunnamusk has an exceptional history. My family and I moved to London in 1997 without any riches. Often migrants growing up in the UK face a hard time receiving opportunities and I was no exception! Before Sunnamusk, I worked some of the most unflattering jobs, further strengthening my desire to succeed with Sunnamusk.
Early years
Humble beginnings
During our early years of Sunnamusk (CEO from 2009 – 2018), there was a time when we couldn’t set up our outdoor stalls due to harsh weather. We knew we had to find an alternate method of trading soon. Luckily, Ilford Shopping Centre offered us a space for the winter – albeit for some expensive rates. I knew I wasn’t going to go back to the cold to trade, so we had to make it work or at least try.
Our first day in Ilford generated a staggering £600 in sales! Though they say everyone would be in business if every day was like Christmas and we were no exception. Our trade slowed down in the new year and we worked tirelessly to stay afloat. Eventually, we had our big breakthrough in July 2011. Sunnamusk found a new home – Westfield Stratford City.
Early years
Humble beginnings
During our early years of Sunnamusk (CEO from 2009 – 2018), there was a time when we couldn’t set up our outdoor stalls due to harsh weather. We knew we had to find an alternate method of trading soon. Luckily, Ilford Shopping Centre offered us a space for the winter – albeit for some expensive rates. I knew I wasn’t going to go back to the cold to trade, so we had to make it work or at least try.
Our first day in Ilford generated a staggering £600 in sales! Though they say everyone would be in business if every day was like Christmas and we were no exception. Our trade slowed down in the new year and we worked tirelessly to stay afloat. Eventually, we had our big breakthrough in July 2011. Sunnamusk found a new home – Westfield Stratford City.
Major achievements
8 stores and growing
Getting into Westfield was no easy feat. I constantly chased them for 6 months and at times I’d just turn up at their offices in White City without any appointments to show how eager I was. A market trader going into one of the largest shopping centres was a massive ask and a massive risk. We landed our tenancy at Westfield Stratford City in July 2011 and did our first trade in November of the same year.
This major achievement turned us from a market stall into a household brand overnight. Subsequently, this allowed us to think bigger and provided us with the opportunity to custom build our flagship store in Aldgate East. Once known as a deprived area, our Aldgate store created a sense of class and brought a touch of Arabia to the heart of Whitechapel.
In business and life, there are always obstacles. Thanks to our late father’s strict discipline and my mother’s mentorship, we’ve been able to overcome the boundaries of becoming a true high-street brand.
Major achievements
8 store and growing
Getting into Westfield was no easy feat. I constantly chased them for 6 months and at times I’d just turn up at their offices in White City without any appointments to show how eager I was. A market trader going into one of the largest shopping centres was a massive ask and a massive risk. We landed our tenancy at Westfield Stratford City in July 2011 and did our first trade in November of the same year.
This major achievement turned us from a market stall into a household brand overnight. Subsequently, this allowed us to think bigger and provided us with the opportunity to custom build our flagship store in Aldgate East. Once known as a deprived area, our Aldgate store created a sense of class and brought a touch of Arabia to the heart of Whitechapel.
In business and life, there are always obstacles. Thanks to our late father’s strict discipline and my mother’s mentorship, we’ve been able to overcome the boundaries of becoming a true high-street brand.
Looking forward
Continued success
Fast forward to 2018, it was time to step down as the CEO and proceed to start my next big dream – starting an airline. The CEO mantle was passed down to my youngest brother, Kazi Abidur. He became one of the youngest ever to be responsible for a multimillion-pound organisation. Abid took the position to lead the company to its next phase from the age of 22 and he has done amazingly. Sunnamusk has since collaborated closely with influencers and international sponsors.
We are thankful for all the love and support we’ve had with Sunnamusk over the years. Including our family, partners and stakeholders. But more importantly, we wouldn’t have come so far without our passionate customers. We now currently have 8 stores around the UK and have plans to grow even more, including stores internationally.
Looking forward
Continued success
Fast forward to 2018, it was time to step down as the CEO and proceed to start my next big dream – starting an airline. The CEO mantle was passed down to my youngest brother, Kazi Abidur. He became one of the youngest ever to be responsible for a multimillion-pound organisation. Abid took the position to lead the company to its next phase from the age of 22 and he has done amazingly. Sunnamusk has since collaborated closely with influencers and international sponsors.
We are thankful for all the love and support we’ve had with Sunnamusk over the years. Including our family, partners and stakeholders. But more importantly, we wouldn’t have come so far without our passionate customers. We now currently have 8 stores around the UK and have plans to grow even more, including stores internationally.