August 21 marks World Entrepreneurs’ Day, and this year we want to highlight the story of a budding entrepreneur in a Calgary Housing home.
Qutaiba is an ambitious teenager, but like many in his shoes, he didn’t have the money to do or buy what he wanted to.
He wanted to start earning money for himself so that he didn’t have to burden his parents and ask them for spending money.
“I really thought like I could do it myself. I could become responsible and I could really earn the money that I need so I could stop asking my parents for it,” he explains.
Qutaiba also wanted to know what it would feel like to earn his own money and to work towards a goal.
He started off by selling snacks at school. But he wanted to do something bigger, something with a wider reach, so he could bring in more revenue.
Qutaiba started mowing lawns for neighbours in his Calgary Housing community, where he and his family have lived for 8 years.
A year ago, Qutaiba and a friend came up with the idea of starting an auto detailing service. The partnership didn’t work out, but Qutaiba kept on trying on his own. His mom invested in him and paid for his first pressure washer. He purchased all his subsequent equipment like brushes, cloths and cleaning solutions. He’s had a few customers, and he’s hopeful that his business can grow.
“It’s improving so far. And I think I could improve it in the future and really give it that boost that it means more customers and eventually grow my business,” he says.
Qutaiba is the first entrepreneur in the family, despite being the youngest with two older siblings. His father isn’t currently employed, but his mother and sister both work as daycare workers.
He chose auto detailing because he thought it would be sustainable and provide him with cash flow. He’s excited to put his energy into it and wants to make his customers happy.
“I’m pleased, they’re pleased, you know?” he says.
This is just the beginning for the enterprising young man. Qutaiba is focused on his studies and dreams of either becoming a police officer or a business owner.
“I just want to prove to people that you can do what you believe you can do. There’s nothing impossible.”
You can learn more about Qutaiba’s auto detailing company through his website.
