Aykiz Shah: Declining £108m Offer, Making Salaam Cola Global wearing a Niqaab, Mum to 3 & Wife (EP109)

Bismillah and Before we dive in, a personal request…Your support helps us grow the channel and bring on even bigger guests.If this story moves you, please subscribe, turn on the bell, like, comment, and share this episode. In this episode, I sit down with Aykiz Shah, founder of Salaam Cola, to unpack her extraordinary journey. From rejecting a £108 million offer to taking a boycott-born brand global, all while navigating life as a niqaabi, mother of three, and wife.Aykiz shares a story of courage, conviction, and vision.Inside the conversation we cover:– Turning down a £108m offer and the pushback that followed– The origins of Salaam Cola and family boycott principles– Boycotting root causes and building real alternatives– Overcoming backlash while staying true to values– Unity within the Ummah and overcoming division– Charity, legacy, and global projects from schools to orphanages– Challenges as a female founder and trademark battles– Advice for sisters and the importance of family support00:00:00 – Introduction and Guest Welcome – Aykiz Shah – Salaam Cola00:02:13 – Turning Down the £108 Million Offer and Facing Pushback00:07:00 – Origins of Salaam Cola and Family Boycott Principles00:09:30 – Boycotting Root Causes and Creating Alternatives00:11:20 – Overcoming Backlash and Staying True to Values00:15:00 – Unity Within the Ummah and Overcoming Division00:17:30 – Charity Work, Legacy, and Impact Projects00:24:30 – Global Projects: Schools, Orphanages, and More00:50:00 – Challenges as a Female Founder and Trademark Battles01:16:00 – Advice for Sisters and Importance of Family Support#KaziShafiqurRahman #KSR #SideBySidePodcast #FirnasAirways #BritishMuslimEntrepreneur #MuslimPodcast #BusinessPodcastUK #BritishBangladeshiSuccessStory #AirlineStartupStory #Ceocast #FreshlyGrounded #BritishMuslimVoices #BritishBusinessDocumentary #HowToStartAnAirlineKazi #BuddiesLondon #Sunnamusk #KSRBuddies #BuddiesLondon #AykizShah #SalaamCola #MuslimEntrepreneur #MumPreneur #Niqaabi #BusinessWoman #WomenInIslam #BoycottBrands #MiddleEastCrisis #HalalCapitalism

Bismillah, Before we dive in, a personal request 🙏If you’ve been enjoying these conversations, please subscribe, turn the notification bell on, like, comment, and share this episode with others. Every bit of support helps us grow the channel and bring on even bigger guests for you.In this episode, we sit down with BigFish TV on his first ever podcast appearance to talk about identity, belonging, and the double-edged sword of being visible in the community. From growing up Bengali and cultural shifts, to handling backlash, racism, and social media pressure. BigFish TV shares his story with honesty and grit.We also explore his business ventures, from vape shops to food businesses, his lessons in branding, networking, and perseverance, and the launch of PFC as a family legacy project.Inside the conversation we cover:– Likability vs backlash and building thick skin– Growing up Bengali and cultural identity– Racism, dialogue, and bridging divides– From vape shops to multiple ventures– PFC’s launch and family legacy– The realities of food business, reviews, and branding– Lessons on consistency, setbacks, and perseveranceTimestamps00:00:00 – Likability vs. Backlash: The Double-Edged Sword00:03:41 – Growing Up Bengali: Language and Culture Shifts00:05:21 – Technology’s Impact on Family Respect00:07:26 – Speaking Out: Courage and Controversy00:11:58 – Britannia Hotel: Bridging Divides in Tense Areas00:16:00 – Understanding ‘The Other Side’00:21:12 – Identity, Belonging, and Ownership of This Country00:23:55 – Progress in Education and Business00:25:34 – Challenges of Integration and Outreach00:28:54 – Responding to Racism with Dialogue00:30:21 – Inspirations from the Prophet’s Example00:31:53 – Handling Negativity: Building Thick Skin00:34:09 – From Vape Shop to Diverse Ventures00:35:31 – Scar’s Story: From Streets to Entrepreneurship00:37:24 – Changing Mindsets and New Opportunities00:38:54 – PFC Launch: Family Legacy and Ambitions00:42:58 – Social Media Success vs. Real Hard Work00:44:16 – Managing Multiple Businesses and Teams00:46:18 – Food Business: Balancing Quality and Foot Traffic00:49:59 – Owning Delivery: The Push for Independence00:52:00 – Branding Challenges and Rebranding Journey00:54:17 – Networking and Growth Mindsets00:55:58 – From NHS Admin to Entrepreneurial Success00:57:31 – A Message to Youth: Patience and Perseverance01:00:34 – Business Setbacks and Investments01:01:31 – Quickfire: Cars, Food, and Social Media Choices01:04:01 – The Impact of Reviews on Food Businesses01:05:22 – The Value of Consistent Hard Work01:06:16 – Final Blessings: Protecting Against Negativity#BigFishTV #PFC #BritishBangladeshi #BusinessPodcastUK #SideBySidePodcast #KaziRahman #EntrepreneurJourney #MuslimPodcast

From bricklaying to sweet making, from a single shop in Green Street during recession to scaling over 250 stores and floating Cake Box on the London Stock Exchange & Buying Ambala, Sukh Chamdal’s story is as bold as it is inspiring.Inside this episode we cover:– The family migration story that shaped him– The birth of the egg-free cake idea– Opening the first Cake Box during a recession– How customer demand drove franchising success– Balancing family and business leadership– Building a team and protecting brand reputation– Acquiring Ambala and preserving its legacy– The challenges of going PLC on the London Stock Exchange– Cake Box’s global vision for the futureTimestamps00:02:00 - Family Migration Story: From Bricklaying to Sweet Making00:05:20 - Childhood in an Immigrant Household00:07:30 - Early Lessons in Business and Responsibility00:09:45 - Birth of the Egg-Free Cake Idea00:12:00 - First Shop in Green Street During Recession00:14:30 - Discovering Franchising and First Franchisee00:18:00 - Expanding the Business Through Customer Demand00:21:20 - The Road to Becoming a PLC on London Stock Exchange00:25:40 - Balancing Family and Business in Leadership00:29:10 - Building a Strong Team & Hiring Lessons00:33:00 - Work Ethics, Smiling, and Positivity in Business00:37:20 - Handling Controversy & Protecting Brand Reputation00:40:50 - Scaling to 250+ Stores and International Expansion00:44:00 - Acquiring Ambala and Preserving Legacy00:48:10 - Why Cake Box Stays Out of Shopping Malls00:51:30 - Future Growth Plans: Doubling Stores Nationwide00:55:20 - Customer Loyalty, Training & Franchising System01:00:00 - Sustainability and Reducing Plastic Use01:05:10 - Governance, IPO Challenges, and Shareholder Trust01:11:00 - Community Impact, Charity, and Giving Back01:18:20 - Vision Ahead: Global Expansion & Next Chapters💸 SPONSOR MESSAGE – Send Money to Bangladesh with ZERO Fees!Taptap Send makes it easier to support loved ones back home — with no transfer fees and a £20 bonus just for you.✅ Download the app using this link:👉 https://taptapsend.one…💬 When prompted to “Add promo code,” enter KSR and press Enter.Taptap Send UK Ltd is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 (FRN: 900842).

Between 2016 and 2018, filmmaker Larry Walford followed my journey as I set out to do the impossible, launch Firnas Airways, a Shariah-compliant airline built from the ground up. The result was a Channel 4 documentary that captured not just the dream, but the struggle of building an airline as a young British Bangladeshi entrepreneur.In this conversation, we revisit that story:– Why Larry chose to make the documentary– The highs and lows of the Firnas journey, which began in 2014– The reality of risk, rejection, and resilience in aviation– How it all came to a grinding halt in March 2020, during the UK Covid lockdownThis isn’t just a look back at a failed airline, it’s about the lessons, the scars, and the drive to keep building despite the setbacks.Send Money to Bangladesh with ZERO Fees!Taptap Send makes it easier to support loved ones back home — with no transfer fees and a £20 bonus just for you.✅ Download the app here:👉 https://taptapsend.one…💬 Enter promo code KSR when prompted.Taptap Send UK Ltd is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 (FRN: 900842).#SideBySidePodcast #KaziRahman #KSR #MuslimPodcast #BusinessPodcastUK #BritishMuslimVoices #EntrepreneurPodcast #InspiringConversations #SuccessStories #FaithAndBusiness #LarryWalford #FirnasAirways #Channel4Documentary #AviationStartup #StartupJourney #BritishBangladeshi #EntrepreneurJourney #AviationIndustry #CovidLockdown #UKEntrepreneursLarry Walford Trailer 00:00  Catching Up 02:44 How To Start an Airline, Firnas & Abdul 04:03 Who Is Larry Walford? 22:08What does the audience want today? Is Kazi a celebrity? 24:14 Has it changed Kazi’s life? 25:35Larry’s life now 30:47Ai - resist or absorb? 41:45 Muslim’s and BAME communities in the media 48:37Risk and trust in documentaries 58:42 Say yes to people, has being a celebrity changed KSR? 1:03:47

What does it take to innovate in the halal food space, and still keep prices fair?In this thought-provoking conversation, Saima Duhare, founder of It’s Halal, joins me to debate fast food vs healthy food pricing, the role of Muslim communities in innovation, and what we can learn from big players like HelloFresh. She shares her journey from culture shock and changing family eating habits to building a brand that blends ethics, taste, and business sense.We also get into the real challenges of securing investors for halal ventures, and why the “it’s halal” label isn’t always enough.Topics include:– The price debate: fast food vs healthy food– Why Muslim innovation matters– Investor hurdles in halal products– Lessons from global brands– Saima’s personal story of culture shock and changeTimestamps:00:00 – Trailer01:00 – Intro03:40 – Price Debate: Fast Food vs Healthy Food14:00 – Comparing with Brands18:45 – Saima’s Backstory: Culture Shock & Family Habits29:00 – Role of Muslim Community in Food Innovation39:25 – Investor Challenges in Halal Innovation44:20 – Learning from HelloFresh49:20 – “It’s Halal” Backstory58:25 – Muslim Innovation1:05:10 – Final Reflections1:40:44 – Outro💸 SPONSOR MESSAGE – Send Money to Bangladesh with ZERO Fees!Taptap Send makes it easier to support loved ones back home — with no transfer fees and a £20 bonus just for you.✅ Download the app using this link:👉 https://taptapsend.one…💬 When prompted to “Add promo code,” enter KSR and press ‘Enter’.Taptap Send UK Ltd is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 (FRN: 900842).#SaimaDuhare #ItsHalal #MuslimInnovation #HalalFood #HealthyEating #HalalBusiness #HalalInnovation #FoodEntrepreneur #BusinessPodcastUK #KaziRahman #SideBySidePodcast #HalalStartup #TaptapSend #BangladeshiEntrepreneur #BritishMuslimVoices

Who is Mr Hamlets, and why is he talking about me?In this no-holds-barred episode, Kazi Shafiqur Rahman responds directly to the comments, the claims, and the gossip.From SM and Firnas Airways to Buddies London and questions about mentorship, nothing is left off the table.This is straight talk. No PR. No filters.Inside this episode:– Who is Mr Hamlets?– Why was H removed from SM?– Firnas, and whether investors are getting paid back– Buddies London: one hit wonder or something bigger?– Tarik rumour and business disputes– Am I cut out to be a mentor?– How public comments hit harder than you think– My honest view on Mr Hamlets and the wider communityBehind the headlines and rumours, there’s still a person taking the hits, carrying the weight, and showing up anyway.Timestamps:00:00 – Trailer, Mr Hamlets Response01:16 – Who is Mr Hamlets?02:34 – Firnas & Are Investors Getting Paid Back20:22 – Buddies – One Hit Wonder, Tarik Rumour?29:44 – Is KSR Cut Out to Be a Mentor? The Effect of Comments on KSR36:50 – Summary of Mr Hamlets and the Community45:50 – Ending Remarks#MrHamlets #KaziShafiqurRahman #SM #FirnasAirways #BuddiesLondon #BusinessTruths #Mentorship #CommunityTalk #BritishBangladeshi #EntrepreneurshipUK

What does it mean to heal, not just in mind or spirit, but as a whole human being?In this moving conversation, Shaykh Dr. Asim Yusuf shares insights from a life spent at the crossroads of sacred knowledge and psychological care. We speak about faith through hardship, the tension between emotion and belief, the culture wars between Muslims, and why some questions aren’t meant to be answered just understood.Topics include:– Trusting Allah when life doesn’t go to plan– The difference between knowing the truth and living it– Saints, intercession & spiritual confusion– The Shaykh’s own story of becoming both a doctor and a scholar– Why he stopped performing nasheeds — and what that taught himThis episode is a quiet reminder that healing isn’t always about fixing. Sometimes it’s about surrendering.00:00 – Introduction: Why does Allah describe life as a journey?03:50 – When Plans Fail: Trusting Allah’s Qadr09:20 – Developing Sabr and Shukr in Real Life14:45 – Heart vs Mind: Knowing vs Living the Truth21:00 – The Shaykh’s Journey: Medicine and Sacred Knowledge29:35 – Deobandi vs Barelvi: Sect, Culture, and Emotion38:10 – Saints, Graves & the Question of Intercession46:50 – Is Islam Over-Intellectualised Today?54:25 – Making Faith Relevant in a Secular Age01:02:40 – When Emotions Get in the Way of Belief01:10:15 – Finding Your Own Path to Allah01:17:45 – The Problem with Proving Everything01:23:10 – Why Shaykh Asim No Longer Performs Nasheeds01:28:00 – Final Reflections: Trust, Journey & Divine WisdomSPONSOR MESSAGE – Send Money to Bangladesh with ZERO Fees!Taptap Send makes it easier to support loved ones back home, with no transfer fees and a £20 bonus just for you.Download the app using this link:👉 https://taptapsend.one...When prompted to “Add promo code,” enter KSR and press ‘Enter’.Taptap Send UK Ltd is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 (FRN: 900842).#ShaykhAsimYusuf #IslamAndPsychology #SpiritualHealing #FaithJourney #DeobandiBarelvi #IslamicMentalHealth #SideBySidePodcast #KaziRahman #TaptapSend #TrustInAllah #Sabr #Shukr #BritishMuslimVoices

From Construction sites to Masjid, from England to Morocco, Dowie’s journey to Islam is anything but ordinary.In this powerful and reflective episode, Dowie shares how he embraced Islam, how his own father followed him into the faith, and why he believes Muslim men must rise, not just spiritually, but in discipline, responsibility, and purpose.As a revert, mentor, and advocate for authentic Islamic masculinity, Dowie has been at the forefront of Dawah and men’s development in the UK and beyond.What we explore:– His Shahada and life in Morocco– What happened when he told his family– His father’s unexpected conversion– How to share Islam with non-Muslims without pressure– The role of discipline in faith– Why Muslim men need to lead with balance and impactThis episode isn’t just about becoming Muslim, it’s about becoming better.Timestamps:00:00 – Dowie’s Journey to Islam02:08 – Life in Morocco and Early Muslim Years03:48 – Revert Story and Shahada08:37 – Family Reactions and Father’s Conversion12:28 – Sharing Islam with Non-Muslims29:22 – Discipline and Balance in Faith37:22 – Men’s Leadership and Community ProductivitySPONSOR MESSAGE – Send Money to Bangladesh with ZERO Fees!Taptap Send makes it easier to support loved ones back home — with no transfer fees and a £20 bonus just for you.✅ Download the app using this link:👉 https://taptapsend.one...💬 When prompted to “Add promo code,” enter KSR and press ‘Enter’.Taptap Send UK Ltd is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 (FRN: 900842).

From prison cells to premium dining, this is the story of transformation you didn’t see coming.In this powerful episode of the Side by Side Podcast, Kazi Shafiqur Rahman sits down with Naz Choudry, founder of Coco Restaurants, to unpack the raw journey of a man who grew up behind bars and rebuilt his life through faith, failure, anda entrepreneurship.What we cover:– Growing up in the prison system– Finding Islam and the mindset shift behind bars– The painful reality of reintegration and family dynamics– Building a business while dodging temptation– Choosing halal over haram, even when it’s harder– Staying grounded, giving back, and guiding the next generationThis isn’t just an interview. It’s a blueprint for change.Timestamps:00:00 – Naz Choudry Introduction02:00 – Growing Up Inside: Childhood Behind Bars10:15 – Islam in Prison: Turning Point Through Faith17:40 – Reconnecting with Family After Release25:55 – The Struggle to Start Over: Life Outside33:10 – The Business Dream: Halal vs Haram Choices41:25 – Dealing with Temptation and the Street Life50:30 – Community, Purpose, and Staying Grounded01:00:05 – Lessons from Failure and Faith in Rizq01:09:40 – Helping Youth and Giving Back01:21:30 – Vision for the Future: Ummah, Business, and BeyondSPONSOR MESSAGE – Send Money to Bangladesh with ZERO Fees!Taptap Send makes it easier to support loved ones back home — with no transfer fees and a £20 bonus just for you.✅ Download the app using this link:👉 https://taptapsend.one…💬 When prompted to “Add promo code,” enter KSR and press ‘Enter’.Taptap Send UK Ltd is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 (FRN: 900842).#SideBySidePodcast #NazChoudry #PrisonToPurpose #CocoRestaurants #FaithAndBusiness #MuslimEntrepreneur #HalalHustle #KaziRahman #StreetToSuccess #IslamicMindset #Rizq #Bengali #BritishMuslimVoices

I’m still in disbelief that I host a podcast. Week after week.Alhamdulillah, we’ve just hit Episode 100 of the Side by Side Podcast, and I want to pause for a moment to say… Thank You. Thank You for getting Side by Side this far.I’m not an educated person. I barely scraped a B in GCSE English.I’m not naturally confident.And I’m definitely not a media professional. But I am someone who’s OK with being uncomfortable. Someone who doesn’t shy away from tough conversations. And someone who’s always trying to learn and grow.This podcast has been one of the most uncomfortable, humbling, and beautiful journeys I’ve ever taken. Every bit of encouragement, every bit of criticism, even the brutal kind, has shaped me. And I’m still learning.For our 100th episode, I wanted to do something meaningful. Something that’s been on my list from day one.So we finally brought together a panel to discuss one of the most complex and sensitive topics in the Muslim community: Is Halal Mortgage Really Halal?With me in this long-overdue conversation are:🧠 Mufti Abdul Kadir Barkatulla – Islamic finance scholar🏦 Sagheer Malik – Halal mortgage provider and industry voice💬 Saira Hayati – a returning guest who raises bold questions00:04 Historical Context of Islamic Finance in UK00:07 Types of Islamic Home Finance00:30 Pricing and Market Challenges01:15 Future Developments and SolutionsNo fluff. No PR answers. Just real questions and genuine effort to seek clarity. I hope this helps you think deeper, ask better questions, and make more informed decisions, whether you agree or disagree.Thank you for walking this journey with me.– Kazi Shafiqur Rahman P.S: Apologies in advance for any technical issues in this episode if there are any!💸 SPONSOR MESSAGE – Send Money to Bangladesh with ZERO Fees!Taptap Send is making it easier to support loved ones back home — with no transfer fees and a £20 bonus for first-time users.✅ To claim your bonus:👉 Download the app using this link: https://taptapsend.one…💬 When prompted to “Add promo code,” enter KSR and press ‘Enter’.Taptap Send UK Ltd is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 (FRN: 900842).