1Can you explain your role in one sentence?I’m the founder of HAVEN Coffee, a social enterprise serving ethically-sourced, eco-conscious coffee with a social mission that challenges the false narratives around refugees and asylum seekers in society.

2Did you find yourself in this role by accident or design and how long have you been doing it?A mix of both, to be honest. I got my refugee status in 2015 and had many years of struggle and a horrible experience of being in a detention centre. Once I got my refugee status, I got my degree and started work. During my stay in this country, I developed a love for the coffee culture here and aspired to own my own café at some point in my life.  I came across an organisation called TERN - The Entrepreneurial Refugee Network - to get support to start my own ventures and businesses. So, I thought why not give it a try. I opened my first coffee shop in Walthamstow in 2019 and now we are in pleased to expand to Westminster.

3What’s the best part about your role?Making coffee! I can have as much coffee as I want. And being able to support refugees and asylum seekers. We provide barista training, which supports employability and helps refugees become better integrated in society. We also support refugee artists and stand-up comics to display their work and take to the stage. We run art workshops for young asylum seekers to display their work in local libraries. The idea of the art project is to challenge false narratives on asylum seekers. Rather than being bound by our sad stories, we show the humorous and creative side of our personalities and abilities. I believe that art is a medium that can be used very effectively to bring communities together. Art is a universal language for everyone.

4What’s the most challenging part of your role?Establishing in a new area and ensuring the business can make money. Starting from scratch in this country with limited resources is tough. We are excited to now offer food, as we have a fully operational kitchen in Church Street.

5What emphasis does your company place on collaboration with the local community? Our company ethos is about strong collaboration with the community. I have a relationship with North Paddington Food Bank to look at ways we can collaborate together and support the community, and we are looking to do more projects in Church Street where we are based. The community will also be able to rent out our premises. This could be for book clubs or local meetings, so we can provide a space for social connections.

6Why was it important to have an upskilling/skill-sharing element to your business?When I was struggling with my visa and I started working towards my business, I experienced my own hardships, but then the idea of HAVEN Coffee came into existence. We have two strands to our social mission - an art project, Laff-Uccino, for Asylum Seekers teaching them how to perform as stand-up comics alongside established comedians. The second is providing barista training. When refugees arrive in the UK, whether they are doctors or other professionals, they often have to start their lives from scratch. Coffee making is a very handy skill they can have.  

7What do you like most about the local area?What I like most is the multi-culturalism and the inclusion of different people. One of the things I also like about London in general is that there’s a mix of old and new architecture which I like to see.

8What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?I keep thinking about the business! Opening a new site takes up a lot of my time and thought process. I like so many things, but I don’t always have time. I follow many TV series - at the moment I am waiting for the next season of Squid Game. I also like video games, although I recently gave my Playstation to my nephew in Pakistan, so I am saving up to buy a PS5! I love travelling and visiting places, as well as just walking and sight-seeing.

9If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be?I want to visit so many countries. This year hopefully I can visit Bosnia. I like visiting new countries. My friend is also working on a play in Sarajevo on the 90’s genocide and I will go to offer my support and watch the play. There are so many others. Morocco is on my list and also Geneva.

10Who is your hero and why?I think anyone who respects others, gives space to others and treats others how they want to be treated is my hero.