Who is Taher Noorani?

I am an IT student at Computer Pride Ltd, which is affiliated with Middlesex University, UK. I’m currently in my third year.

Outside of college, I am an entrepreneur who owns three companies.

I have Taher Grafix, which I started in 2010. It deals with design, printing and branding. I love graphics and it started as a hobby that grew into a business, with huge support from my community, the Dawoodi Bohra Community, under its spiritual leader, His Holiness Dr Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin (TUS).

The second company is called Bit Support, which I also started in  2010. It is related to IT. I have had interest in computers since high school, so this company offers IT support services in hardware or software.

The third is Afrikeniyan Tours & Safaris, which began in 2011. It is a partnership with my childhood friend and focuses solely on promoting local tourism.

What is your schedule like?

I wake up at 6 am and start my day with prayers. I do all sales and purchasing for my companies in the morning and get home by 5pm.

After 5, the home-based design printing business starts off until about midnight. After that, I surf online to read about what’s new in the sectors I’ve got business interests in. I usually get into bed at around 2am.

How do you balance between school and running your own businesses?

The main reason I am able to cope with the demands of the two is that I have invested in the process of goal setting. You want to achieve something? Write it down and plan accordingly ... and make sure you follow the plan!

What do you hope to achieve?

My dream is to redefine the thinking process of people and make a difference by helping them believe that if you can dream it, you can achieve it.

Who inspires you?

Apart from my mother and sister, who play a big role in my life, my main inspiration comes from His Holiness Dr Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin (TUS), who has always guided us to the path of belief in ourselves and encourages us to be business minded.

What is the biggest lesson you have learnt so far?

Don’t think of making a lot of money; instead, think about how you can help people improve their lives. This will help you earn the money you are after.

Parting shot?

Entrepreneurship is all about taking risks. If you fall, rise again. Refuse to accept that it’s the end. Also, dreaming big is good, but without taking action, your dreams will not come true.

bizbeat@standardmedia.co.ke