A Life Transformed by Adversity
Abdul-Qawiyy Hammed, a 26-year-old Nigerian entrepreneur, is living proof that determination and hard work can overcome even the toughest beginnings. Born into a low-income family, Abdul-Qawiyy’s life was shaped by the struggles he witnessed, especially after his parents divorced when he was just eight years old. Seeing his mother struggle to make ends meet, Abdul’s felt a deep sense of responsibility from a young age. At eleven, he made a promise to his mother that he would do everything possible to ensure she never had to struggle again.
Shaping Aspirations and Values
Abdul’s upbringing in Nigeria played a crucial role in shaping his aspirations and values. His mother instilled in him the importance of contentment, hard work, and ambition. Despite their modest means, the family always made the best of what they had. These lessons have stayed with Hammed, driving him to give his all in everything he does. Even though his mother has since passed away, her teachings continue to guide him daily.
Overcoming Early Challenges
Abdul’s journey was fraught with challenges from the start. As a Nigerian, he faced the stigma of being presumed a scammer until proven innocent. He started as a cobbler, making shoes to support his family, but soon discovered the potential of the internet as a means to make money. However, the lack of payment infrastructures like PayPal and Stripe in Nigeria posed significant hurdles. Despite these setbacks, including being scammed by a business partner who ran off with $100,000 from the first Abdul’s resilience kept him going.
Educational Pursuits and Mentorship
Abdul’s initially aimed to study law but ended up pursuing a degree in political science, following his father’s advice. His career trajectory changed when he discovered an online course by Trey Llewellyn, who had made a million dollars in a day selling physical products online. Inspired, Abdul’s believed he could achieve similar success. This belief led him to make his first million dollars online by the age of 19.
Entering the E-commerce World
Abdul’s entry into e-commerce marked a significant turning point in his career. In 2013, he partnered with someone to start an e-commerce brand, but the venture ended in betrayal. Despite this, Abdul’s perseverance paid off. By 21, he had sold two e-commerce brands for a staggering $128 million. This success allowed him to fulfill his promise to his mother and take care of her until her passing last year.
Building ThePhnyx and Beyond
Currently, Abdul’s is focused on building his luxury watch brand, ThePhnyx, aiming to reach the $100 million mark. He is documenting his journey publicly, sharing his experiences and strategies with his community. Abdul’s vision extends beyond his own success; he aims to inspire and mentor young people from around the world, showcasing that despite challenges, opportunities abound.
Facing Setbacks and Learning Lessons
One of the most significant setbacks in Abdul’s career was losing access to Stripe accounts and having $500,000 withheld. This experience taught him the importance of having everything documented and legally binding. His approach to risk is pragmatic; he believes that the biggest risk in life is taking none at all. For Hammed, setbacks are part of the journey, building character and resilience.
Personal Life and Hobbies
Beyond his professional life, Abdul is passionate about supercars, racing, and adrenaline-fueled activities like biking and visiting gun ranges. He also enjoys playing golf and reading, which he considers crucial for personal growth. Hammed believes in the importance of taking breaks to recharge, a philosophy that helps him maintain his high level of productivity.
Defining Success and Fulfillment
For Abdul, success is not just about financial achievements. As a young man who has made $346 million, he considers himself successful. However, his ultimate measure of success will be when he has a family of his own and can take care of them. Fulfillment comes from knowing he has given his all and is being rewarded for his efforts.
Future Vision and Industry Trends
Abdul sees himself as a pioneer for young Africans, aiming to bridge the gap between Africa and the world through e-commerce and fintech solutions. He is preparing for future trends, particularly the rise of AI, by continuously learning and adapting. His goal is to inspire hope and provide actual value to people through his brands.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Abdul advises aspiring entrepreneurs to understand human psychology and create exceptional customer experiences. Reflecting on his journey, he emphasizes the importance of investing in oneself and learning from others. For Hammed, the decision to always learn and invest in his growth has been crucial in shaping his success.
In conclusion, Abdul-Qawiyy’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, hard work, and continuous learning. From a cobbler in Nigeria to a centimillionaire in Dubai, his journey inspires countless others to believe in the possibility of their dreams.
