Young student's first business ventures

King's College London student Mohammed Mustafa Ali has built on his initial business experience with the launch of two companies, Infinity Emporium and Skilfuls.org. According to Mohammed, 'the idea here is to create two simple business experiments aimed at providing what practically all successful companies offer: products or services.' 

Once typing in the long URL Infinity Emporium (Mohammed explains that he currently does not have the means for a custom domain), visitors are greeted with a specifically designed custom logo with a simple user interface listing all 7 product categories, followed by a list of automatically curated new products. 'I took time to design the site to make it simple to use and accessible to as many people as possible, focusing on reducing text and making all products easy to reach depending on what the customer may want,' he explains. The store currently offers seven product categories; accessories, hoodies, lighting, plush toys, posters, rugs and t-shirts, in what he calls a 'diverse selection of products designed to inspire and fulfil customer needs'. The site's about page explains the site's goals of 'redefining shopping with a commitment to quality, variety, and exceptional customer service.' As for customer support, Mohammed explains 'I set up a tracking system which would allow customers to see where the orders are at any given time and be confident in their purchase, as well as a contact form so we can take any queries without making our details available to be subject to spam. The site offers full translations to either French or Spanish, offering the 3 languages which are the widely spoken according to where we ship, and the ability to change currencies to over 30 countries.'

As for Skilfuls.org, the site is purposefully basic, with a simple motto of 'Any service, any time.' Visitors have the option to request a variety of services from programming (which Mohammed has taught himself) to graphic design, filling in a custom request form. The site is specific in stating it responds to any request within a day and completing it within seven, highlighting the commitment to customer satisfaction. After marketing on social media and handing out printed flyers, Mohammed has now set up a business model that he claims will not only increase word of mouth but also customer satisfaction with a 'freelancer system, offering anyone online at any time to apply to join by filling out the form with their details and skills, asking simply that they will commit to not only satisfying, but going above and beyond to delight customers.' He has a had a few requests so far but maintains that 'my goal is not profit, but to gain a simple insight into business, and any profits I do make will probably go towards other ventures like flipping items and stock trading.'
This is not Mohammed's first business venture, having started another retail site named Pressworths.com when he was just 16, which gained traction from viewers but failed to generate any revenue. 'I got my start in selling sweets in school when I was 13, and then the Pressworths.com site, as well as a tutoring business which flourished when school shut during COVID.'
As for the future of Infinity Emporium and Skilfuls.org, only time will tell.

Mohammed Mustafa Ali