With just $5,000, Faroud Hossein started Keyboard Kiosk – a now thriving business

Faroud Hossein, a 28-year-old entrepreneur, has defied the odds by turning a modest $5,000 investment into a successful business venture.

His company, Keyboard Kiosk, started as an online shopping business and has since expanded its services to include brokerage and vehicle imports.

BUT WHO IS FAROUD?

Hailing from Middle Street in Georgetown, Faroud moved to the West Coast of Demerara (WCD) at the tender age of seven.

Faroud Hossein, the founder of Keyboard Kiosk

His journey to where he is today was not a smooth ride. Raised in a single-parent home in Georgetown, he experienced firsthand the difficulties his mom faced to make ends meet.

My mom had to work and try to make ends meet while sending me to school, paying rent, and ensuring we always had food in the house. I won’t sugarcoat it – it was tough. One time, my mom and I slept on cardboard with just a sheet when we had moved back to Better Hope because mom had to stay by my granny. My granny had no space since my aunt and her husband and two kids stayed with her, and we were trying our best not to inconvenience anyone. But one thing about my mom: she always ensured. I was happy with the little we had, and I think growing up that way is what made me humble.

Despite these challenges, Faroud, a sports enthusiast, excelled in his education. He is wrapping up his physiotherapy degree from the University of Guyana.

THE BIRTH OF KEYBOARD KIOSK

During his time working at Teleperformance, the idea for Keyboard Kiosk was born.

When COVID hit, and I wanted to make a purchase online, it hit me that shipping companies in Guyana are ridiculously expensive. So, the idea hit me: I should start my own business. From there, Keyboard Kiosk was born, and I was able to leave my job and focus on building my business.

Keyboard Kiosk initially offered online ordering for clothing and small items but quickly expanded to include brokerage services and vehicle imports.

In fact, this 28-year-old said his commitment to customer service and affordability has set his business apart from the competition.

I think it’s our low rates as well as customers being able to reach me any time of the day/night, and I am flexible when it comes to deliveries where I work with customer’s time even if it is at 3 in the morning.

CHALLENGES AND THE PLANS FOR THE FUTURE

Although the company was launched about four years ago, this businessman said his venture has grown. He noted that he has a “lot of support from friends and families.”

Despite the success of Keyboard Kiosk, Faroud faces the challenge of finding trustworthy employees.

At the moment, I am the only one running the business. I take care of all the logistics and preparation of quotations as well as the deliveries.

As he expands his business, Faroud hopes to hire trustworthy persons so that he can open a number of locations around the country. Presently, he has a location on the East Coast of Demerara and in Georgetown.

At times, I wanted to close the business and just give up, but I had to convince myself that it isn’t always going to be sunshine and rainbows, and I try my best to keep my head up. I started the business with only $5,000 in my account, and from there, it just took off. Every day, I wake up and thank God for all he has done for me.

Contact information for Keyboard Kiosk

• Facebook: Keyboard Kiosk
• Instagram: Keyboard Kiosk
• WhatsApp: +592647-2238
• Email: [email protected]