When Asiyah Javed and her family bought a shop in Stenhousemuir that had been closed for years, they saw an opportunity to build something much bigger than a convenience store.
They opened the business in 2017 and have since developed it into a successful SPAR store, with her husband Javed taking responsibility for buying, bakery, food, social media and much of the community work around the business.
Social media has become a particularly important part of her retail strategy. The store has thousands of followers, and Javed has used the platform not only to promote the shop but also to drive its delivery proposition. Her promotion of Snappy Shopper helped triple its sales within a few months, according to her nomination.
The store has also developed a distinctive product proposition. Javed sources confectionery from around the world, including products exclusive to the store, while a cheesecake business operates from within the premises. She took over the cheesecake business in 2021 and moved it into the shop, a decision she says doubled store sales.
More recently, the business underwent a £500,000 extension and refit.
Yet the commercial side of the business sits alongside an equally strong commitment to the local community. Javed and her team provide food packages for elderly and vulnerable people, working with Falkirk Council when urgent food support is required. At Christmas, around 1,000 food packages are delivered to vulnerable people so they have food on the table on Christmas Day.
Her community work began on a wider scale in 2020, when she decided to provide free care packages to elderly people across Scotland. The initiative attracted national media attention and television coverage, and she subsequently received recognition including a Good Morning Britain award and a Pride of Scotland award.
Her involvement does not stop with the shop. Javed supports local schools with fruit, crisps and confectionery, works with care homes and pays for special birthday celebrations for residents. She has also personally worked night shifts when demand for cheesecake orders peaks around Christmas, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Valentine’s Day.
Her motivation is straightforward: she believes kindness and caring are among the most valuable qualities a businesswoman can have.
Javed also sees the business as something she can pass on to her three children, teaching them the importance of hard work, respect for older people and building a successful business.
After years of community work and media attention, she says her confidence has grown considerably. Her nomination presents a retailer who combines commercial ambition, social media savvy and an unusually hands-on approach to community support.