One might seem completely intimidated upon meeting fitness and calisthenics enthusiast Abdulaziz Al-Najjar, but upon striking up a casual conversation with the young entrepreneur, you’ll be completely dazzled by his charms.

Besides dedicating his time on working out to maintain his physique (he spent seven years practicing body building, and is now totally challenged by calisthenics), you will find this co-owner of the homegrown concept, Socrates Bakery, looking for ways to make his business more socially responsible. The bakery, which is currently operating in Hawalli with plans to open a second location, serves up delectable fatayer and other baked goodies. They came up with all of the recipes, and also boast of serving up the best spinach topped fatayer in town. He added, “We knew that everyone loved fatayer and pizza, but we didn’t wish to follow in the footsteps of bringing in yet another franchise to Kuwait. We wanted to become productive members in society, where we would create jobs for other people and encourage locals to simply buy from locals!”

Abdulaziz and his business partner were also keen on utilizing recycled and recyclable material for all of their packaging at Socrates Bakery. From the carton boxes to the brown paper bags, they worked with local and regional suppliers to ensure that they could give back to Kuwait in every way possible. Abdulaziz further explained that choosing eco-friendly materials came as a natural decision, and he added that although we might not see enough awareness in the community about recycling, he feels that this perception is finally positively changing. He also regularly promotes and encourages other youth projects through his personal and business Instagram accounts, in hopes of encouraging young people like himself to follow in his footsteps and open up a small business.

Abdulaziz acknowledges that owning and managing, let alone growing, a small business is never an easy task. He realizes that the focus of any business owner nowadays is concentrated on dealing with municipality and council legalities that are constantly changing, but he is not discouraged. One might find it easier to opt for many cost-cutting decisions, such as discarding the idea of recyclable and recycled packaging; Abdulaziz and his business partner are both determined and focused on bettering the business for a better Kuwait. He concludes, “If we are not able to set an example to other fellow business owners in the simplest of matters, such as the use of sustainable materials in our packaging, then we might as well give in to all types of corruption.”

How would your mother describe you in one word?

Generous.

How would you describe your mother in one word?

I can’t. My mother is the queen of all queens.

What is the most insane question you’ve ever been asked?

Nothing in mind.

What is the most spontaneous thing you’ve done?

I once sat inside a shopping cart while shopping in a mall.

What is your theme song?

Nothing specific.

What word in the English or Arabic language do you wish you had invented?

جلمود

Where would you like to live? What is your dream retirement location?

In a quiet beach-house somewhere with beautiful weather all year round.

What is the first famous quote that comes to your mind?

‘Success is to be the person who you want to be.’

What animal best describes the kind of partner you’d be interested in?

A Sloth.

What do you miss about your childhood?

Spontaneous laughter.

If you could change your name, what would you change it to?

I don’t want to change it, I like my name!

Describe your handshake in one word?

Firm.

What is the toughest part of your character?

I don’t know.

Who is your favorite historical figure?

Socrates the Greek philosopher, naturally.

What in the world do you least desire?

Corruption.

What do you think is lacking in the world, which if there was more of would make the world a better place?

Common sense and taking responsibilities more seriously.

Why do you think most girls/guys like you?

My personality, as they say!

Finish this sentence: “Happiness is a thing called…”

Seeing your people happy.

Follow Abdulaziz on Instagram @desertjuice, and check out Socrates Bakery on Instagram @Socratesbakery.