It was the desire to transform the world, rather initiate a positive revolution, that led Husain Baomar, Chairman of SainBags, to create an innovative product and pave the way for a major change in the society. In the following interview, Baomar, who is also the Founder and Managing Director of ‘The Enchanted Garden’ and ‘Maxx International’, and an investor in several local and international companies, throws the spotlight on his entrepreneurial journey with tips and guidelines for others to follow.
What spurred you on to take up entrepreneurship?
We decided to embark on this journey, determined to bring our company vision to fruition and to fill a need in the society. It was natural and instinctual… The idea was to transform the world by solving big problems – by initiating a social change, creating an innovative product, or presenting a new life-changing solution. Today, SainBags, under the company group of Husain Baomar Business Projects, is a fast growing Omani company.
From these humble beginnings we have established a green niche in an otherwise uncaring market, supported by a close-knit team of like-minded, passionate people, we are proud to deliver the 100 percent biodegradable and compostable bag to the Sultanate of Oman. As an Omani company, SainBags has signed a cooperation agreement with local companies in the GCC and other countries in Africa and Asia for the distribution of SainBags.
What makes your business unique and special in the market?
Sainbags is unique, because the search for ‘change’ (for plastic), made us ‘respond’ (by making SainBags, which are made entirely from vegetable starch and other natural extracts) and we exploited it as an ‘opportunity’ (by preserving and enriching the environment in and around, which supports a diverse cluster of organisations). SainBags are biodegradable, compostable and eco-friendly; they are harmless to the plants, animals and the entire environment.
How did you go about setting up your business?
Entrepreneurship is about execution of ideas; it is about the ‘instinct’ and the confidence to act upon it. Some call it luck, but it’s not… It’s having the courage to trust your gut. I always believed, and still believe, when you embrace failure, you take on more risks and you move past failures faster as well.
What according to you is essential to initiate a business venture in Oman?
It means being the one that is willing to take a leap and work hard enough to sacrifice everything else around you – all in the name of solving problems, because no one else is capable or possesses the desire. Creating a successful business requires massive amounts of action, perseverance, and conviction. If you understand this and choose to proceed, you will find the experience rich in reward.
What were the challenges faced and how did you overcome them?
The road to entrepreneurship is often a treacherous one, filled with unexpected detours, roadblocks and dead ends. There were lots of sleepless nights, plans that did not work out, funding that did not come through and customers that never materialised. It can be so challenging to launch a business that it made me wonder why anyone willingly sets out on such a path. In one sentence, I sum it up as follows: ‘Entrepreneurs see possibilities and solutions where the average person only sees annoyances and problems.’
This journey, which made me, and more than me SainBags, overcome the problems was thanks to my entire team; their constant positivity, hard work, the never-give-up attitude, made this possible. When you are able to switch your other roles wholeheartedly and without ulterior motives, you are able to come back to being an entrepreneur, refreshed and stronger.
Do you think it is important to inculcate an entrepreneurial spirit among the youth in the country?
Theory has it that a significant part of learning in an individual happens through role models. It is a fact that every youth or individual grows up having one or more role models who they try to emulate in all respects. Quite a few values, thinking patterns, attitudes, etc., are imbibed by the individuals based on their role model’s personality and character. Therefore, engaging successful youth and adult entrepreneurs as ‘Youth Entrepreneurs’ would be one of the best strategies to motivate and build a youth entrepreneurship culture amongst the youth in Oman. I strongly believe that investing in youth is the future of innovation and economic growth of the country.
Any words of advice for young Omanis seeking a business career…?
• Realise you aren’t going to be overnight billionaires; but that doesn’t mean you aren’t at least a little bit seduced by the potential of making a ton of money.
• Most successful entrepreneurs are the ones who possess grit – grit is made up of persistence, passion and resilience.
• The ability to listen, whether it is to the opinions of customers or employees, is also integral to success.
• Make a lasting impression on the world and leave behind an innovation that improves people’s lives in some tangible way.
• Remember, entrepreneurs don’t apply for jobs; they create them.