Meet Fahad Hafez | A 13 years old entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Fahad Hafez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Fahad, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My family and the environment I’m surrounded by have played a huge role in shaping how I handle money and responsibilities. Being only 13, I knew I needed a lot of guidance to make smart decisions. I had been saving money for a long time, but I was aware that money’s value decreases over time, so I wanted to make a good investment. There were several options, but my family advised me that the best investment at this stage was to get real-life experience and discipline early on. They emphasized managing not just money, but also time—because time is even more valuable.

Now, as I prepare to graduate and start high school, I’m proud to already have a full-time job running my own business. This means I have to stay on top of things—responding quickly to clients, creating strong marketing strategies, delivering on my promises, and constantly looking for ways to grow. This experience has taught me a lot about responsibility, time management, and the importance of hard work.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I run a rental business where I provide clients with items they need to decorate their events. Some clients are individuals, while others work for larger venues. For example, if a client asks for Chivari chairs, I make sure the chairs are available on the event day, in excellent condition, and loaded on time along with the rest of the decorations. It’s very important that all rental items are well-maintained because hundreds of people will see them, and word of mouth spreads quickly.

What sets me apart is that even though I’m only 13 years old and might seem like just a kid, I am extremely reliable. I always keep my promises and deliver exactly what I advertise—no more, no less. My mother has taught me the importance of honoring my word, my commitment, my promise, as dishonesty in any form brings pain, misery and problems in the long run.

Even if I don’t make a huge profit, if I’ve promised a client a deal on rental items, I honor that deal, that promise. For her, success isn’t measured by how much money I make, but by how honest I am in my dealings—and that’s the real definition of success and I want to make sure, she is proud to call me her son.

What excites me most about my work is getting new bookings! Every time I receive an inquiry for my arches, hall drapery, or chairs, I get excited—even if the deal doesn’t go through—because it encourages me to keep going.

Where I am today business-wise has a lot to do with my family. They’ve experienced many ups and downs and have helped guide me away from potential pitfalls. But I still have to work hard. Between school, projects, and homework, I respond to all the emails and client calls myself. My family helps with physical tasks, but they’ve made it clear that I must handle communication and client relationships personally.

I work extra hours, but I still find time to play soccer and video games. It’s all about discipline. What I want the world to know is: don’t be scared of anything. Trust yourself and your instincts, and keep pushing forward.

You never fail unless you decide to quit. So, no matter how tough things get or how much it feels like the world is against you, don’t stop believing in yourself. Success doesn’t require much—just willpower, hard work, and not giving up. And with those, you can achieve anything. Viola!

I want the world to know me as someone who strives to make a difference by bringing the best to others and making them smile. When people think of me, I want them to remember me as an honest young person with strong morals, work ethics, and integrity.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I were showing someone around, I’d definitely take them to laser tag — they have so many fun games and activities to explore there. Then, I’d take them to Clip ‘n Climb! I love climbing and mountains, and since I dream of seeing K-2 one day, Clip ‘n Climb is a great place to start practicing.

Next, I’d bring them to the International Aquatic and Training Centre downtown Windsor, which is a dream spot for anyone who loves water sports.

When it comes to food, I’d hit up Windsor Palace for the best kebabs in town or Yemeni Corner Coffee House for their amazing honeycomb desserts. And if they’re feeling generous, I’d try LoLo Cafe on Erie Street—just as long as they’re picking up the tab!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Definitely my family and my amazing teachers at An-Noor Private School have been my biggest supporters. When I first started thinking about taking on responsibility, I wasn’t sure if I was ready or capable. Being young, it’s easy to feel uncertain or get influenced by outside distractions, especially social media—which can be both dangerous and toxic. But these incredible people always made sure I stayed focused and steered me in the right direction.

I’ve learned to use social media not just for fun, but as a powerful tool to market my work and connect with clients wisely. When I took the leap to start my business, the very first people I told were my principal and teachers because I wanted to share my success with those who believed in me. I even organized my first event at my own school’s graduation, and thanks to word of mouth, I booked many more events for the rest of the year.

I’m truly grateful for my family and teachers—they’ve made a huge difference in my journey, and I couldn’t have done it without them.

Website: https://fahadeventrentals.ca/

Instagram: @fahadevents

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@learnwithfahadaficionado5088

Image Credits
Nile Photography
Photographer: Kiran Javed