Aykiz Shah: The Inspirational Entrepreneur Behind Salaam Cola
The story of Aykiz Shah is one that has captured international attention for its determination, originality, and values-driven purpose. In an industry dominated by billion-dollar multinationals, Shah has built an ethical, faith-led, female-led empire starting with only £160. From her kitchen in Brentford, West London, she created Salaam Cola, a brand now sold in multiple countries, admired not only for its taste but also for its humanitarian mission.
This article explores her journey, her origins, her family life, and her wider impact on the global beverage industry. It also touches on her values and how her authenticity is inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs.
Early Life and Background
Aykiz Shah Ethnicity and Origin
Aykiz Shah comes from a British-Pakistani background, a heritage that deeply influences both her personal values and business vision. Her identity reflects a balance of modern British life and cultural roots, and this duality has shaped her belief in building something inclusive and compassionate.
Growing up in West London, Shah witnessed the challenges faced by working-class families and communities, which further strengthened her determination to create something meaningful.
Aykiz Shah Nationality
Shah is British by nationality. Her upbringing in Brentford, combined with her multicultural household, has given her a unique perspective. She embraces the best of both worlds—her British education and entrepreneurial spirit, and her cultural grounding in empathy, modesty, and service.
The Spark of Entrepreneurship
From Recipe Development to Cola Creation
Before founding Salaam Cola, Shah worked in recipe development for a drinks company. This experience provided her with practical knowledge of flavour balance, product formulation, and the science of beverages. Crucially, it gave her the confidence to create her own original recipe, free from additives like aspartame, which she refused to use.
Her guiding philosophy was simple: if she would not give something to her own children, she would not put it in her drinks. This health-first mindset became the cornerstone of her brand.
The Birth of Salaam Cola
Starting With £160
In October 2023, at the age of 27, Shah launched Salaam Cola. With only £160, she created sample cans and presented them to distributors. Four distributors agreed to back her idea, paying upfront for the first container of stock. This leap of faith allowed Shah to produce her first batch of drinks without needing investors or external funding.
Early Success
The brand grew rapidly. Within its first year, Salaam Cola reached a turnover of €6 million in Europe, including £1.6 million in the UK alone. Its pricing model—affordable cans at 66p and bottles at £1—ensured accessibility. By 2024, the drink had expanded into 16 countries across four continents, selling more than 1.9 billion cans worldwide.
The Mission Beyond Business
Humanitarian Impact
From day one, Shah made it clear that Salaam Cola would be more than just a product—it would be a movement. She pledged 10% of all proceeds to charity, partnering with Muslims in Need, a registered charity.
Through this collaboration, Salaam Cola has funded:
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Schools for displaced Palestinian children in Egypt.
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Medical aid for over 10,000 Palestinian patients.
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Sponsorship of Syrian orphans and rebuilding a destroyed mosque.
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A community kitchen in Yemen to fight malnutrition.
Drinks With a Cause
Each variation of the drink supports a specific cause:
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Salaam Cola (original) → Palestine.
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Seriously No Sugar → Syria.
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Yemonade → Yemen.
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Lebanorange → Lebanon.
This innovative approach allows consumers to directly support humanitarian projects through their purchases.
Breaking Stereotypes
A Woman in a Male-Dominated Industry
The global drinks industry is highly competitive and largely male-dominated. Shah, a conservative Muslim woman who wears the niqaab, has broken barriers by proving that modesty and business acumen can coexist. She has openly acknowledged the difficulties but also highlights how her authenticity has won respect.
She often reminds women: “You can be ethical, faith-led, female, and still build an empire.”
The Role of Social Media
Powering Growth Through Online Platforms
Shah has skilfully used TikTok and Instagram to spread awareness of Salaam Cola. She shares not only product updates but also transparent reports of where charitable funds are being used. This direct, honest communication has built trust and loyalty among consumers who feel part of the mission.
The brand’s online presence also helped it to go viral, connecting with diverse communities across the UK, Europe, and beyond.
Aykiz Shah Husband and Family
Balancing Motherhood and Business
Behind Shah’s entrepreneurial journey is her husband, Mohammad, aged 36, who has supported her throughout the challenges of launching a brand from home. The couple have three children—a seven-year-old, a two-year-old, and a newborn.
Shah openly shares the difficulties of managing motherhood and entrepreneurship. Many nights are spent with a baby in one hand and a laptop in the other, running operations on little sleep. Yet, she views her role as a mother as a source of strength rather than a hindrance.
Aykiz Shah Net Worth
As of 2024, Aykiz Shah’s net worth has not been publicly disclosed. However, given the rapid success of Salaam Cola, with millions in turnover across Europe and significant global expansion, her financial success is undeniable. What makes her journey particularly remarkable is that she achieved this growth without investors, relying instead on her own determination and early distributor backing.
For Shah, however, wealth is secondary to impact. She has stated repeatedly that her proudest achievement is not the profits, but the £250,500 donated to charity in Salaam Cola’s first year.
Global Recognition
Support Across Communities
What began as a project closely tied to Muslim communities has expanded into a global movement. Salaam Cola has received support from people of all faiths and backgrounds. Celebrities such as Sean Ward, known for his role in Coronation Street, have openly backed the brand and even volunteered in its charity projects.
This wide support base demonstrates that the company’s values—integrity, compassion, and ethical business—resonate far beyond cultural lines.
Challenges and Resilience
Overcoming Barriers
The drinks industry is notoriously difficult to enter. Competing with long-established brands like Coca-Cola and Pepsi requires not only courage but also innovation. Shah faced scepticism, resource limitations, and the pressures of balancing family life. Despite these challenges, she has turned obstacles into opportunities.
Her approach reflects a belief that authenticity and purpose are more powerful than corporate marketing budgets.
Conclusion
The story of Aykiz Shah is one of extraordinary determination, blending entrepreneurship with compassion. From humble beginnings in Brentford, she has built Salaam Cola into an international brand that directly competes with industry giants. Yet, her proudest legacy lies in the schools built, the orphans supported, and the communities fed through the brand’s charitable mission.
Aykiz Shah’s journey embodies the idea that success does not require sacrificing values. By remaining true to her faith, her family, and her vision, she has shown that a woman in a niqaab, with three children and a kitchen table as her office, can build an empire that inspires millions.
Her story is a reminder to dreamers everywhere: it is possible to start small, stay ethical, and still achieve greatness.
