My heritage, my business: Zhagum’s story

Written by Zhagum Arshad – CEO, entrepreneur, and community builder

As a child of migrants from Kenya and Pakistan, I’ve always felt deeply enriched by my heritage. The stories from my parents of life in Nairobi, of safaris, wildlife and the open landscapes, sat side by side with tales of village life in Punjab, where agriculture and family were at the centre of everything.

Those influences shaped who I am and the values I bring into my work and life.

For me, Islamic heritage is also a strong thread in that story. It connects me just as much to Andalusia, Sarajevo and Istanbul, with their rich histories and breathtaking architecture, as it does to Pakistan and East Africa.

These places are living parts of my identity.

Being born and brought up in Birmingham, I was still fortunate to visit Pakistan often, becoming fluent in Punjabi and Urdu.

That language connection gave me a real grasp of the culture, the idioms, and the humour.

Even now, it allows me to do business there like a local. Despite being born and raised here, I’m able to bridge both worlds, and that’s something I see as a real asset.

Growing up in working-class neighbourhoods also taught me the importance of community.

Our families formed tight-knit bonds, supported one another through thick and thin, and laid the foundations for businesses that now span continents.

Those early relationships influence our humour, our networks, and the fields we operate in today.

One thing I’ve always admired about South Asian culture, particularly within business, is the strong emphasis on honour and ethics.

Paying your debts, doing favours for others without expecting anything in return and treating your employees with dignity are principles that are centuries old.

These are our traditions. In each of my ventures, I’ve tried to uphold those values by creating jobs, training others, and supporting new entrepreneurs on their journey.

There’s also a deep sense of social responsibility.

In our ancestral farming communities, those who were better off would provide for others in need, sometimes the only form of welfare available.

That legacy continues today. I see business not just as a way to generate wealth, but as a platform for service and upliftment.

That’s why I’ve spent the last several years helping young people in Pakistan develop tech skills and mentoring entrepreneurs here in Birmingham from diverse backgrounds.

As British South Asians, we are standing on the shoulders of giants.

Our parents and grandparents came with nothing and built something meaningful, not just for themselves, but for us.

Now, we must do the same for others.

Today, we see new immigrant communities like the Somali, Sudanese, Kurdish, and Eritrean ones finding their footing in the city we call home.

Let’s remember our history and lead with generosity.

Because helping others rise isn’t just good business, it’s who we are.