This is the inspiring story of Ahmad Muslim Muzaffar Fairuz, a young man diagnosed with autism at the age of nine, who, with the unwavering support and commitment of his father, Fairuz Ahmad Seth, has emerged as a thriving entrepreneur.

Muzaffar, now 24, has started his own e-commerce business, Muzaffar Mart.

His story testifies to the truth of the adage that another door opens when one door closes.

Faced with the challenge of maintaining employment due to his disability, Muzaffar experienced a setback when the pandemic brought his job at a cafe to an abrupt halt.

Some parents might have resigned to letting autistic children like Muzaffar stay at home, but Fairuz saw a different path. “It’s very important to keep individuals with autism always enriched with activities in their day-to-day life,” he said.

This devoted father, while working as a software engineer, had obtained certification as an autism exercise specialist. With his understanding of the specific needs and challenges that autistic people face, Fairuz was equipped to develop an environment that could foster Muzaffar’s growth and success.

“If he had not lost his job, there would be no Muzaffar Mart today,” he said with a smile.

Founded in 2019, Muzaffar Mart took its first steps in the world of business with a simple and irresistible offering: muffins. At the heart of this venture was Zuraida Khusaimi, Muzaffar’s mother and a skilled baker.

“I have always been baking and making kuih raya at home,” she said. “During that time, he started to help me out, and I think that’s when we realised this was something he could do.”

As he worked alongside her, it became apparent that Muzaffar had a natural talent for the culinary arts. His mother saw that he was meticulous and organised and that he held to impeccable hygiene standards.

“Before making his muffins, he will prepare all his ingredients and utensils and neatly arrange them on the dining table,” she said. “And I’ve never met anyone else who cleans up like he does. You won’t see a single stain on a plate or a tissue lying around. He’s very diligent when it comes to making his muffins.”

While Muzaffar now enjoys the freedom to work at his own pace and pursue his passions, this was not always the case.

Zuraida revealed that a series of incidents over the years when Muzaffar worked for other people served as reminders that traditional workplaces were ill-suited for his needs.

The challenges he faced, such as fatigue and sensory exhaustion, highlighted the necessity for a more accommodating and understanding work environment.

“One time, he fell asleep while on the job,” she said. “The issue is that, unlike other people his age, he’s not able to defend himself or explain certain things.

“Most workplaces are understanding. But at the end of the day, they just need the job done. So he didn’t remain at one place for a very long time.”

Recognising these obstacles, Muzaffar’s parents saw the establishment of Muzaffar Mart as providing an opportunity for him to thrive on his own terms.

While Fairuz and Zuraida did everything in their power to help Muzaffar thrive, the success of Muzaffar Mart is largely attributed to the overwhelming support from their network of family and friends and compassionate individuals who rallied behind Muzaffar.

In fact, a generous offer from one of Fairuz’s friends in the perfume industry even led to the creation of Muzaffar’s own fragrance line, M Perfume.

“I was just so taken aback because I thought only celebrities had perfume brands,” Fairuz said with a chuckle.

This support opened doors to diversifying Muzaffar Mart’s offerings from just muffins. It has now transformed into a comprehensive e-commerce platform. From packaged foods to frozen goods, carpets to wellness products, and even tennis classes, Muzaffar Mart now caters to a wide range of customers.

While Fairuz manages the business logistics, Muzaffar stands by his side, contributing in whatever capacity he can, such as baking his famous muffins.

“Having the opportunity to do this with him is very special,” Fairuz said, his eyes welling up with tears.

Fairuz dreams of opening a physical store for Muzaffar Mart. He envisions his son proudly owning and managing his own shop.

Support Muzaffar Mart here.