By: Kristen Ferguson
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the lives of many worldwide. Many businesses were forced to shut down, students had to move home and so many people lost their hopes. However, that didn’t stop one young Bahamian from making his way. Despite the pandemic, 21-year-old Azano Major found a way to capitalize off of a timeless trade. Starting out as a regular fish stand, Major realized that his methods were not yielding the results he hoped for with Deep Blue Seafood. Through research, he developed a new and innovative way to store fish without the risk of freezer burn, spoilage and poisoning through vacuum sealing. Major did not stop there, he also introduced his grilled seafood stand, Deep Blue Grill to his list of ventures. “We did this to allow others to taste how fresh our seafood would be if they decided to buy and cook themselves. Also, a better way to market the company as a whole, cause who doesn’t like cooked food?”, he said.
Though being a young entrepreneur is lifechanging, it is not easy. Major emphasizes that lack of experience is one of his greatest setbacks. However, he makes up for it theoretically by reading and seeking guidance through mentors and books. He doesn’t let his setbacks deter his focus and he expressed, “At the end of the day the best teacher is experience itself. It’s important I learned to keep pushing and trying new things to see what works. I also learnt that as time continues and knowledge compounds success will come undoubtedly”.
The Deep Blue Brand Major was able to make for himself has taught him a few things. Lessons of adaptation, pivoting strategies, and risk taking are all valuable lessons that Azano had to learn to keep his brand afloat. It also taught him to be aggressive in pursuing his goals and how to manage the stress of managing two businesses. He compares starting a business with the analogy of having a baby “When it first begins it demands a lot of attention. It can’t stand on its own two feet yet and if you leave it for too long it’ll be in trouble. So a business like this really matured me a lot, as if I had a child. It takes a lot of time and a lot of sacrifices”. Major acknowledges his support system and their constant encouragement to keep going.
Azano’s innovation mindset has set him apart and paved his way to becoming one of the forces of his generation. With two thriving businesses under his belt, Major is an inspiration to many as a budding entrepreneur during a pandemic.
