Shahraz Kassam is a veteran small business owner and franchisor who specializes in the jewellery business. In 2018 Shahraz was appointed by the former Small Business Minister as a member of the Small Business Task Force.

Kassam currently owns and operates Shamin Diamonds and franchises BeaDazzle Fashion Jewellery and Beading Outlet. He founded Shamin at the age of 18 and helped grow the company to become one of the 100 fastest growing companies in Canada, according to PROFIT magazine. Kassam has founded and sold a number of companies including Dazzlers Fashion Jewellery and Dollar Daze, a chain of dollar stores. Over the past 35 years he has operated nine stores throughout the Lower Mainland, helping to create more than 200 jobs.

Kassam is active in the community and provides ongoing support to A Loving Spoonful, Variety Club Children’s Charity, BC Children’s Hospital and Two Worlds Cancer Collaboration, among others. Through Shamin Diamonds, he has awarded ten annual scholarships to high school students in the Lower Mainland that excel in entrepreneurial endeavours. He has won multiple business awards, received a Canada 125 Medal and has been named to the Top 40 Under 40 by Business in Vancouver magazine.

Joined the Small Business Roundtable: April, 2018