MUSCAT: On World Happiness Day, Shamsudheen Nellara has only one mission: to be a beacon of happiness. When asked why he is emphatic in saying that happiness is the key to life. The key that would unlock the doors of never-ending opportunities As a person who built a business empire in the Middle East through sheer willpower and grit, Shamsudheen knows that the key to his success was the joy he found in overcoming his struggles.

“I started my business journey by selling spices on a bicycle. The Arabian heat, sweat, hardships, and the swore foot were all against me from the start. But these very hardships were the source of my happiness,” says Shamsudheen Nellara. Now, he is on a mission to spread the message of happiness through his entrepreneurship.

Address Men’s Apparel is a passionate initiative by Shamsudheen and one of the leading men’s apparel brands in the Middle East and Kerala. The menswear Focus 2022 brand ambassador is C. P. Shihab, the famous motivational trainer and life guru. What’s unique about Shihab is that he is a differently-abled person, but this has never been a problem for Shihab to pursue his dreams. For Nellara Shamsudheen, there can’t be a better person than Shihab to represent his apparel brand. Although former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan is the global brand ambassador for Address Men’s apparel, Shihab represents the new focus of the 2022 mission of the company. Find happiness even when you are inundated with hardships.

Shamsudheen is excited to have Shihab represent his brand. “Shihab is the epitome of what we believe, and we are lucky to have him in our team.” He also mentioned that this is the first time in India that a differently-abled person has become the brand ambassador for a men’s wear company. In an era when toxic masculinity is the norm, Address apparel has decided to swim against the tide by partnering with Shihab.

It is always reminiscent of his humble beginnings when he came to Dubai to aid his brother-in-law, Moudunni Bava, in his flour mill business. Looking back, he is emphatic in remarking that the hardships and struggles he had to face as a lone salesperson played a crucial role in shaping his personality and business philosophy.

Launched in 2004, the Nellara Group has more than 500 products under its belt with a presence across multiple continents. When launched, it was the first Indian condiment brand to be established in the GCC with its own production facility. The company has come a long way from being a one-man army (you can guess the foot soldier!) to one employing hundreds of people across the globe, overcoming insurmountable obstacles.

In 2008, Address Apparels was launched in the UK. The first three years of the apparel business were a colossal loss. However, with sheer business acumen and determination, things started to turn around. Now, after almost 15 years since its launch, the brand has gained wide recognition owing to its style and uncompromising quality. When asked why he was interested in the men’s apparel business, it revealed a long-standing passion. During his childhood, Shamsudheen had acquired the skill of making his shirts, a hobby which he picked up from the local tailor. This skill had germinated in hibernation, only to be woken by the launch of Address Apparel.

Shammsudheen is an avowed sports lover. Football is his passion and he regularly plays the game. helping him to keep his physique in good shape. Shamsukka is how those close to Shamsudheen call him, and he is full of energy, brimming with enthusiasm to move ahead with this growing business venture. There is a lighter side to this entrepreneur. A lover of Mapilla songs, who has tested his singing skills, is joyful to mention his associations with the late Erijoli Musa and Ghazal Singer Umbai.

The avowed traveller has visited more than 60 countries. His travels have always provided him with insights into the world around him, opening new horizons and opportunities to explore even more. Shamsudheen is very active on social media platforms. His travel vlogs are viewed by hundreds of thousands, influencing their lives with radiant joy and charisma.