FAY’S CREPES

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“I wake up with no regrets. Ultimately happiness is the goal.”

Fay’s Crepes

Interview with Founder Fayrus

Before we get into Fay’s Crepes, tell me a little bit about you.

My name is Fayrus, I go by Fay. I grew up in Sweden but I was born in Saudi Arabia. In 2003, I moved to London. My mom took us out of everything that we’ve known and into a brand new life. I graduated high school there and moved onto college where I degreed in finance. I was working at an airport for immigration. Fast forward to 2009, I got married and moved to America. I started my life at Fargo, North Dakota and moved to Minnesota in 2011 where I got a great job working in a health field. I was working in child family services. I had a comfortable job in Minnesota. I wasn’t always a foodie. I was the friend that would call everybody when they saw something nice on Instagram. Anything that was picture worthy. I was the one that would go for it. After working 5 years in my career, I realized it wasn’t my calling. I wasn’t passionate about it.

When did you come to Columbus, Ohio?

I came to Columbus in 2016. I was on maternity leave and I decided I’m not going back. I’m not going back to that hospital. I’m going to pursue a whole different career. Coming from a Somali background, that’s when people think you’re going crazy. It’s definitely terrifying. I’m leaving a comfortable job to do what? Food?

So how did the idea of Fay’s Crepes come about?

Towards the end of 2012, I decided to open up my own spot in Banadir mall. I called it Yaa Salaam Cafe and the grand opening was April of 2018. Shockingly, it was very successful. Crepes was a desert that I added last on my menu. These crepes came from my swedish heritage and let me tell you, it was an absolute hit. Working for 6 months, I’m seeing more and more orders on the crepes primarily. That’s when the spark happened. Although, it wasn’t called crepes at the time. It was named malawax macaan. We had to do a cutoff at no more than 600 malawax orders per day. I kept experimenting with Ice cream, candy, meats, etc. That’s ultimately how the idea of Fay’s Crepes came about.

For those who have never had Fay’s Crepes, can you explain what it is to potential new customers?

Crepes are a delicacy. It’s a really thin version of a pancake. It can be eaten savory by adding meat and vegetables, or sweet with candy, ice cream, and fruits. You can have it as a breakfast, lunch, mid-day snack, or even take it home as dinner. It’s light but very filling.

You mentioned before, you weren’t a chef. So it’s safe to say you didn’t expect to be in the food industry?

Not by any means hahaha I can’t claim that title. I’m not a chef nor am I a professional cook, Let me just throw that out there. I just like to eat and I know what tastes good. Simple as that. My mom still makes jokes to this day, this girl is in the food industry and can’t cook. Growing up in a house full of girls, I was primarily the cleaner. Even if everyone was sick except me, they would rather order in than eat my food. Now they’re all shocked I have my own food company. I was always a food hobbyist/enthusiast. I love to eat and I know what tastes good.

What brings you the most satisfaction in your work?

When somebody gives me the “wow” factor. I feel like I’ve done something great. What gives me the most satisfaction now is catering to customers that can’t have gluten so creating this alternative gluten and

dairy-free concept for those people is amazing. This area is very hard to tap into but working with nutritionists and being able to start it, hearing them say “oh my god, now I can have a desert that we can eat without feeling pain later on”. It’s nice to hear that. Gluten-free doesn’t have to mean stripping away the taste.

Having doubts and fears comes with every job. After everything, Do you have any regrets?

Not at all. What’s the point in waking up if you don’t like what you’re doing. I work more hours now than I ever did in my previous career, i’m telling you. I don’t even have a day off but I love what I do. That’s what makes the most difference. I wake up with no regrets. Ultimately happiness is the goal.

Being in the position that you are at today, there are many people who look up to you and could use some advice. Do you have any advice for the younger generation that are aspiring to build something of their own?

Being uncomfortable is the first step of growth. It’s okay to change your route. There’s no rules when you’re deciding your future. If you start somewhere and end up somewhere else, there’s nothing wrong with that. Change can be scary but you have to be willing to embrace it.

Last but not least, I have to end it with the million dollar question. Fay’s crepes offer a ton of flavors, what is your favorite?

The Crème Brûlée!!