Casa Magazines is a West Village institution, existing on its corner of 8th and 12th for over 25 years. It calls itself a “magazine lovers Mecca”: when you walk in, the walls seem to be made of glossy publications from all over the world. If you’ve ever been inside, chances are, you’ve talked to Ali. Sayed Khalid “Ali” Wasim is the man behind the counter, keeping a watchful eye over the store, making sure people get everything they want, and maybe, if you’re lucky, free gum. His staple is the hat he wears backwards, so everyone can see the American flag proudly displayed across his forehead. Before we start the interview, he makes sure to ask me some questions first (How was my weekend? Did I get enough sleep? Am I sure I want to interview him?), before he’ll answer any of mine.

So, Ali, who are you and how long have you worked here?

My name is Sayed Khalid Wasim, but I’m Ali. I’m originally from Pakistan, but I’ve been in New York almost thirty years. I live in Queen’s, and I’ve worked in the West Village, here, the same place, for almost twenty years. I run the show for my boss. I’ve worked in many places in my life, many, many places, but the West Village? Is the best place of my life.

Do you have any family here now?

I have two daughters and one son, my son is twenty, and my daughters are seventeen and fourteen. They’re born in New York, they’re New Yorkers, from Queen’s.

You’ve been working at Casa for twenty years; how did you get started working in magazines?

My first job in New York was at 63rd and 1st Avenue, at a magazine stand, a small one. Then I worked at Eagle Electric Manufacturing until I was laid off, so my friend recommended me to this place, to Casa, and I started working part time. But the boss liked how I worked, so they kept me here, and I’ve stayed ever since.

When you first came to New York, why did you come here? Why New York?

I came for a better life and a better future, like everyone else. Everyone wants to come to the USA, for better opportunity, for better land, better life. This country is the best, the best part? No matter where you come from, if you get lucky one time, you can become a millionaire. That’s why I came.

You’ve been in New York for over three decades, how has it changed?

Do you mean business? Technology?

Let’s say business, how has that changed?

Business wise, the biggest change was after 9/11. Especially in Manhattan. After 9/11, there were no more tourists, everything was so expensive, less people coming to the USA. They used to say that New York City never sleeps but after 9/11, no one was here. All over, it became slower, people moved away and out of the city. It’s stayed slower, even compared to twenty years ago.

I know that you and Mohammed (Ahmed, the owner of Casa) fought for Casa to be classified as an essential business when businesses were first ordered to close: what is the importance of a place like Casa to the neighbourhood and community during the pandemic and in general?

The Casa name is known, so people know us, they want us open. The name makes us the money because people recognize us. Before the coronavirus it was good money, and we’re still making money, but not as much as even six months ago. The people of the Village, believe me, they want Casa Magazine open, they love us. The pandemic comes, 9/11, Sandy, but this place will make money because people want to come here, they know us. You can’t find magazine stores like this in the city anymore, the rent is too high, but Casa stays.

What would you want your kids to know about you?

I do hope my kids go to school. I don’t have a college degree, but I’ve made a living for 32 years. In this country, it’s about how hardworking you are to make a living. My kids are born in the USA. They have their own life, their own thinking, what they want to do in their life isn’t compared to mine. One daughter wants to be a lawyer, ok. The other wants to be a pharmacist, ok. My son wants to work in finance, business, ok. You’re born here? That’s your dream. I hope they have success wherever they have their dreams. In Pakistan, when kids are born they say “Ok, you’re going to be a doctor, you’re going to be this”, they don’t have their own dream. In America, they have their own choices and their own dreams.

On my way out of the door, Ali makes sure that I get gum (“it’s on me, this one is on me”) and asks me about my own time in New York. When I tell him I’m Canadian, and that I moved in August, he throws his hands in the air, “That’s why you’re so good! A Canadian!”. He reminds me, like a father does, to be safe, to not go out alone at night, and tells me that if I ever need someone to talk to, he’ll be right there.