Basak Gafoor Is on a Mission to Spread 1 Million Smiles

Basak Gafoor

What started as a personal journaling alternative during a challenging college period has evolved into something much bigger for Basak Gafoor: a mission to spread one million smiles, one positive message at a time.

Based in Northern Virginia, Basak's journey began in 2022 when feeling stagnant and struggling with anxiety, he turned to gratitude. Influenced by guest speakers in college who swore by journaling, Basak started a TikTok page where he publicly shared something he was thankful for each day. That simple act, repeated over 500 days, became a foundation for what was to come.

However, the real turning point came in 2024, when Basak launched the "Grandpa's Tea Shop" page, named in honor of his grandfather and inspired by Iroh, the wise, tea-loving character from Avatar: The Last Airbender. During one of the toughest years of his life, positivity and the desire to share it became his lifeline. "Positivity saved my life," Basak says. "And now I want to share that light with others."

That mission took on new meaning when Basak honored a late friend's birthday by handing out 100 donuts to strangers. When things didn't go as planned, he pivoted, delivering the rest to fire stations, police departments, and shelters. "You can't control everything," he says. "But you can always choose your reaction."

Whether he's pairing powerful affirmations with anime edits or handing out compliments in public, Basak's content is rooted in authenticity. His newest goal for the remainder of this year? A new account where he appears on camera again, directly spreading positivity in person, bringing smiles, encouragement, and reminders that kindness matters.

This new account has already garnered over one thousand followers in a week, proving that positivity is what people truly seek.

Basak's advice for aspiring creators is simple: start, be consistent, and provide value. "If you can make someone smile, you've already made the world a better place."