Breadwinners can be good dads, too! As men begin to devote more time to their kids and family, take a look at how some of our Hong Kong papapreneurs get everything done.
There’s a Chinese saying that goes: Men are breadwinners, women are homemakers (男主外女主內). But as much as we love our mums at Honeycombers, this Father’s day, we want to highlight the dads who are turning around the notion of fathers taking the backseat on its head. Because not only do we have six incredible dads on the list, they are also founders and CEOs of their businesses – they are “papa-preneurs”! So, here are the stories of some of the most inspiring, interesting, and incredible father entrepreneurs in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong papapreneurs: How dad entrepreneurs juggle between business and family
1. Roman Khan – Co-founder of Linjer and Peak21; father of two kids
After extensive experience across Asia in e-commerce, Roman and his wife, Jennifer Chong, started Linjer in 2013, all due to a personal need – a briefcase that was high quality but didn’t break the bank. Beginning with a successful crowdfunding campaign, the duo continued to use their e-commerce and Shopify expertise to buy and build companies in this industry, eventually setting up their most recent venture, Peak21. While sales across the companies skyrocketed to above 200 million USD, Roman and Jen were blessed with two kids.
How have you managed both being a serial entrepreneur and being a father?
We wouldn’t be able to do it without our amazing nanny, Mae, and we’re eternally grateful to her. A large part of why Jenn and I left corporate was because we wanted to have control of our own time. My day starts early at 6 or 7, but I’m able to spend an hour with my trainer at 10, followed by two hours with my son – all of these are luxuries that wouldn’t be possible in the corporate world. The hours of work add up, but having the flexibility to schedule it based on my needs and requirements, as well as those of my family, makes being a papapreneur manageable.
Have you changed the way you approach business since becoming a father?
It’s changed the way I view the baby products industry. It’s often overlooked by professional buyers, because there’s an idea that once a child grows up, the parents will stop being a customer. But, I think this is flawed thinking for various reasons. I find it a fascinating space, because many companies are started by passionate parents trying to solve their own problems, and many of these companies are bootstrapped.
What’s your favourite Sunday activity to do with your kids?
We love to visit the beaches in Lantau, have brunch, and play in the sand and water. We also enjoy hanging out in Discovery Bay with other families. It’s really convenient for young families there!
Find out more about Linjer.
2. Arturo Sims – Founder of Musubi Hiro; father of two boys
While Arturo’s culinary journey started back in Chile, inspired by his mother’s authentic Latin American cooking, he has travelled across the world, studying and working in Chile, France, and Switzerland before landing in Hong Kong for love and work. Musubi Hiro, an izakaya-inspired gastropub in the heart of Hong Kong, has been a dream come true – it allows him to combine his passion and expertise to create a first-of-its-kind dining experience.
When did you have your kids and how have they inspired your work?
My elder son is four years old and my younger one is three, plus we have two dogs, so that makes me the happiest father I could imagine! It was also the elder who was the inspiration behind Musubi Hiro. I’ve always been fascinated by Japanese culture – from its cuisine to entertainment to TV series – so, it felt natural to introduce my sons to that culture as well. When I made a musubi for the first time, my older son liked it so much that he suggested serving it at my restaurant. This was how I came up with the idea of Musubi Hiro.
What are some preconceived notions about working dads that you believe should be challenged?
Some preconceived notions about dads are that they don’t change diapers! (laughs) I’ve changed and cleaned butts by the dozen. Both of my boys have a great appetite so, with great power comes great responsibility!
What’s your favourite Sunday activity to do with your kids?
I love going cycling with my kids on Sunday mornings before passing by the market. I’ll have them pick vegetables for lunch, then cook together with them. Of course, playing with them in the afternoon, taking a nap together, and putting them to bed is part of the game, too!
Musubi Hiro, G/F, 37 Cochrane Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 5597 6911
3. Nicolas Pollet – Founder and Managing Director of Cocoon Concept; father of a nine-year-old daughter
Growing up in France, Nicolas always had a strong connection to nature, whether it was practising sports with his friends outside, or being influenced by his father’s love for the planet. So, after moving to Hong Kong and with an understanding of the lighting manufacturing industry under his belt, Nicolas founded Cocoon Concepts in 2007, an outdoor furniture and accessories company offering sleek, unique design and long-lasting value. He is also the founder of Eden Cordless Lighting. A few years into his adventure, his daughter, Lea, was born.
What are some of the challenges that you’ve faced with juggling your business and your child?
As a papapreneur, you might feel as if you’re dealing with two different species of offspring! Both of them with different needs but each require time, effort, and energy. For me, it was understanding that my priority was my child, so despite that frequent travel was necessary in my field of work, I did what I could to stay present as much as possible. Honestly, when you have a young child, it kind of tears you apart to be separated from them, even just for a few days!
How has being an entrepreneur changed your approach to being a father?
As an entrepreneur, I’m able to set my timings and make my own schedule, which has allowed me to be a lot more present for my daughter. As my wife has a full-time job, it’s good that my flexible hours allow me to take up some of the school-related duties. Whether it’s dropping her off at school, going to parent-teacher meetings, or organising play dates, I’m proud and happy that my work allows me to be able to be involved in my daughter’s life.
What’s your favourite Sunday activity to do with your kids?
Going to the beach or playing in the mountains with our dog! We love outdoor activities and I want to pass down the lessons learnt from my childhood, from my father and friends, to my daughter.
Find out more about Cocoon Concept and Eden Cordless Lighting.
4. Anders Lundholm – Co-founder and Sales Manager of Once a Day; father of a 15-month-old baby
Originally from Sweden, Anders and his wife, Karin, co-founded Once a Day (OAD) six years ago, when he struggled to find a men’s brand that offered a unique online community. His lifestyle brand helps the modern man equip himself with quality fashion and accessories, including leather goods, ties, shirts, and more. While Karin is at the helm as CEO, Anders is holding down the fort as the co-founder and Sales Manager. And having had their first child, Sven, just 15 months ago, the duo has a lot of plates spinning!
What is it like working with a partner? How do you manage work-life balance?
The first big decision was deciding who was CEO, and that was easy – just go with the one with higher potential and performance, which was my wife. It’s been a collaborative partnership as we bring different strengths and gaps, but we complement each other well overall. It’s also helpful as I’m able to integrate all aspects of my life with my deeper sense of self and purpose. A date night for us may be an evening at the OAD studio, looking at a new campaign over snacks and drinks.
How has fatherhood impacted the way you approach entrepreneurship?
Entrepreneurship entails bringing your full self day in and day out; fatherhood has made me more efficient and allowed me to prioritise and focus on key strategies that drive business performance. I like to be an involved father, so Karin and I take turns in managing the morning and evening routines. And babies, in my experience, don’t compromise on their needs, so planning ahead and being prepared for contingencies are key.
What’s your favourite Sunday activity to do with your kids?
We love going to the public pool in Sun Yat Sen Park for the early morning session. It stretches the day and our baby can’t get enough of the water! We’d then drop by the wet market on our way home, followed by a home-cooked midday feast. We’re fortunate to have our OAD studio nearby in Sheung Wan, so we can always drop by to set up for the week ahead.
Find out more about Once a Day.
5. Rahul Jhaveri – Director of Gemrize; father of a four-year-old son
Rahul began Gemrize in 2011 with the mission to be a leading, socially responsible wholesaler and retailer of diamonds, gems, and fine jewellery. Its bespoke jewellery process invites clients to create truly custom-made jewels – from a clean slate to wearables – and involves them throughout the process. Just four years ago, Rahul also had his first son, Aarav.
How has fatherhood impacted the way you approach entrepreneurship?
Being a papapreneur has impacted my work in two very contrasting ways. The first is on my mentality: I want to work harder and have higher turnover, so that I can secure my financial health and provide the best for my child. Being able to give them the opportunities that I may have personally lost out on growing up, drives me to work harder each day.
Secondly, I’ve my moulded my work hours to my son’s daily schedule. I like dropping Aarav off at his school bus stop every morning, then going straight to the office before 8am when industry peers are still fast asleep. This gives me the benefit to be able to go fetch my son from his drop-off at noon and head home to have lunch together. The earlier start means I work more hours during the week, but then I have the luxury of quality family time during the weekends – something not a lot of entrepreneurs can indulge in!
How has your wife and family supported you in your two roles? How do you distribute childcare?
In our house, the lines are blurred between “who does what”, and what the father’s jobs and the mother’s responsibilities are traditionally. Both my wife and I play mum and dad excellently and I think that’s really benefitted our son. Being actively involved in my son’s life, it’s interesting for me to be able to see that papapreneurs seem to be much more common these days.
What’s your favourite Sunday activity to do with your kids?
The ideal Sunday involves us setting out for the beach. Then, over the next few hours, Aarav would single-mindedly dig around the sand, building and destroying sandcastles, while my wife and I would get to just switch off for a while. There is drama, of course, when it’s time to leave, but the promise of a bus ride home always manages to pacify him!
Find out more about Gemrize.
6. Benson Ling – Co-founder of Foodtank Hospitality Group; father of a one-year-old daughter
Benson started his passion project and entrepreneurial journey in the F&B industry in 2017 when he first opened Chotto Maki – which clashed with his wedding! Since then, with his business partner Jacky, the duo has expanded to owning several restaurants, including Cultivate, 25:00, Mokutan, and Check In Taipei. Last year, in the midst of the pandemic and one of the hardest times for the F&B industry, Benson welcomed his first child. He sees this as a blessing, as not only has he been gifted a beautiful daughter, but he’s also gained a new perspective on life.
What are some stereotypes about dads that you believe shouldn’t exist?
I firmly reject the “careless dad” stereotype. While, of course, mothers have a special bond with their children as they carried the child for nine months, I’d like to think that fathers, like myself, were also very committed to the baby before they were born. When it comes to being a parent, I think my wife and I both care just as much. Moreover, the stereotype can be dangerous for both men and women, as it increases the emotional load for mothers while not allowing fathers to create strong emotional relationships with their children. Fortunately, I think change has been happening; I’m sure I’m one of many dads who say that my daughter is my number one priority!
Any advice to new fathers as they juggle both fatherhood and their business?
Starting up a new business is tough, but don’t give yourself any excuses to not spend time with your family. Kids grow up so quickly and you wouldn’t want to miss those precious moments with them and your partner. Also, master the art of completely switching off when you’re at home. Turn your phone off and focus on spending quality time with your family.
What’s your favourite weekend activity to do with your kids?
Being raised in a Christian family, our Sunday activity is usually going to church. My church community gives incredible support and I’ve loved bringing my child to this warm and nurturing group of people. On Saturdays, we try to get outdoors: hiking, swimming, or boating.
25:00, 13/F, Luk Yu Building, 24-26 Stanley Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 5546 8540
