Father’s Day is just a few days away! And we hope you’ve made reservation, plans, gifts and all that jazz. But before your celebrations, we’ve got some amazing articles brewing that’s been waiting for your attention from Wednesday till this Saturday!
Fathers are like pillars to a child’s behavioral-building.
For a girl, a father is her pillar of relationships and emotional support. And it will shape her way of forming bonds as well as what she will look to, when she looks for a partner. For a boy, he follows in the footsteps of his father that will shape his core values and behavior, into the man that he’ll eventually be.
In the days to come, Sevenpie will be releasing stories from Malaysian fathers from all corners and walks of life. Within these articles, they share about life in a non-stop commitment to their bundle(s)-of-joy, and how they have coped with in no matter the circumstance.
Meet the co-founder of FashionValet, one of Malaysia’s most prominent online shopping brands, Fadzarudin Anuar (most of you may know him as Fadza). Running a business is no easy feat, but running a million dollar empire while having a family to build and run is almost nearly impossible, but achievable. In today’s feature on Sevenpie, Fadza spills the tea on how he learns to be patient in riding the waves, and sculpting his goals and visions while spending quality-time with his family.
So get comfy, and grab your dad because these few articles are reads that you don’t want to ignore. Take a glimpse into the lives of these unsung heroes as you discover that a father’s love knows no bounds even when it comes to their passions.
Fadza Anuar– CEO of FashionValet and dUCk; Father of 3: Daniel, Mariam, and Sarah
CEO of fashion empire, FashionValet, Fadza Anuar is not only an inspiring business leader, but also a great father. Fadza Anuar shares with us what actually happens behind-the-scenes: being both an entrepreneur to one of the most influential companies in Malaysia, and also as a father and a husband.
While Vivy Yusof is the face of FashionValet, Fadza is the brains behind it. Together, this power couple is the proud owner of the multi-million venture, FashionValet. In this Father’s Day special edition, Fadza shares with us what happens behind-the-scenes as a father, and sometimes, things may not always run smoothly. While busy running not just any business, but one of the most influential businesses in Malaysia and across Southeast Asia, Fadza still goes out of his way to show how important family is to him. One thing’s for sure, Vivy and Fadza are both doing a marvelous job as parents! Read on, as Fadza shares his journey of fatherhood.
1. Hi Fadza! Thank you for taking the time out to have this interview with us – it’s truly an honour! Moving back to the first time you knew you were going to be a father – what went through your mind at that time? Were you “ready” to be a dad?
That time feels like ages ago. I remember being so excited to have my own baby. It was a new adventure and for my oldest son, Daniel, I would do everything from changing his diapers to making his milk. I would even stay up with Vivy in the middle of the night while Daniel was being fed. I was doing it all that Vivy only changed his diaper for the first time a few months-in, but now if you ask her about our new addition, Sarah, she’ll say that I don’t do anything. Which I can’t really argue with.
2. You’re a father to three beautiful children – Daniel, Mariam and Sarah! Can you share with us what are some of your most memorable moments you’ve had together with your children?
I love taking our kids to holidays with us because you spend amazing quality time and you learn so much more about them. On our latest trip to London we would take the black cab and every time we get into one, Daniel and Mariam would want to play this game they made up called “What’s my favourite?” – Basically you ask “What’s my favourite…anything”? and everyone has to guess the answer. There were a few times Vivy and I were so exhausted lugging three kids, their toys and stroller around that we said we didn’t want to play and just wanted to rest. Suddenly Mariam starts scolding us and says “You play, play now” and “Come on, daddy, wake up”. She basically forces us to play and laughs while doing all this. We saw how bossy she is, but seeing how much fun she had made it worth it. Well actually the first few times was worth it, but after a while it became annoying.
3. We know that both you and Vivy are the power couple – managing one of the largest online fashion and beauty store – FashionValet. How do both of you translate that power teamwork into building the family?
We never think of ourselves as a “power couple” because as much as it seems we’re doing so much, there’s also so much we aren’t showing like the struggles of balancing work, family, kids and friends. The main thing we are thankful for is the support system around us. We have our moms, kakaks and driver to help with the kids on a daily basis. I have a rule that I must send my kids to school every morning because no matter how busy I am that day, I have to spend those 20 minutes in the car with them and ask them about their day, their friends, their interests, basically whatever they want to talk about. We have a rule that we need to go on a family vacation every quarter just me, Vivy and the kids and spend real quality time with them.
4. Being a father also means realigning your priorities and also being ready for some changes in your lifestyle! How has being a father affected your daily responsibilities as an entrepreneur? How did you cope with that transition from being a business owner (and not just any business, but an influential one!) to being a father?
I think being a parent has actually taught me a lot more about time-discipline and working efficiently. I feel it’s also made me a better leader because I realize I can’t do everything by myself and I have to trust my team to do the work. So now the way I manage the team and company is different; making sure everyone is aligned, everyone is communicating well and problems are solved and not swept under the rug.
5. What is that one takeaway for you being a father?
There’s no such thing as a professional father and no one is born knowing what to do when they become one. So don’t be too hard on yourself when you make mistakes because they will happen. Just enjoy the moments.
6. What are your hopes and aspirations for your children?
The only thing I expect from them is to grow up with values of humility, kindness and integrity; for everything else I wish them the best.
7. Years down the road, Daniel, Mariam and Sarah would be reading this! What would be your message for them?
Give your parents some money for holiday.
8. Any pieces of advice for fathers out there who are also managing their own businesses as well as being a father?
We run businesses so we can earn money and give the best to our families. Don’t let that be the reason you’re not part of it. They need you just as much as you need them.
