Family Business Roots & Three Journeys to Pursuing Creative Passions

Kenneth returned home to Cebu in 1996 to manage Interior Crafts of the Islands, Inc., a furniture design and manufacturing company founded by his mother Betty Cobonpue in 1972. Growing up, the furniture workshop was at the back of his house, and he would make his own toys and have his own projects as kids do. And he realized that growing up he wanted to make his mom and other people smile and be happy with his designs and creations. In a way, his creativity was initially fueled by the bedtime stories that his mom would tell him at night about other worlds, places, and fairytales.

Today, the KENNETHCOBONPUE® brand has become known globally for its unique designs and extensive roster of clientele, including Hollywood celebrities and members of royalty. With his masterful way of integrating nature, traditional craft and innovative technologies, designer and creative director Kenneth Cobonpue has earned international awards and recognition for his creative, organic, and expressive pieces.

When asked by the moderator, Jeremy Cheng (Founder of GEN+ Family Business Advisory and Research), if you see yourself as part of a family business, Kenneth answered that while he is a product of the family business, he has transformed it into something else (from contract furniture manufacturing to being his own brand). So, in a way, he considers himself to be first generation. He further explained that we cannot depend on our own gene pool for talent. He has made the business in a way that designers and professional managers can be hired to continue the brand and the business.

The second designer that we highlighted during the AFEEC is Karen Chan. Karen is the Vice President for Marketing & Business Development of German Pool (Hong Kong) Ltd. and Executive Director of German Pool Group Co Ltd. As a second-generation family member, she has further increased German Pool’s brand recognition by creating her own product line, the SPARKLE COLLECTION by German Pool.

Karen was awarded “Young Industrialist Award of Hong Kong” by Federation of Hong Kong Industries in 2009; “Young Innovative Women Award” of Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation in 2013; “Ten Outstanding Young Persons of Hong Kong” in 2014 and the “Outstanding Women Professionals and Entrepreneurs Award” in 2017. In 2018, she was named “Adjunct Professor” by the School of Business of Hong Kong Baptist University; and was awarded for the “GBA Outstanding Women Entrepreneur Award in Family Business”.

The SPARKLE COLLECTION aims at creating a well-loved brand with understated luxurious style, modern elegance, and glamour. Every finished product would be regarded as an art piece working with the best of the best artists, designers, and brands that Hong Kong has to offer. The collection includes Qipaos, accessories, apparel, kitchen appliances, gifts, and cabinets.

What started as a business of mid-end water heaters, electric appliances, and custom-made cabinetry by her father, Karen has expanded the brand into the black label line to target the upscale market. Currently, using product diversification and strategic partnerships, she expanded the Sparkle line to become a fashion brand for clothing, jewelry, accessories, and gifts.

Jeremy Cheng explained that as the next generation comes into play, their own passions may differ from their family business. So, he asked Karen, how is it when she is building her own brand and pursuing something quite different from the original family business. Karen responded saying that she sees no difference as she sees herself as a brand builder and developer. So, when she is doing the Sparkle Collection or managing German Pool, it is part of her DNA so to speak. She thinks of both in her everyday life. In terms of resources, she is able to persuade her boss, in this case, her father, to allocate resources to build the brand Sparkle Collection.

Finally, the last designer that we highlighted is Monique Lhuillier. Monique Lhuillier designs capture the essence of sophisticated luxury by provoking femininity, allure and glamour that have made her renowned in the world of design. Monique’s innate sense of style is prevalent throughout her ready-to-wear, accessories and bridal collections.

Monique appreciates that luxury can be whimsical and playful, allowing the brand to become a destination for women who understand the art of fashion. Monique’s craft and techniques defy the conventions of day versus evening dressing. Most recently, Monique launched her first line of accessories – the collection includes footwear and bags that are luxuriously constructed and make a statement. Like her ready-to-wear, the accessories feature luxe fabrics, textures, and exquisite construction. She also currently offers collections for the home space.

Monique sits in the board of M Lhuillier Inc. Growing up, she saw her father and grandfather grow their business and achieve their dreams. This entrepreneurial spirit was very much alive in their homes. And she uses this same spirit to grow her business when she discovered her passions. According to her, “When you love what you do, it is not a job. It’s just a part of your life.” For the younger generation, it is important that they find our what they are really interested in and passionate about. This is critical to be successful and maximize their impact. For a family business, the younger generation should be exposed to and mentored in the business even before they join it. They would need to make an honest and critical assessment of themselves. Monique said that the younger generation would also need to roll up their sleeves and be prepared to put in the hard work. Moreover, with the challenges in this new world, she said that tenacity, dedication, and hard work are the keys to moving a business forward

While she has her own brand and business, Monique feels that it is her responsibility as a family member, to keep the original family business going, and hopefully hand it down to the next generation that follows. To do this, she cites 3 critical factors:

1. Regular board meetings to discuss all the issues
2. Full transparency
3. Open communication

According to Monique, these factors not only bring the family together but also strengthens the business.

With these three designers, Kenneth, Karen, and Monique, we are able to understand that passion is a critical factor. With this, we are able to grow an existing family business, expand an existing family business, or even totally venture out from an existing family enterprise.

We also noted a healthy relationship with the previous generation and the current generation. This can be in the form of handing the reigns of the business, giving support to expand the business, or the continued open communication and transparency in family board meetings.

And lastly, for the next generation, we learn that while it would be good to expose and mentor them to the family business, it would be best practice to have professional managers and designers in place in case the passions and pursuits of the next generation are into something else.

The video recording for this talk and the other sessions of the Asian Family Enterprise Excellence Conference are available until the end of the July for those that purchased the tickets. You can access it, by going to this link. If you have not purchased a ticket to the conference and would like to access to the video content now, these are available for USD50. Please purchase it here.

Premier Family Business Consultancy facilitates these heart-to-heart conversations among family members so they can discover their passions. Premier would also help organize the structures and governance of family businesses and prepare the succession planning for next-gen leadership. Please contact us for a complimentary consultation.

Supplementary sources:
http://www.kennethcobonpue.com/
https://moniquelhuillier.com/
https://sparklecollection.co/