Steven is an excellent communicator and a visionary full of wonderful ideas. He is not afraid to take creative risks and generously invites others into his imagination. His propensity to test out new ideas without fearing judgement is truly rare and admirable. An eloquent speaker, Steven proudly presents his newly developed products with confidence and persuasions. Painting with broad strokes, he sometimes gets blindsided by the “shiny fun things”, and lose focus of the big picture, ignoring the practical but necessary aspects of the project. The areas in which he can improve in include: attention to detail, persistence in trying before seeking for help and awareness of others (to be a better listener). Areas in which he shows great potential is critical thinking, effective communication, and collaboration.

Overall, Steven is a bundle of joy with an infectious smile and it was a true pleasure working with him on this project.

Ethan is a dedicated young entrepreneur and very strong team player. He is quick to listen and learn when it comes to new ideas and business concepts (i.e. why revenue doesn’t equal profits). However, when it comes to brainstorming, he is risk-averaged and reluctant to present his ideas, fearing judgement and failure, missing 100% of the shots he doesn’t take. For the most part, he is confidence and level headed, ready to roll up his sleeves and get to work. The areas in which he can improve in include creative risk taking (being willing to fail forward), presentation skills, focus (getting distracted at times and dependent on others to support him), greater organisation (having the foresight to plan ahead and delegate if need be). The areas in which he shows great potential include social intelligence (empathetic and generous), collaboration (considering the interest of all stakeholders) and effective leadership.

Overall, I had a blast working with Ethan and I am excited to see him grow as he pursues more ambitious projects.

You two make great business partners, and I must admit how proud I am of you both for not fighting, something that causes many start-ups to fail. 100% agree that you both need to be more independent and organised.

p.s. Steven, you make some great points, but please let Ethan finish his sentences! Ethan, don’t rush your answers, be generous with your thoughts and elaborate (don’t assume people can walk inside your brain)

Without even knowing what project we would work on at the start of the summer, thank you so much for supporting Ethan and Steven’s creative journey. I think they have come a long way and it’s been a pleasure witnessing how they have grown wiser, more entrepreneurial and perhaps more practical as well. Of course, this project wouldn’t have been possible without both you your unfailing support. Andrea, thank you for going all the way to Kwun Tong on a Saturday afternoon to pick up stickers and stationing at the beanery from beginning to end. Yena, thank you for suggesting and actually going through with getting permission to do the launch at the beanery, I can only imagine the frustration. Surely there were also a million things in between that you unsung heroes have done without any of us knowing but was crucial in making the launch of kuhlture feasible.

I know they didn’t factor in rent for their break-even point, and if their presentation was sent to VCs, they would be torn to pieces. However, it is precisely their courage or what others would call naïveté that made me reflect on the ruthless furnace of this world and the ills of capitalism. It is through their project that made me rethink whether rent robs workers of their wages and contributes to poverty. They also made question why it is so acceptable that the business world be so cruel, calculating and cutthroat? Why wolves, not wallabies on Wall St? Steven and Ethan reminded me that the status quo should be questioned. Wouldn’t learning be more relevant and the world be a more dynamic and exciting place if children participated in the marketplace?

I must admit I was quite sceptical at first and perhaps very worried until very recently. From the list of ideas on a Google Doc to tasting Lime Delight in a jar with rosemary and actual branding on it, I am very proud to have been part of kuhlture. With their inspirational “I-don’t-need-permission-to-do-something-awesome” mentality, I’m genuinely excited for their projects ahead, and I’m confident that these creative geniuses will do great things because they are in great hands (yes, I am talking about you, Andrea and Yena) 

Warmly, 
Mo