A note from our founders to their children.
This Father’s Day, we asked our founders to reflect on what it means to be a dad in this day and age. More than just raising responsible, caring kids, they also want to do their part to protect the planet. Every day, they ask themselves how they can take conscious steps — as business owners, designers, and human beings — to take care of the Earth for future generations, including their own children.
Here are the heartfelt messages Jiake and Terry have for their families.
Jiake (dad to Aiden, age 1):
Dear Aiden,
A month before the pandemic struck, you came into my life and forever changed it for the better. I’m so grateful that instead of flying around the world for business meetings, I had the luxury to spend every single day with you, watching you grow.
Every morning I wake up to your smile. You are perfectly content— it reminds me to try to be more present and thankful. Every time I see you play with your toys with such focus, you remind me to be more centered, so I can better prioritize what really matters.
Every afternoon we go out for a walk or play in the backyard, and you stare at a flower or a single blade of grass with such curiosity. You help me think long-term and confirm my belief that we all need to do better to protect our environment, so you and your children in the future can also enjoy what Mother Earth has to offer.
I can’t wait to show you the world and see it through your eyes, so I can learn to be a more content, centered, and benevolent person.
Love,
Dad
Terry (dad to Piper, 7 and Jasper, 2):
Dear Emily, Piper and Jasper,
I've had a long career and am still working every day to make an impact. We all want to be successful, but we have to realize that success can be measured in many ways.
There is a deeply philosophical question you may have heard before, and if not, it’s a good one to simmer on. It goes something like this:
- What do you want loved ones to say in your eulogy?
- What are three things you want to be remembered for?
- Start from the end and work your way backwards. Write the story of your life.
- If today was your last day on earth, would you be happy with how you’ve lived your life?
This Father’s Day, rather than my family celebrating me, I’m taking the opposite approach and thinking about how I celebrate my family. I’m going to think about how I want my family to remember me.
Long ago, I came to the conclusion that it would be nice to be remembered for being a thoughtful designer or accidental entrepreneur, but what really matters is that my family remembers me for being a good father. That was there for my kids. That I instilled lasting values that will shape who they grow up to be. That they think beyond themselves and can make a meaningful impact on the world for the better.
Love,
Your Dad
Jiake and Terry’s kids are lucky to have them, and we’re lucky too. They’ve made a lasting impression on how we achieve and approach sustainable design as a company, and an industry. They’re also creating space — and comfortable seating — for families to relax in their own backyards; and that’s something we can all look up to.