ryancsj

♥️

Said goodbye to my best friend last night cos he moved to 🇩🇰 So yes, long post alert.

It was mentioned randomly in a few conversations recently that I like to drink - I learnt that's not wholly true; that if you told me to name the 3 top activities I'd like to do over a weekend, drinking probably wouldn't be one of them. But certain things just make sense with certain people.

Whether it was drinks, or jamming, having a meal or doing something stupid, it made sense. It'll make less sense now, but I'm so excited with where you're headed and what the future has in store for you and .

I dont know what consitutes being a best friend - you weren't great at the advice when it came to what I was going through, but you listened all the time and saw through every low point, as was I. Plus there's nothing you don't know.

Regardless, we've been here before mate - so I'll see you in a few. Until then, have fun, work hard and be happy.

As I type this now, even though we've already launched TOS x SIA, my team is still working - working on other specifics, post launch assets and everything else that's coming in this busy season. Just as I did for TAF, I wanted to take 5 minutes to commend my team.

It's not easy working at a retail brand, especially at this stage of evolution for but I'm so proud of the work you guys have done. We will continue to push you guys to your possible limit, but know that it's because we want you to know that you can do things you never imagined and that this team will push with you - we are possible.

I don't say it often enough as your "boss", but trust the process - you guys are part of the brands journey and when we make it, we will enjoy the fruits of our labour; I believe its a matter of when, not if. Thank you for your hard work.







And my boomer colleague Hadi.

To be completely honest, I can't remember when I last worked this hard and struggled for consistency but I wanted to document this very moment.

At about 330am the house is usually dead quiet and I'm alone with my thoughts and the sounds of sporadic traffic by my window but tonight awoke. We had a simple supper together, something we hadn't done in a long time. I also had an exchange of 2 lines with about working hard. A simple, but much needed one.

I've been fighting this terrible headache and fatigue but can't afford to rest as I need to complete my work this season and so ting brewed me a rooibos and a flask w warm water.

I also had completely forgotten Liverpool were playing Everton, a fixture that was dark in many ways this time last season and its almost metaphoric for me to see how they've bounced back since then.

And right when Ting was about to go to sleep, came walking out of his room himself in a slumber, something that never happens. He called out to me and I carried him for a brief moment before they retreated back to sleep - it felt as if he came to show some support too.

I'm tired and battered, but feeling positive and charged up at the same time. I wanted to take this picture of my desk I've now cleared up. It also features the back of a receipt which I had scribbled an idea on; an idea that will be my throw of the dice.

If everything goes to plan, this will be what sparked it all and a moment I will remember for life because these wee hours are usually when self doubt creeps in for me - but fortunately not today. I've got everything I need, especially myself. I back myself and as long as you do that honestly , the result will be great regardless.

633am, Dec 2nd.

You turned 2 this week. And I just wanna say thank you for being such a constant and my biggest reason for pushing on - the last few months have been so stressful, but you've been there to receive me.

Even though you don't know what I'm saying or going through, your existence gives me strength.You've had some major milestones in the last 12 months. I am so proud of you.

Your mother and I are so lucky to have you as our solid anchor. I'm so blessed and I can't wait to see what you'll show the world.In the meantime, your old man is going to try to be the best version of himself, so that you'll always remember to do the same.

This was from one of our first shoots when we launched and just like that, we are now 4.

I've had to grow from being the worker to the leader. Everything else that people see is polished glamour - oh I'm a boss, a business owner and a CEO.

But that also means I'm responsible for my staffs livelihoods, that I'd cut all of my pay before even touching theirs. It means I've got my eggs in this basket and I'd do anything to succeed; that as CEO, my mistakes are mine to bear, and I'm right on my own when that happens. I pay for it, and indirectly my wife and son will too.

We enter a new world now - one that I believe Faire will shine, just as it was always meant to. Born on the 15th of November 2017, you're literally my first baby. Let's do this. Here's to many more years and many more successes. It's about time we rock and rolled.

As a new father that's still figuring out how it all works, I think, it's important to share how crucial it is to maintain a strong sense of self, and not having the habit to bottle things up just because societal stigma has decided that "men are tough and don't talk about their feelings".

I'm very happy to have done this interview with and I'm looking forward to working with them in whatever capacity they need my help with to raise awareness for the mental well being of fathers.

To my fellow fathers, here's to you - check out the article over at my link in bio.