Vivien Wong, co-founder of the ice cream company Little Moons, has shared her experience of leaving a £80,000-a-year job to pursue her entrepreneurial ambitions. Her journey, alongside her brother, involved navigating the challenges of building a business from the ground up, eventually leading to significant growth and a shift in their day-to-day roles.
Wong and her brother founded Little Moons, a company that specializes in ice cream. The decision to transition from a stable corporate career to the uncertainties of a startup required a significant leap of faith. Wong has spoken about the strength derived from working with her brother, acknowledging that their sibling relationship sometimes led to arguments that they had to learn to manage in a professional context.
"You have to be really mindful that you're being as respectful to your brother as a colleague and you see him as a colleague and not a sibling," Wong advised for those considering working with family members. She highlighted that establishing clear boundaries is crucial for maintaining both personal and professional relationships within a family business.
The company experienced a pivotal moment when it considered a major expansion, moving from a 5,000 sq ft factory to a 30,000 sq ft site. This move would dramatically increase annual rent from approximately £40,000 to £500,000. Wong noted that she was more inclined to embrace this significant risk, while her brother, by nature, was more cautious. However, these differing perspectives ultimately helped them make more balanced and informed decisions.
As Little Moons has grown and established a wider leadership team, including a chief executive, Wong and her brother have become less involved in the daily operations. This transition has allowed them to return to a more traditional brother-sister relationship outside of the business's immediate demands. Wong shared these insights in an interview about her experiences and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.