Becoming My Father’s Daughter: Lessons in Grit, Creativity, and Family Business

My dad was a hardass. Growing up, family and friends were afraid of him—and rightfully so. If you came over, you were probably put to work—either at our house or helping out at the family print shop. If you stayed for dinner, you were expected to finish every grain of rice and every drop of soup in your bowl. Don’t expect pleasantries like “please” or “thank you.” And if you got a “good job,” consider yourself lucky.

Looking back, it wasn’t always easy being in our family. But now, I’m so grateful for the person it shaped me into—today, as a daughter, a wife, a mother, and a business owner.

It’s funny how life comes full circle. The older I get, the more I realize just how much I’ve become my father’s daughter.

We’re Hard Workers

My dad is 74 this year and still shows no signs of retiring (trust me, I’ve tried to convince him). As an immigrant to Canada, he built a better life for our family through sheer hustle. For nearly four decades, he and my mom have run a print shop—just the two of them—handling every single aspect of the business on their own. That includes teaching themselves how to print, managing sales, design, assembly, troubleshooting, customer service, deliveries, bookkeeping—you name it.

Slacking was never an option, and time was always precious.

That relentless work ethic? I inherited it. My go-go-go mentality, my need to make every hour count—that’s my dad in me.

We’re Entrepreneurs

Before he started his own business, my dad worked at a tool and mold factory—a stable, well-paying job, especially for a newcomer to Canada. But he left it behind, worried about the health risks. (Ironically, printing probably wasn't much better health-wise, but never mind that.)

Once you start a business, your brain starts spinning with ideas. That’s definitely my dad. He’s pitched at least 20 business ideas to me over the years—and had 40 more of his own.

He always wanted me to go into graphic design and somehow expand the family print business. But I had other plans. I wanted to be a fashion designer, work for an apparel company, earn a steady salary, have benefits, and feel more secure. I didn’t want to take risks—because growing up, we didn’t have that kind of safety net.

Still, my dad believed in me. He wanted me to instead start my own company because he always felt like I could make more money doing it on my own. He even brought me to Hong Kong and China to explore fabric markets and factories. I shot down most of his ideas… until I eventually found my own way to entrepreneurship—one that blended graphic design and printing paper goods. Funny how things work out.

We’re DIYers

If something broke, my dad wouldn’t pay someone to fix it. He’d find a way himself. He’s a natural problem solver. If a pipe burst, he was at Home Hardware getting parts. If he needed to move a one-ton machine, he built homemade ramps and rolling contraptions (true story). This is the man who renovated a 10-unit apartment building with only the help of his children.

We didn’t have a lot of money so he was crafty and resourceful because he needed to be. But I also think he enjoyed the challenge. And this was all pre-YouTube, Google and Pinterest. No tutorials. Just ingenuity.

We are hands-on people and always thinking of the next project we can start or make better. I have my dad to thank for my creativity, my hands-on mindset, and my love of making things. My husband appreciates that I know how to handle a power drill and can do some drywalling when needed.

We’re a Family Business

Growing up, it was normal for me to spend full days at the print shop. I’d nap on the couch, eat lunch in the office, and help out wherever I could. Summers were spent working or running errands. It was normal for our whole family to spend entire days going on deliveries with my parents. The business wasn’t just part of our life—it was our life.

Now, as a business owner with a daughter of my own, I'm not sure I want her to endure the same kind of hustle we went through. But I do recognize the joy in having my family be a part of the journey. And I love seeing how excited she gets when she can help.

Thank You, Dad

Thank you for guiding me down a path I didn’t know I wanted.
For taking me along for the ride.
For teaching me practical, invaluable skills.
For showing me the worth of time, money, and hard work.

I am who I am because of you.
And honestly, I wouldn’t want it any other way.