10 January 2014, "Recruit" First Column - The Choice Between Business and Dreams

Me100fun Column Issue 1

The Choice Between Business and Dream

Author: Chan Wai Sam, Founder of Me100fun Educational Toy Specialist Store

Friends often ask, how do I make my toy business stand out? Is it about featuring electronic toys, anime characters, or the trendiest gadgets to achieve massive sales? This was precisely the question I faced at the beginning of my toy business journey.

I have a happy family, and a wife who cares deeply about our children's growth. She diligently studies books on child development, and over time, we realized the importance of toys in a child's growth. We decided to start a business that benefits the next generation: specializing in back-to-basics educational toys to help children with developmental issues such as hyperactivity, speech delay, literacy, and social difficulties.

The Determination to Go Against the Grain

Simple toys can inspire wisdom and foster healthy growth in children – this is our belief. However, in a business-driven world where everyone seeks flashy gadgets, can this philosophy break into the commercial mainstream and align with the times? It wasn't until I encountered many real-life cases that I understood the significance of running this business and solidified our confidence.

I know a child who started playing with a tablet at two years old. In his world, the only action was "swiping a finger." One time, his father tried to play with him, and the child only knew how to swipe his finger across his father's face, as if it were a computer screen! Growing up in this environment, will the new generation develop proper thinking and values? Will they be able to cultivate memory, concentration, logical analysis, mathematical abilities, and social skills?

Work is for living and making a livelihood, but I believe that dreams and reality can coexist. Making an infinite impact in a finite life, and allowing more people to benefit and be helped through their work, is the driving force that pushes us forward every day.

Persevering in Belief to Overcome Obstacles

Eight years later, our brand has garnered a certain level of support and has helped many parents and children. Along the way, we encountered many obstacles. For example, since our store is located in a business district, should we introduce popular boutique items for office ladies to increase sales? With limited funds, how do we promote ourselves to reach more parents?

Perseverance requires courage and wisdom, but we believe there are more solutions than problems. As long as we move towards our ideals, we will surely achieve the desired results. The goal is ahead, never give up.