These Dads Are Doing It Right – Part 28 – Dads That Pave Their Own Path

This week for the These Dads Are Doing It Right series I wanted to show some love to dads who are paving their own path. From starting a business to leading by example these dads are doing it right. These dads are not only helping out other dads, but they are a great role model for their kids. Make sure you support them. 

Kwame White – Diaper Bags For Dads 

Kwame White is the founder and CEO of W.S.E.L Bags. It is a modern diaper bag designed for full-time dads on the go. White came up with the idea after looking for a bag to carry while he was taking care of his son Kobe. White spoke to a lot of other new fathers. He found out that there are thousands of diaper bags for mothers and very few products for fathers. Kwame decided to do something about it. Leveraging his 12 years of supply chain experience at one of the largest retailers in the USA and one and half years of being a dad, he created Work Smart Enjoy Life Bags (WSELBags). He wants to offer trendy, high quality, multifunctional diaper bags for dads (and moms). To support Kwame and his company go to wselbags.com. 

James Oliver Jr. – The ParentPreneur 

James Oliver, Jr. is a dad of twins, Thaddeus and Zoe. He is teaching them all about hard work and how to pave your own way. He’s founder of the ParentPreneur Foundation. This foundation looks to empowers Black ParentPreneurs. He is also the founder of WeMontage.com, the world’s only website that turns your permanent photo memories into removable wallpaper. If that is not enough, Jame wrote a book called The More You Hustle, The Luckier You Get: You CAN Be a Successful Parentpreneur to help you get started! Check out his website at parentpreneurfoundation.org. 

Patrick Llewellyn – 99designs 

“Entrepreneurship isn’t only about the immediate gains; it’s about paving the way for a better future. And with kids in the picture, this future means more than ever.”That quote is from Patrick Llewellyn. He is the CEO of 99designs. 99designs is a global creative platform that makes it easy for clients and designers to work together online. Since 2008, their community has brought more than one million creative projects to life for thousands of genius entrepreneurs, savvy business owners, and brands with big ideas. 

On his site he writes, “Fatherhood has made me value, more than ever, the power and importance of teamwork. From my amazing wife (who makes everything possible for our family) to the talented team at 99designs teamwork and a caring team and community have been critical to our success and the most rewarding part of our entrepreneurial journey.”You got to love how he sees fatherhood and how he values his profession since he became a dad. 

Jake Starr – The Recycling Firefighter 

Jake Starr is the founder of RecycledFirefighter.  He started it up when he had down time at his job. It became a means to supplement income to support his family. He created items made from recycled fire hoses. It grew it into a profitable family business. Over at his site, he writes, “With my first born son on his way in March, the search was on for a part-time, work-from-home job. I had slowly been teaching myself how to sew backpacking hammocks from watching YouTube videos, and had even sold several to friends for a decent profit.” Now you can purchase bags, wallets and other items over at his site. 

Rafael Atijas – Loog Guitars

Rafael Atijas is the founder and CEO of Loog Guitars. It is a little bit business and a little bit rock ‘n’ roll. In his early twenties he played in a band in Uruguay and recorded two albums. He moved to New York, where he enrolled in New York University’s Masters Program for Integrated Marketing. He graduated with honors with his Loog Guitars thesis. Rafael has won design and innovation awards in Uruguay, Spain and the U.S. Loog Guitars is driven by a passion for music and sustainable design. They source wood only from responsibly managed forests and are committed to quality and safety standards that meet or exceed government regulations. 

He talks about how his kids help with the quality of the guitars they make. He says, “I make guitars for children, so I actually get to test my products with my kids. They like coming to the office, because it’s full of musical instruments and fun stuff.” You have to love when you can combine work and family like that.