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Meet Kelvin Cheong (@onlybrown_leathergoods), the Singapore-based founder and owner of leather accessories company onlyBrown.
1. What are your main passions and how do you cultivate them?
I like to take care of myself – both mentally and physically – since I only have one body. I stay committed to lifelong learning by reading widely on topics ranging from business to design, both within and outside my field of retail. I also maintain a regular exercise routine to keep myself in peak condition, working out five times a week with 30-minute sessions of either strength training or cardio.
2. Describe your morning routine and how it sets the tone for your day.
My morning routine starts with a power-packed breakfast—usually something simple like an egg with wholemeal bread or a bowl of oatmeal topped with fruit, plus a much-needed caffeine boost. After a short rest, I begin my exercise routine around 10 a.m. with a 30-minute session. I mix it up with weights or various forms of cardio such as HIIT, steady-state, or boxing. For me, variety is essential for maintaining a sustainable workout routine.
3. How do you find time to unwind and slow down?
I make it a priority to spend my evenings with my wife and mom. Whether it’s dinner, chatting, watching movies, or enjoying some jazz music, it’s all simple but meaningful. Family time is really important to me.
4. Where do you primarily draw your style inspiration from?
I’m really drawn to the stylish Japanese men and their daily outfits. Their keen sense of aesthetics fascinates me, especially how they mix and match essential pieces to create fresh, stylish combinations. Their simple yet tasteful everyday wear is something I love. If I had to choose a style influencer, it would definitely be @cazjl on IG for his fantastic, wearable ensembles. I also admire Nick Wooster’s edgy elegance, though I’m not quite ready to embrace those tattoos just yet!
5. Is there a particular item in your wardrobe or accessory that holds special meaning for you?
It has to be my favorite pair of Eaton loafers from Crockett & Jones. I bought them on my first business trip to London, and I’ve been wearing them for years. They work perfectly with denim, tailored pants, and even bermudas—truly versatile. They’ll probably outlast me! That’s the charm of well-made Goodyear-welted shoes, or any quality craft, really.
6. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received and who gave it to you?
My late father-in-law, a businessman, gave me a piece of advice when I started my own venture 13 years ago: “Take it one step at a time.” This simple guidance has stayed with me ever since. His words serve as a quiet but constant reminder during tough times in my business. After all, running a business is a roller-coaster ride—what goes down will eventually come up. I just have to bite the bullet, be patient and ride it out.
7. What do you value most in a conversation?
I value open, genuine conversations with a touch of humor. I also believe that being open to different viewpoints sets the stage for more meaningful exchanges in the future.
8. If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why?
It has to be the late Prime Minister of Singapore, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew. I have immense respect for him and his team for elevating a small island to global prominence. To me, it’s a masterclass in leadership and strategy. I also admire his exceptional command of the English language, along with his wit and eloquence.
9. How do you define success and what motivates you to achieve it?
To me, success means building on my past achievements. It’s not just about financial gain. I value celebrating even the smallest wins and staying motivated by surrounding myself with positive people and reflecting on my progress. “Passion keeps me going; profit keeps me alive” also helps to inspire me.
10. Can you share an instance when someone exemplified the character of a gentleman in a memorable way?
This is a challenging question. To me, a true gentleman is someone with integrity—someone who never takes advantage of others, particularly when they’re in a vulnerable position.
11. Describe an interesting trip you’ve taken. What’s the next destination on your bucket list?
I remember my first trip to Paris. I thought nothing could go wrong in such a romantic city, but Spring came late, and I was caught off guard. I wasn’t dressed for the cold, so I ended up shivering on the streets—truly embarrassing! Now, I’m eagerly anticipating a year-end trip to Guangzhou, China, to explore their retail and café scene. Just thinking about it gets me excited!
12. What are your three favorite books?
– Encyclopedia of Bodybuilding by Arnold Schwarzenegger. Inspiring lessons!
– True Style by Bruce Boyer. Witty!
– The Diary of a CEO by Steven Bartlett. Motivational!
13. What are your three favorite movies?
I’ll go with these:
– Terminator 3 – Rise of the Machines
– Ip Man– a martial arts movie starring Donnie Yen (or any movie by Jackie Chan)
– Emily in Paris – Cooper is a gem!
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