Phyllis Hong of San Diego sees all her businesses as an opportunity to teach her own children the ins and outs of the business world.
Hong is the owner of four businesses: Bubble Truck San Diego, a kids entertainment company that delivers bubble foam parties; The Sweet Printer, a custom cookie printing company; Spin The Ad, an advertising platform that uses holographic fans to draw attention to brands; and Paint a Hug, a mental health awareness company for children where they are able to show us their feelings through art.
With the Bubble Truck specifically, Hong said she has been teaching her kids how to run a business.
“We saw a need for foam parties in San Diego that were made specifically for kids,” Hong said. “Our kids have loved bubbles since they were babies and it seemed like a great way to teach them how to be entrepreneurs.”
The Bubble Truck has been a hit over the summer with Hong receiving many bookings for children’s parties and events.
“I love seeing the joy in the children who play in the foam,” Hong said. “Many times the parents join in on the fun too. It’s a happy business and it’s a lot easier to run because people are always happy when they see our bubbles. We are especially touched when parents of autistic children say that this was the only time their child has come out of their shell during a party. Our three kids are all on the spectrum so we completely understand how important playing with something so magical is to their development.”
Of course, balancing work and parenting comes with its challenges. Hong said she makes it work by outsourcing jobs when she can. She also makes sure there is designated family time.
“We carve out time every day to just hang out, make dinner together, and as they get older, perhaps because they’re on the spectrum and don’t go out with friends, we get to spend more time together than other parents with kids their ages,” Hong said.
What would she tell other parents living the same work-life grind? Find the balance.
“As a parent running multiple businesses, the best advice I can offer is to prioritize balance and embrace flexibility,” Hong said. “Another key piece of advice is to involve your family in your entrepreneurial journey where possible. This could mean sharing your wins and challenges with them or even letting your kids see what you do—it’s a great way to teach them about hard work and passion.”
For more information about Bubble Truck, go to bubbletruck.com/sandiego.
For more information about The Sweet Printer, go to thesweetprinter.com.
For more information about Spin The Ad, go to www.spinthead.com.
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San Diego Moms is published on Saturdays. Have a story idea? Email hoaq@timesofsandiego.com and follow her on Instagram at @hoawritessd.
