A Journey from Construction to Entrepreneurship
Gen, the founder of Petit Parc in Pavilion Damansara Heights, never envisioned himself as an entrepreneur. Born in Malaysia, he spent parts of his childhood in Brunei Darussalam before moving to Australia, where he completed his university education. Afterward, he continued to move between Malaysia and Brunei for work, but in May 2021, he made a permanent return to Kuala Lumpur.
The decision was driven by two main factors: the pandemic and the need for his children to start kindergarten. This sudden move came during a time when travel was restricted, and employment opportunities were uncertain. With no jobs lined up, Gen and his wife, Wahn, had to find a way to support their family.
Entrepreneurship by Necessity
Gen shared with Vulcan Post that the decision to move back was abrupt. “We came back with our family without any certainty of employment,” he said. “It was a time of economic uncertainty, and lockdowns were still in effect.”
Faced with these challenges, they decided to start an online business selling natural organic aroma products sourced locally and from Thailand. The business allowed them to stay home with their young children while managing online classes. However, this transition wasn’t easy. Gen had previously worked in the construction industry, which required no knowledge of e-commerce or social media. “It was a steep learning curve,” he admitted.
This led to the creation of Vixen & Cupid, a brand focused on natural, handcrafted products with safe ingredients for families.
A Petit Space for Parents and Children
As restrictions eased, Gen and Wahn began taking their kids to playgrounds more often. They noticed a common issue: many playgrounds lacked proper waiting areas for parents. “We were working remotely and found the experience in various playgrounds unsatisfactory,” Gen explained.
From a construction perspective, he also felt that waiting areas were often added as an afterthought. Parents would end up sitting on the floor or on playground fixtures. This realization sparked the idea for Petit Parc—a space designed for both parents and children to enjoy.
Balancing Work and Play
Located in Pavilion Damansara Heights, Petit Parc spans 8,400 sq ft and includes a kitchenette, quiet rooms for meetings, a nursery room, co-working tables, and free Wi-Fi. The co-working space is equipped with numerous power points and offers free-flow tea and brewed black coffee.
To create a calming environment, the couple worked with interior designers to choose a soothing color palette. Safety is also a priority, with CCTV cameras installed at various angles. A live view of the cameras is displayed on a TV screen for parents to monitor their children at all times.
The playground features interactive games for parent-child bonding and a creative zone where children can engage in activities like coloring, reading, or making origami crafts. Every Tuesday, from 4 PM to 5 PM, there are free arts and crafts sessions.
Focusing on Offline Operations
With their focus on Petit Parc, Gen and Wahn have shifted Vixen & Cupid’s operations entirely offline. “The reason is straightforward—more investment went into Petit Parc, and achieving ROI became a priority,” Gen explained.
Despite increased competition in the indoor playground market, Petit Parc has received positive feedback. To stay ahead, the couple has been forming partnerships for unique events such as Padel Ball Coaching Clinics and STEM learning activities.
Looking Ahead
Gen and Wahn plan to expand their customer base and eventually open another outlet offering a more family-focused experience. Their vision is to create spaces where parents and children can feel at home, enjoying both play and productivity.