This Father’s Day, we partnered with the team over at CoolxDad to spotlight a few incredible dads in a few of our fav styles (photography by William Isaac). Co-founded by Kevin Barnett and Arvy Lim, CoolxDad is a non-profit committed to helping POC be more present fathers and father figures.
By offering mental health, financial literacy, mentorship, and entrepreneurship programs, they’re helping dads show up both physically and emotionally — and a portion of proceeds from our Gift Guide will go towards supporting Kevin and Arvy’s mission.
Marcus Lovely: Entrepreneur
@marcus.lovely
The Short-Sleeve Heather Henley
Can you give us some background on who you are and what you do?
My name is Marcus Lovely, and I’m the VP of Sales for a technology firm; I also own a local business called DUO Coffee & Pilates. Just as the name suggests, we’re a dual concept business that features a specialty coffee shop and a full Pilates studio.
What inspires you and what are your passions?
My inspiration comes from my wife, children, and the desire to never be average. I’m extremely passionate about travel, aviation, watches, and technology.
How many kids do you have?
I have two beautiful sons, ages 13 and 2.
What attracted you to the CoolxDad mission?
What attracted me to the CoolxDad mission is that its core values are selfless, and reflect the things that I value most. Being able to make a difference in people’s lives is what I’m most passionate about, and I LOVE that CoolxDad is built on that.
The Short-Sleeve Heather Henley and Stretch Terry 5-Pocket Pants
What do you consider your job as a dad?
It’s much like being an air traffic controller. I feel like it’s consistently managing a never-ending amount of obstacles, good and bad — but doing so in a kind of organized chaos. The best part is the challenge, and trying your best to get through the day without messing everything up!
Should the role dads play at home be redefined?
I think it’s important for us to be agnostic of the fact that we don’t live in the same world our fathers and grandfathers grew up in. Being a strong father figure shouldn’t be defined by the things we grew up being told a dad should do.
Top underrated — but totally necessary — dad skill?
Listening.
What do you want to tell all the dads and father figures out there? What is the best advice you can give to them?
Finding success as a father comes from knowing that you will mess up. Daily.
Name the thing that makes your home feel like a home.
Simply sharing a meal together.
The Short-Sleeve Heather Henley
Any silver linings this past year?
The past year was difficult because I spent so much time away from home to build our new business, but it was a blessing to be able to get rid of things we didn’t need, sell our house, and move to the city so we could spend more time together.
What do you hope for your kids in the future?
To learn from my mistakes, but know that mistakes will happen and understand that you have to learn from them.
The #1 thing you love most about being a dad?
Watching them grow and learn. It’s absolutely beautiful to see development at every level.
Still looking for the perfect present? Check out what our other two cool dads, Carlos and Juan, are sporting, or shop the full Father’s Day Gift Guide.
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