"Starting a business is hard, but sustaining one is even harder." For over 30 years, Sui Hing Leather Factory has been rooted in Hong Kong. Now in the hands of its third-generation owner, Kean, a 30-year-old born in the 90s, the factory faces declining orders and a struggling industry. Determined to adapt, Kean has spent the past seven years transforming the family business. He launched the sub-brand, The Lederer, focusing on leather goods production, material sales, and workshops, while striving to maintain the factory’s operations and keep it afloat.
“If the legacy ends with me, doesn’t that make me the failure?” Kean laughs, admitting his competitive spirit drives him to fight for the factory’s survival.
Kean recalls how orders for the factory began to dwindle around 2010, with even relatives doubting the business’s future. “That doubt became a huge motivation,” he says. He expanded the factory’s business from leather production to selling materials to local leather craft workshops, which showed promising results.
When orders plummeted further in 2015, Kean diversified by founding The Lederer, focusing on leather material kits, custom-made leather goods, and workshops. Some of the leather used was still produced by Sui Hing, ensuring its legacy lived on.
Running The Lederer wasn’t easy. Kean faced initial opposition from his parents, wasted money on unnecessary renovations, and even had to part ways with a business partner due to differences. By 2016, he took full control of operations, turning a heavily indebted company into a balanced one. In 2017, he opened a minimalist storefront, achieving financial stability quickly. “The earlier setbacks were valuable lessons,” he says, describing them as the foundation for his current success.
The Lederer’s growth surprised his parents and gave Kean a sense of relief, but he remains far from complacent. The company now faces a bottleneck, with staff shortages being the most pressing issue.
Kean explains that it’s not just leather craftsmen who are hard to find—designers and order coordinators are also scarce. With an incomplete team, product development has slowed dramatically. “We designed a bag in November, but it’s still not finished because we’re understaffed,” he says.
In the meantime, Kean is focusing on improving internal systems, such as implementing time tracking, formal leave applications, and better document management. He’s also learning to slow down. “I used to push myself too hard. I’d wake up three to five times a night. Now, I’m trying to pace myself so I can lead my team more effectively.”
Kean likens the journey to finishing elementary school and now entering high school, where the real challenges begin. He hopes to expand the team to 15 members next year and aims to achieve millions in revenue while exploring new markets, including pet products and overseas opportunities.
As The Lederer stabilizes, Sui Hing Leather Factory has had to cease leather production due to declining demand, the closure of local chemical suppliers, and stiff competition. Since 2018-19, the factory has focused solely on material processing, allowing it to maintain operations without incurring losses.
Kean admits it was heartbreaking to stop production but recognizes it was the only viable path. “If we hadn’t stopped then, we wouldn’t have survived now.” Selling raw materials has become the most comfortable way to keep the factory running, even if the revenue is lower.
When his parents suggested closing the factory entirely, Kean firmly opposed the idea. “As long as I’m here, Sui Hing will stay,” he says.
Kean is proud that his parents now trust him completely to manage the business, allowing them to enjoy life and travel. However, he remains cautious about passing the business to a fourth generation, acknowledging the challenges ahead.
“If I can pass it down, that would be incredible, but it’s not my main goal. As long as I have the ability, I’ll keep going, no matter how tough the road is.”
Even if he leaves Hong Kong one day, Kean is determined to carry the Sui Hing name forward, ensuring its legacy continues.
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