Article: A Life reInspired - Leonard Lee
A Life reInspired - Leonard Lee
A Life reInspired is a series that celebrates new beginnings. Through it, we discover stories of people who have embraced new possibilities, found the courage to step beyond the familiar, and reimagined what their journey could become.
This Father's Day, we present a special edition of A Life reInspired - The Way He Loves. We speak with Leonard Lee about fatherhood, family, and building ANON, the menswear brand he co-founded.
Co-founder of ANON
“What excited me most was the opportunity to build something meaningful with people I deeply respect. There’s something incredibly life-giving about discovering that there are still new rooms to explore.”
Can you share with us who Leonard Lee is?
Leonard Lee: I’m still figuring that out.
For many years, I would have introduced myself through what I did, designer, business owner, husband, father. But these days, I think less about titles and more about what matters underneath.
At my core, I’m someone who loves creating. Whether it’s a home, a meal, or a piece of clothing, I enjoy making things that bring comfort, beauty, and connection. I’m also someone who values presence. I notice details, enjoy observing people, and try to care for those around me in thoughtful ways.
If there’s one thing I hope people remember about me, it’s how I made them feel.
What led you to step into fashion and co-found ANON?
LL: To me, design has never been tied to a specific industry. Whether it’s interiors, furniture, or clothing, I’m interested in how things fit into people’s lives.
ANON came about through a shared belief between Hayden, Shereen and myself that men deserved better everyday essentials, pieces that felt thoughtful, timeless, and easy to wear.
What excited me most wasn’t fashion itself. It was the opportunity to build something meaningful with people I deeply respect.
What have you learned about yourself through building a new venture?
LL: Starting something new has reminded me what it feels like to be a beginner again.
It’s humbling, but also energising.
I’ve discovered that curiosity is one of my greatest strengths. I genuinely enjoy learning, experimenting, and refining things over time.
Perhaps the biggest lesson is that reinvention isn’t about becoming someone else but about uncovering parts of yourself that have been waiting for the right opportunity to emerge.
What has been the best thing about this new beginning?
LL: The freedom to surprise myself.
At fifty-two, I didn’t expect to be building a menswear brand, sharing recipes online, or learning entirely new skills. Yet here I am.
This chapter has reminded me that we don’t have to stay confined to the identities we’ve built over the years. There’s something incredibly life-giving about discovering that there are still new rooms to explore.
What or who are you most grateful for?
LL: My family, without question.
Rachel has always encouraged me to keep growing, even when it would have been easier to stay comfortable. She often sees possibilities in me before I see them myself.
I’m also grateful for my children. They’ve taught me that success isn’t really about achievement. It’s about presence, connection, and the people you get to share life with.
And of course, Hayden and Shereen. Building something with people you trust is a gift.
What inspired you to begin AgleoOleo?
LL: Cooking has always been my way of slowing down.
AgleoOleo started because I was going through depression, and Rachel suggested that I return to something I love doing, which was to cook for the people I love. It quickly became something more. I realised that cooking doesn’t have to be intimidating, and that simple home-cooked meals often create the best memories.
More than sharing recipes, I wanted to encourage people to gather around a table.
The food is important, but the connection it creates is what matters most.
LL: It grew over time.
What started as an enjoyment of food became a fascination with ingredients, techniques, and the stories behind different dishes.
I still experiment constantly. Some ideas work, some don’t, but that’s part of the fun.
I enjoy taking something familiar and asking, “What if I tried it this way instead?”
That curiosity keeps both cooking and life interesting.
What does family mean to you today?
LL: Family is where I return to myself.
Work and life can be noisy, but family reminds me what truly matters.
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realised that presence doesn’t happen by accident. It requires intention.
For me, that means sharing meals, taking walks, cooking together, and putting my phone away when it matters.
Years from now, I doubt my children will remember how busy I was. I hope they remember how present I was.
What is one small everyday family moment that means the most to you?
LL: Dinner together.
Nothing extraordinary, just everyone gathered around the table at the end of the day.
I love hearing the little stories, what made Ollie laugh, what Keira discovered, and what everyone is thinking about.
Those moments seem ordinary, but I think they’re the ones that build a family. The older I get, the more I appreciate the beauty of ordinary days.
If fatherhood were a dish, what would it be?
LL: A slow-cooked stew.
Not because it’s impressive, but because it requires patience.
You can’t rush it. You show up consistently, day after day, and trust that something meaningful is taking shape even when you can’t see the results immediately.
LL: I’ve always appreciated things that are both beautiful and functional.
I often cook for family and friends, so transporting food is something I genuinely do. What I love about the carrier is that it turns something practical into something intentional.
More than carrying a dish, it carries an act of care.
To me, that’s what good design does. It supports the rituals, relationships, and moments that matter most.
Photography by Hosanna Swee
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