Intro
Sanjay Jegatheeson is the co-founder of Lion City Meadery, Singapore’s first mead brewery. What began as a home-brewing hobby turned into an award-winning business that’s redefining how Singaporeans think about craft alcohol. Balancing his full-time career in event production, fatherhood, and entrepreneurship, Sanjay’s story is one of curiosity, discipline, and persistence.
In this conversation, we talk about how a trip to London sparked his obsession with mead, what it took to launch a business around a product most people didn’t even recognize, and how he’s building a legacy his daughter can one day inherit. We also explore his views on work-life balance, fatherhood, and what it means to pursue passion without losing perspective.
Story Highlights
- How discovering mead in London led to founding Lion City Meadery
- The challenges of introducing an unknown product to Singapore’s market
- Balancing full-time work, family, and entrepreneurship
- How sport and structure helped him overcome burnout
- His philosophy of legacy over money — building something to pass on
Quote
“I think I’m very lucky that I have a business partner who doesn’t hold me back as well. If anything, he encourages some of these stupid, crazy ideas that I have. And I’m encouraged to go and try it out, you know, brew a test batch. And if it fails, it fails, right?”
About Sanjay Jegatheeson
Sanjay Jegatheeson is a Singaporean entrepreneur and the co-founder of Lion City Meadery, Singapore’s first mead brewery. Founded in 2018, the company has since won multiple regional and international awards, including Best of Singapore at BeerFest Asia. Outside the brewery, Sanjay works in event production and is an avid martial artist, golfer, and father. His ability to juggle creative pursuits and family life reflects his belief that success is about legacy, not just profit.
Why This Conversation Matters
Sanjay’s journey shows that passion doesn’t have to replace stability — it can complement it. His story is about building something meaningful while staying grounded in everyday life. Whether it’s brewing, family, or fitness, Sanjay’s approach proves that discipline and curiosity can coexist, and that success can be defined by legacy as much as achievement.
Turning Points
From discovering mead in a London pub to experimenting in his kitchen, Sanjay’s journey has been shaped by learning through trial and error. When he and his business partner Justin launched Lion City Meadery in 2019, they faced an uphill battle educating consumers who thought “mead” meant “meat.” With persistence and creativity, they grew from a local startup to an award-winning brand. Beyond business, becoming a father reframed his priorities — from chasing income to building something lasting. For Sanjay, the goal now is legacy: creating a company his daughter can one day build upon.
Key Lessons
- Experiment boldly. Curiosity and failure are part of innovation.
- Balance ambition with reality. Passion projects thrive when grounded in discipline.
- Legacy matters more than money. Build something that outlives you.
- Structure creates freedom. Boundaries enable growth at work and at home.
- Partnership fuels progress. Shared vision multiplies results.
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