Fadli & Rapika on Marriage, Business, and the Art of Letting Go
Live Life Podcast
What does it mean to chase separate dreams under the same roof? In this episode of Live Life, we meet Fadli and Rapika—partners in life, parents, and entrepreneurs—whose journeys reveal that the best partnerships aren’t always about working side-by-side, but about supporting each other as they each carve their own path.
“You can build together, even if your businesses are worlds apart.”
Finding Purpose in Unlikely Places
Fadli never planned on being a physiotherapist. His spark came from watching his grandmother recover movement through the steady hands of a physiotherapist—an early lesson in how healing can transform lives. Sports injuries in his youth cemented this passion, leading him to the then-nascent physiotherapy program at a local polytechnic. It wasn’t a straight road—detours, bonds, and even covering for national soccer teams made up the adventure—but Fadli’s drive was always clear: to help others move, heal, and reclaim life.
Meanwhile, Rapika’s entry into baking was, in her words, “totally by accident.” Far from the “baker since childhood” cliché, she entered Temasek Poly’s baking science program because she loved science, not cake. There, she discovered the magic of blending chemistry and creativity. Her approach: “I wanted to combine art and food together.” That blend—of art, science, and soul—became the foundation for Blush Artisan Kegs, her boutique cake business.
Entrepreneurship: Not All Sweet and Smooth
Both admit: business is not for the faint of heart. Rapika’s initial inspiration came from her brother, a successful escape room entrepreneur. She learned the ropes by helping as an admin, then applied those lessons—along with two years teaching cake decorating—to her own venture.
Late nights, fussy customers, and the emotional drain of people-pleasing were part of the grind. “You need mental strength,” Rapika says. In the early days, she’d take any order, often sacrificing her own creative vision just to please. The turning point? Building a portfolio and learning to say no—choosing projects that align with her values and aesthetic.
Fadli’s challenges were just as real: “Physiotherapy in Singapore is super competitive,” he explains. He bootstrapped The Rehab Lab, handled every aspect from web design to staffing, and hustled to find a niche. For Fadli, success depended on niat—the deeper intention behind the work. His first goal: bring his family for Umrah. Over time, he built a team and a workplace culture rooted in meaning and giving back, including half-days on Fridays and regular charitable donations.
Love, Family, and the Art of Sacrifice
Running a business is hard. Running two businesses while raising a baby is another level. Fadli and Rapika don’t sugarcoat the strain—sleep deprivation, time management, and the daily juggle are constants.
But parenthood changed everything. “I feel like I missed out on a lot of family time before,” Rapika admits, reflecting on the hustle years. Now, Sundays are for her mother, and she’s learning to trust her team more so she can be present at home.
Fadli believes in giving his all—at work and at home. “If you have two hours with your family, give your 100%—put your phone away, be in the moment.” For both, letting go—of work, of control, of distractions—has been the hardest but most rewarding lesson.
Lessons for the Next Generation
When asked about their son’s future, both are adamant: no pressure. “He can choose whatever he wants,” says Rapika. Their only hope is to provide opportunities, stability, and values—so that he can find his own purpose.
Advice to Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Both close with candid, heartfelt advice:
As Fadli puts it: “If your purpose is just money, there’s no barakah. But if you do it with the right intention, you’ll find meaning and blessing.”
This episode is a reminder that success isn’t about working together all the time. Sometimes, the best kind of support is standing beside each other as you both chase your own dreams—and building a life that’s more than the sum of its parts.
