Welcome to the house of happiness. Here, there's only one unbreakable rule: have a smile on your face. A contagious joie de vivre that can be felt in the photos and answers from Julien, a father hen who is as proud as a rooster of his two cherubs.

Julien, can you introduce yourself in a few words?
I was born and raised in Geneva. My mom comes from Sicily and my dad from Madrid. I left my parents' home at a very early age. Creative by nature, I did 3 years of graphic design at the Arts-Appliqués before obtaining a CFC in landscape design. An unconventional career path for someone who, from a very early age, had only dreamed of becoming an architect. After I graduated, my teacher asked me to join his office in Valais. I joined a firm of architects specializing in urban and landscape planning, and had the chance to work on a number of high-profile projects, including chalets in ski resorts. After two years, I returned to Geneva to take yet another diploma, this time in design. I joined a major industrial architecture firm where I became site manager. After all these years working for others, the desire to launch my own business and have my own identity was growing stronger and stronger. I've been self-employed for 5 years now, and it's been nothing but happiness!

I've been a single father for 5 years now, with 2 children. How do you manage?
At first, it wasn't easy. After the divorce, I went through a long period of soul-searching. I isolated myself from everything (except the kids, of course). This break was beneficial and helped me understand who I was and what I wanted. It took me about 1 year to find that balance.

What kind of custody arrangement have you set up with their mom?
We have 50/50 alternating custody, after which it can vary, but we're cool and very accommodating.

So being independent gives you greater availability and flexibility for them?
Yes, it does! When I started out, I wasn't yet self-employed. I was salaried, I worked like crazy, I had no life. I spent about 10% of my time with them, whereas now it's more like 90% (laughs). This is my greatest luxury.

How did you explain the separation to the children?
In a simple and transparent way, trying to be as adult as possible. They were small, but we explained to them that Mum and Dad would go their separate ways, but that we'd always be a close, loving family. The fact that we didn't tear each other apart with Mom, or leave each other with anger and resentment, made for a smoother transition. The bedtime stories really helped the children to get their feelings out.

Do they still talk about it?
Very little. I think we've managed to recreate a healthy, happy family cocoon. Sometimes Emjy asks for a cuddle when we're all together. As there's no ambiguity, that's not a problem. From time to time, the four of us do activities together, or one of us goes over to the other's house for coffee to say hello and talk about school and planning. We've maintained a healthy and, above all, caring relationship.

Are they different when they're with their mom or with you?
With me, they're more orderly, more focused, calmer. That's the architect side, whereas with their mom it's much more baba cool (laughs). It's harder for them to listen to her.

Are you more of a cool dad or a strict one?
Very cool, but strict when necessary because they need a framework. If I say no, it's no, but it's important that they understand why. Otherwise, I'm all about smiles and a positive attitude, which are real motivators. My children are happy, I'm happy. Waking up with a smile every day is an intangible rule of the house.

 

"When there's sunshine, it makes us dazzle! When there's sun it makes us smile!"

 

Control freak or permissive?
Rather benevolent. Okay, I'm completely gaga over my children, but it's essential that they experiment.

What does it mean to be a good dad?
Show them that you can be good with very little. The most important thing is to feel good about yourself. If they understand that, I know they'll be fine. I insist on transparency and honesty, which are, in my eyes, essential values. Apart from that, I love them very much, of course, but that goes without saying.

Has fatherhood changed you?
I always wanted to be a father. In an ideal world, twins before I'm 27. First goal achieved, second... (laughs). In fact, as those around me say, I'm a real mother with a P.

If you could rewrite your story or change certain chapters, would you do it?
Rewrite my story, no, because today I'm proud of what I've achieved and I can't wait to write new pages. The only chapter I'd change would be Emjy's birth, where I worked "too much". I hate to say it, but it goes by really fast. Today, I live to create memories.

What do you enjoy doing when it's your week without them?
That's when I work flat out. Otherwise, on weekends, I'm off to the mountains or elsewhere in discovery and "slowlylife" mode. I love adventure, travel and fashion.

Do you pay attention to what your children eat?
Yes, very much so, especially when it comes to the nature of the produce. It has to be local and in season. Strawberries aren't available here in winter, so we don't eat them. I try to make them as aware as possible. I give them a taste of everything, while keeping in mind the notion of pleasure.

What's their favorite food?
Emjy likes sweet potato fries or homemade pizza, and Gioya likes her nonna's spaghetti carbonara and apple pie.

A perfect Sunday with the family?
A huge homemade breakfast in the morning. Take your time, it's sacred. Afterwards, we choose activities according to the weather and the mood of the moment.

What's your favorite color?
I'm all about black and white with a pop of color (laughs). Otherwise the sixties palette: mustard, khaki, duck blue...

What project are you currently working on?
The renovation of two luxury apartments and the promotion of several villas in the canton of Vaud.

What's your favorite material?
Wood.

What's your next vacation?
No idea yet. They're dreaming of going back to Croatia, so we'll see.

What fundamental values would you like to instill in them?
Respect, honesty and transparency, knowing how to appreciate what you have and being happy.

 

"Smile life - Always with a smile."

 

Any advice for future or new fathers?

To future dads:
Interact with your child as early as possible and take responsibility!

To young dads:
Enjoy those first precious moments and get involved!

Julien, what's the best thing we can wish you today for tomorrow?
Keep a smile on your face whatever happens and, if possible, the same energy. That's why health remains the priority.