Cover Green Rebel’s founder and entrepreneur Helga Angelina Tjahjadi and her newborn child Atlas (Photo: Helga Angelina Tjahjadi)
Green Rebel’s founder and entrepreneur Helga Angelina Tjahjadi and her newborn child Atlas (Photo: Helga Angelina Tjahjadi)
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The Indonesian entrepreneur affirms that it is possible to embrace both worlds without losing oneself in the process
The stakes are high and the hours are long in the world of entrepreneurship, and few can navigate the tumultuous waters of business and motherhood with the grace and humour that Helga Angelina Tjahjadi brings to the table. Leading the pack at Green Rebel, a vibrant plant-based food company she co-founded with her husband Max Mandias, she embodies the spirit of modern female entrepreneurship, where juggling responsibilities with a flair seems like a walk in the park.
Read more: How Burgreens and Green Rebel’s Helga Angelina Tjahjadi turned a pandemic crisis into a business
Above Green Rebel’s Helga Angelina Tjahjadi, co-founder and life-partner Max Mandias, with their newborn child Atlas (Photo: Helga Angelina Tjahjadi)
Green Rebel’s Helga Angelina Tjahjadi, co-founder and life-partner Max Mandias, with their newborn child Atlas (Photo: Helga Angelina Tjahjadi)
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Becoming a mother has given Tjahjadi a new perspective on responsibility and transformed her approach to her career. “I actually work harder now,” she admits, reflecting on the newfound sense of responsibility that comes with parenthood. “Having a child makes me think I have a bigger responsibility to provide for my family and maintain the stability of my startup.” It is as if young Atlas, her son, became her mini-motivation speaker, pushing her to be more disciplined and strategic in her business decisions.
There won’t be much reckless risk-taking anymore as Tjahjadi has adopted a more conservative approach to expansion. “I’ve become smarter about how I divide my time and attention,” she shares, emphasising the importance of productivity, health, and sanity in her daily routine.
Every day is a carefully choreographed dance between work and motherhood: mornings start with a refreshing run alongside her husband—a sacred hour dedicated to self-care before diving headfirst into the chaos of family life; quality time with her son; focused work hours; and evenings filled with playtime. “7 to 9pm is my playtime with Atlas,” she affirms, making it clear that family comes first, even if deadlines loom large. And when life throws curveballs? “Of course, there are days I can’t maintain that schedule,” she admits, but she always strives to get back on track.
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Above Green Rebel’s Helga Angelina Tjahjadi, co-founder and life-partner Max Mandias, with their newborn child Atlas (Photo: Helga Angelina Tjahjadi)
Green Rebel’s Helga Angelina Tjahjadi, co-founder and life-partner Max Mandias, with their newborn child Atlas (Photo: Helga Angelina Tjahjadi)
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Never mind the old adage that “behind every successful man is a great woman”. For Tjahjadi, Mandias is an army of support that backs her success. “Having a husband who shares parenting responsibilities is a game changer,” she quips, proving that carving out an ecosystem that allows one to thrive both at home and in business is rather essential. At Green Rebel, she’s gone the extra mile to foster a family-centric workplace culture where new parents can work from home if needed.
“We normalise mothers and fathers juggling between parenthood and work,” she explains, showcasing her commitment to creating an inclusive environment for all of her employees.
Tjahjadi’s experiences as a mother have even influenced product development at Green Rebel because “time is precious”. The launch of the Green Rebel Heat & Eat range—a series of ready-to-eat plant protein dishes that promise familiar Asian flavours such as rendang and Korean barbeque within five minutes—was inspired by her desire for convenience without sacrificing quality. “I want my family to eat food that is wholesome and delicious, but I don’t have time to cook!” she chuckles, highlighting the realities many busy parents face.
As Tjahjadi envisions her career evolving alongside her growing child, she remains focused on Green Rebel’s mission: democratising healthy and sustainable eating across the region by providing delicious plant protein with authentic Asian flavours. She also set her sights on regional expansion, but not without the aim to build a cohesive team that allows everyone at Green Rebel to thrive both professionally and personally.
Above Green Rebel’s Helga Angelina Tjahjadi, co-founder and life-partner Max Mandias, with their newborn child Atlas (Photo: Helga Angelina Tjahjadi)
Green Rebel’s Helga Angelina Tjahjadi, co-founder and life-partner Max Mandias, with their newborn child Atlas (Photo: Helga Angelina Tjahjadi)
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Tjahjadi’s valuable advice for other women striving for balance when pursuing their aspirations and remaining present for their families: “Believe in yourself that you can build your career and become a great mother at the same time. Some people are judgmental towards working mothers and when faced with such comments, just smile and let it pass.”
After all, confidence is key and Tjahjadi embodies that very spirit, showing that it is possible to embrace both worlds without losing oneself in the process.
