The Answers With Eric Dee
Some entrepreneurs build companies, while others shape entire lifestyles around the way people live. For Eric Dee Jr., co-founder of the Sunnies brand alongside his wife Bea Soriano and business partners Georgina Wilson, Martine Cajucom, and Jess Wilson, the vision has always been to create beauty in the everyday.
What began as a stylish eyewear concept has since evolved into a multifaceted brand spanning beauty, eyewear, sustainable drinkware, and dining—each venture guided by the belief that good design should feel approachable, joyful, and seamlessly integrated into daily life.
This philosophy mirrors much about Dee himself. With easy charisma and a warm smile, he carries the relaxed confidence of someone who genuinely enjoys what he does. At the heart of his work is a deep interest in design, particularly interiors and architecture. This sensibility naturally informs the Sunnies universe, where well-considered spaces, bold colours, and tactile materials create environments that feel modern yet welcoming.
Beyond the creative energy that fuels Sunnies, Dee’s world is deeply rooted in family. Happily married to Soriano, he is a devoted father to their two young children, with another on the way. Much of his free time is spent traveling with their extended family and creating shared memories.
Dee often credits his father, hospitality entrepreneur Rikki Dee, as his mentor—shaping his entrepreneurial instincts and showing him how to build teams, nurture ideas, and celebrate the people behind the brands.
More recently, the family has discovered a shared enthusiasm for tennis. Dee approaches the sport with the same spirit he brings to business—playful, but grounded.
What’s the first thing you do in the morning?
Look at my calendar and check my dashboards.
What apps do you use the most?
Sunnies, Microsoft Teams, and WhatsApp.
How would you describe your personal style?
Comfortable, timeless, and made to last.
What do you still do analog?
I sketch ideas by hand. It’s still the clearest way for me to think and explain.
Where do you seek design inspiration?
Travel. I observe how people live, move, and interact with spaces around the world.
Where do you look for knowledge on business and technology?
Business organizations, forums, and conversations within my family.
If you could learn a new skill, what would it be?
Using AI tools more intelligently and purposefully.
What’s your exercise routine?
Strength training four times a week, tennis twice a week.
Favorite restaurant at the moment?
Mesa, Tim Ho Wan, and Llaollao.
Favorite hotel?
Any hotel with a great tennis court. La Residencia, Passalacqua and Six Senses stand out.
What have you done recently for the first time?
Scaled and operated a growing business across multiple countries at the same time.
Who is your dealer and what do they source for you?
A wood furniture maker who’s amazing at building pieces based on what I design.
Last film you paid to see?
“Sinners.”
Last streaming binge?
“The Beauty.”
What’s the recent thing you regret not buying?
Gold!
Who do you admire most?
My dad. He’s always been my mentor and my standard.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
My dad always says you have to be ready for the rainy days. I keep this in mind in terms of how aggressive we are, our expansion, and our risk appetite so we may sustain the business for the long term.
What advice do you wish you hadn’t followed?
“Always give 110%.” I’ve learned that pacing yourself is what allows you to perform at a high level over time.
What is worth paying for?
Time and memories.
In another life, what would you be doing professionally?
I would probably be an interior designer or architect.
What do you crave most at the end of the day?
A game of Monopoly Deal with my kids before they head to bed.
This article originally appeared in Robb Report Philippines’ Food and Drink Issue, April 2026.