A PARTNERSHIP IN TRANSFORMATION
Eric Blum’s journey from professional ice hockey player to entrepreneur has been one of transformation, but it has not been a solo venture. His brother-in-law, Luca Meyer, has played a pivotal role alongside him, co-founding Onkai Heiwa and the LaLeRe Café in Zurich. Their shared passion for balance, wellness, and mindful living has driven both ventures, blending Eric’s focus on discipline and Luca’s creativity to build brands that go beyond the expected.
The Birth of Onkai Heiwa
Onkai Heiwa was born in 2017, a collaborative effort to blend minimalist design, functionality, and the serenity inspired by Japanese philosophy. The name itself, meaning "sound of peace," speaks to the core of what both Eric and Luca envision for the brand: creating harmony between outer performance and inner well-being. Together, they sought to offer a brand that reflects not just physical comfort but mental clarity, something Eric had always sought throughout his athletic career and Luca deeply valued in his artistic endeavors.
LaLeRe Café: A Haven in Zurich
Their second venture, LaLeRe Café, was born from this same ethos. Combining their appreciation for thoughtful design and the simple pleasures of life, LaLeRe has quickly become a hub for community, creativity, and tranquility. Luca’s influence, rooted in his love for the arts, and Eric’s emphasis on holistic well-being have resulted in a space where people can slow down, reconnect, and be present. Whether through the soundscapes of carefully selected music or the calm ambiance, the café represents more than just a place for coffee—it’s an experience of mindful living.
A Shared Mindset of Innovation
What sets Eric and Luca apart is their willingness to look beyond the conventional. At TAVERI, we admire how they’ve consistently chosen to challenge expectations, navigating transitions from professional sports to entrepreneurship, and merging their varied talents into ventures that reflect deeper values. Their ability to embrace change, evolve their thinking, and continually seek new avenues for creative expression aligns with our own mission.
Eric and Luca exemplify a mindset that transcends the obvious, pushing boundaries in both design and philosophy. Their ventures are a constant reminder to us at TAVERI that, no matter your background, growth comes from looking beyond what’s expected, embracing new perspectives, and daring to build something that resonates deeply with who you are.
Zurlindenstrasse 57
8003 Zurich
Switzerland
PHOTOGRAPHY: ERIC PUKALL