Cover These mumpreneurs share their experience on motherhood and their most rewarding moments this Mother's Day (Photo: Beatrice Tan/Klarra)
These mumpreneurs share their experience on motherhood and their most rewarding moments this Mother's Day (Photo: Beatrice Tan/Klarra)
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These mums give insights into their motherhood journey and share what lessons they have learnt along the way
From the overwhelming joy of seeing your child’s first smile to the unforgettable exhaustion in the early days, motherhood is filled with plenty of emotions. It’s a transformative journey unlike any other and one that’s unique to each mother.
To celebrate Mother’s Day this year, we reached out to some of the women who are taking on the dual role of mother and entrepreneur. Below, these mumpreneurs share their experiences of motherhood, top lessons learnt, and its most rewarding moments.
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Iroshini Chua, co-founder of Dr Kevin Chua Medical & Aesthetics
Above Iroshini Chua and her family
Iroshini Chua and her family
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“The most valued and happiest experience of my life is motherhood. I have been blessed with the company of two wonderful souls—Jorim and Aiyana—and I must admit that the journey of motherhood has been mostly smooth for me. The experience of motherhood has been punctuated with many a hug from me, every day, through their struggles and failures and their triumphs and victories. I have had plenty of opportunities to share my knowledge and experience and have had the joy of witnessing how balanced and grounded they have become. Our time together as a family has been so much fun for me—full of board games and adventurous travels. But mostly it has been an experience full of unconditional love.
Although there have been many rewarding moments throughout the years; be it kind-hearted, happy children, their academic achievements, seeing them give sound advice to their friends, or when our closest family friends have said that we set the bar on good parenting, I must say the best trophy I have received as a parent was when our children Jorim and Aiyana said that Kevin and I were their role models. I want to look back and know that I have been responsible for nurturing these two children that God has entrusted to me for life.”
Beatrice Tan, founder of Klarra
Above Beatrice Tan and her family
Beatrice Tan and her family
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“The motherhood journey has been a very joyful, reflective and humbling experience. I am truly thankful to be able to experience motherhood and to be a mom to my children. I’m constantly reflecting on how to be the best version for them.
Every day has been rewarding as a mum. There are many different moments and milestones of the kids as they grow and each day is filled with different with surprises. I count my blessings to be able to witness and experience those moments. If I were to pick what was truly heart-tugging, it was definitely the moment they were born and handed to me in the delivery ward.”
Sharon Wong, founder of Motherswork
Above Sharon Wong and her family
Sharon Wong and her family
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“Motherhood does not come with a standard playbook. That is why it has always been a challenge for mothers to know and decide what is best for their children. We decided very early on that our family motto would be to “drink to health, love and money and have time to spend it. Success is giving their best, not more but no less.” That’s how my husband and I raised the kids. We ask that they be kind, have integrity and find their passion and drive to succeed and flourish. But most of all, we want them to be true to themselves and write their individual song.
Our three children know they are loved unconditionally. We remind and show them at every turn that no matter what happens, we will always love them. I listen and consciously bite my tongue to stop myself from judging when their decisions are so far off our grid. They watch our every step. And if we are true to our word, they will trust us.
Motherhood is a continuous process of learning. There is no right or wrong answer and know that you are the best mother for your child. Every decision has lessons and insights—keep soldiering on and the sincerity of love for your child will always prevail.
Every day, every milestone is a memorable experience. Once my middle child said, ‘Come sit with me, mum. I just want you to listen, I don’t need your reply.’ My firstborn told me she’s always comforted knowing that I have her back because when she was very young, I told her ‘Mama is always here with you’.’”
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Karen Lam, director of Est.lab
Above Karen Lam and her family
Karen Lam and her family
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“Increasingly I find aspects of myself mirrored in the everyday triumphs and challenges of my children, and the way they meet those challenges have become invaluable lessons to me.
When my eldest son, blessed with a mellow, introspective personality is able to shut out the noise and clamour of the everyday and find joy in the simple things in life. When my elder daughter competes in football against boys bigger, stronger and faster than herself, yet always plays with a smile on her face and fierce determination in her heart. When my youngest daughter flits around with generous abandon, drawing people in with affection and compassion, and reminding me that it is not things but people that should always take precedence.
These moments fill my heart with indescribable joy and pride, so even if motherhood sometimes feels like I’m constantly sliding backwards, there is a discernible sense that three invisible pairs of hands are pushing me from the back and cheering me on.
Motherhood is a precious privilege full of many challenges but also many rewarding moments. This dynamic exchange of knowledge and perspective has enriched my life in ways I never imagined. Ultimately, both motherhood and entrepreneurship are journeys of growth, learning, and evolution. They are journeys marked by ups and downs, successes and failures, but through it all, they are journeys worth taking. For just as motherhood has transformed me into a stronger, more resilient individual, so too has the experience of building and growing a skincare brand shaped me into a more confident and empowered entrepreneur.”
Shireena Shroff Manchharam, life coach and founder of Getting to Happy
“Becoming a mum for the first time was terrifying and exciting at the same time. I had a tough journey of IVF to get pregnant with my kids, so when it finally happened, it did feel like a miracle.
For Lara, my firstborn, I wanted to do everything for her and really enjoyed all the ‘new mum feels’. I made her a part of every aspect of my life and even brought her on work trips where we bonded and spent so much time together. I think that’s why we are so close and still spend lots of time together. Even though now, it’s me being a part of her life versus the other way around!
The most rewarding thing about being a mother is seeing your children for who they are, trying to find purpose in life and achieve all the things they want to. It’s a beautiful journey to witness them growing, with all their wonderful imperfections. It’s an exhausting and satisfying journey to see them make mistakes, learn, grow and evolve into good, kind and happy people.”
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Amanda Goh was the former senior writer for Tatler Singapore.
