A mumtrepreneur.
A woman who starts a business to follow a vision, to make money, and to be the master of her own soul in a way that will allow her to fulfil her role as a parent in a way that she desires.
– Fiona Lewis
The motive of starting a business is unlike what most entrepreneurs have in mind, earning big bucks while doing something they like, bigger dreams like owning a few cafe/retail shops, making their products go worldwide or even hoping to become a listed company. My dream wasn’t to become an entrepreneur (at all). My childhood dream is to become a nurse and a housewife. Yes, housewife haha. Just because I love to cook for my loved ones so being a housewife is a good idea for me. But no one will imagine how powerful the tiny life in our body can make people’s dreams change.
So this tiny little life totally change my life.. a life I would never imagine I will be able or even believe that I can do it ~
Initially, I was just selling small baby products online just to earn some extra pocket money (sounds so student haha.. ) until when one of the customers questioned the authenticity of my Kidsme food feeder.
So the start of a mumtrepreneur is always exciting and full of challenges, but things don’t seem that easy when I’m still holding a full-time job. Isn’t easy.. being a working mom is already so tough yet I’m holding another business. And things get even more HUGE ~ the company expanded ~ and added another 3 more brands. Sometimes when I think back, I think I’m crazy and I’m not sure whether did I make the right decision. Invested so much money and time, bringing kids “running” around the whole of Singapore doing delivery, falling asleep with my make-up on so many times.
But what can I really do? I can’t sew, I can’t bake (I mean I can bake, passable but not sell-able type) I’m not IT train, I don’t write very well, I’m not a trained speaker or a consultant in any way.. all this can easily turn one into an entrepreneur without using much capital. (Not interested in MLM)
So I can only stick to what I know best at this moment, baby products and purchasers (to be exact shopping).
Girls followed me to work and recently Xin He follow me to the Jan Baby Fair show in Suntec. We set up a playpen behind the cashier to let her sleep.
Bringing them to photo shoots
All this continued for a year and finally, we had our own new line of baby products Mitera. Really tough, because we need to liaise with so many factories, designers (I’m not so clever lah), printing company, packaging companies… omg… basically is not only money not enough, time also not enough. But lucky all went smoothly and we successfully launch it during the Jan Baby Fair.
That is also when my dream finally come true ~ WAHM aka work-at-home mom. Unfortunately, it’s not as easy as 123. I can’t possibly just throw the paper, cancel IFC, bring my girl home and start my work like this. There is so much unfinished paperwork, stock taking and coordinating needs to do. End up we still have to leave Xin He at IFC, on the positive side, I can bring both the girls home early! No longer 630-7 pm and no more Saturday school. Xin He and I are blessed to have wonderful teachers in her IFC taking really good care of her, and constantly WhatsApp me about her progress.
Just happen that Xin He fall sick these few days, I can happily take care of her without reporting to anyone that I’m not coming to work for a few days. No guilt feeling! But that doesn’t mean I can shake my leg.. While Xin He is resting, I got to use that short period of time to finish up my paperwork.
Although my Mumtrepreneur journey is not as tough as some of the moms due to the fact that both my girls are in school, at least I have more time for them, cook for them, and play with them, especially after dinner.
As for now, I’m happy with the arrangement. I can no need to worry about whether I have enough annual leave or childcare leave, I can accompany both my girls’ school excursions with no guilt. They do not need to go to childcare on Saturday anymore (esp most of the time they are the only ones in school). I can take care of my sick girl with no worries and less stress. I can cook and bake many wonderful meals and desserts, and spend time playing with them without feeling the rush of time.
Because of the extra time I have earned I feel blessed enough. Maybe number 3(still trying) will have the privilege of not going to IFC? That I’m not sure, but I’m working towards it. Making small little goals keeps me happy because I know I’m on the right path.
I really encourage mothers to earn a bit of money to save for rainy days. Because you wouldn’t know what the future hold. And I’m fortunate enough to have my hubby and family support. Investors and friends who have helped along the way.
To all mothers, whether or not, you are working moms, SAHM/WAHM, or Mumtrepreneur, one thing we have in common is we all wish to give our best to our kids. So all of us are great!
To all husbands, your wife sacrifices her body, and her health just to give you a cute little offspring of your own. She left her comfort zone, and her parents just to build a wonderful life with you. It will be nice if you can give her encouragement or be appreciative of what she has done for you. For you guys will never understand the guilt and struggles a mom will have.
End the post with me and my cutie photos.
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