Hey Mumbers, our MummySG’s Supermom of the Month is back! Thanks to all those who inquired and wanted to be featured on our humble website. Certainly, this really inspires us to give you the best!
This month, we are featuring a very familiar face, once featured on Strait Times! She is a Supermom for oh-so many reasons! She manages to invent extra hours in her day for juggling kids, housework, wifey duties, and her job. But despite the many things she has to accomplish- no matter how tiring they are- If given the chance, she still wouldn’t change a thing. Meet this month’s Supermom: Alicia Cho. Be inspired with her story:
“My name is Alicia Cho, 31, and a mother of 2 to Sophie Loy (girl), 5 yrs and Ian Loy (boy), 3 yrs old.
I am a full time working mum who also runs an online store called My Mini-Me.
I started this as a hobby because I love to dress up my kids! Hence, the idea of running a home-based online kids costume rental store came about. I realised that commercial costume rental is very expensive. I used to rent outside for my company’s Dinner & Dance and it would cost me $50/rent. Hence, I thought of an idea to offer mums out there a cheaper alternative. This helps mums to save money as they do not have to buy an expensive costume just for a 3-hr birthday party. Check out our rates and different costumes on our website.
My hobbies are reading magazines, online shopping and managing my online shop. I do not have a helper at home, my hubby and I do everything together. We survive on a once-a-week part-time maid who does the cleaning of our house. Everyday, we would do the laundry and bathe the kids once we fetch them from childcare. It’s tiring but we are hands-on parents. At night when they sleep, I will start doing my online store stuff, like, packing of orders, replying to enquiries, etc.
Hope to be of inspiration to other mums out there If I can be a full-time working mother with no helper while running an online store, for sure, you can do it, too!”
The rest of Mummy Alicia’s interview is on the next page…
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Are you a working mother or stay-at-home mother?
I am a full- time working mother with a home- based online shop.
What influenced your decision to work?
To provide a better living for my kids and family. I send my kids to a few enrichment classes so I do not want to have to worry whether I can afford it or not. I’m also a self-confessed shopaholic- I like to have the ability to buy the things that I like. I do not like to ask hubby for money.
What sacrifices did/do you have to make to work?
I have to send my 2 kids to childcare and only spend time with them on weekdays night and weekends compared to those stay at home mums who have more time with their kids. I also have to endure that my kids fall sick more often.
Do you feel that your child is missing out on anything because you work?
No, they are fine because we spend quality time together on weekends.
How do you think your relationship with your child would differ if you stayed at home?
I think my kids will stick to me even more. Right now they are already sticking to me so much at night, I can’t imagine being a stay at home home. Right now, I feel the balance is good.
What would be you ideal situation (stay home, work part-time, work full-time)? 
Work part-time, time is divided equally between work and family.
How do you view mothers who stay at home?
I feel working mothers shouldn’t be stereotyped that they do not care about the family. They just want to provide a better life for the family. Mothers should also get a break from the kids. I treat my working lunch time as my ‘me-time’. I would go for massages, pedicure or shopping during my lunch break.
What advice would you give to a parent who is struggling with the decision to work or stay home?
Follow your heart and mind. Do not feel guilty if you think you need to go out and work. Working makes me feel connected to the outside world. I have tried being a stay home mum during my first born for 6 months and I dislike it. It is just not my lifestyle. After 6 months, I put my first born in infant care and went back to the working world.
Let’s talk about your kids: Have you ever or will you join any baby/toddler classes?
As mentioned, I send my 2 kids to weekly enrichment classes eg, Yamaha, Right Brain Class and through these, they get to mingle with other friends. I also join a forum group where our children are all born in the same month and year. We do have playdates occasionally.
What skills do you think your child could/has gained from these types of classes?
These classes are good for self confidence. Being more independent and they are able to express their needs better. Also, learn about the sharing concept. I would encourage mummies to join if they can afford.
Interesting point! Now being a mother, what other skills would you like to master?
Being able to curb my phobia of driving. I would like to be able to drive my kids around.
Hope you conquer your fear soon! Now, what’s the one thing you would have done differently as a mum (in terms of raising your kids and running the household)?
I would not let my child touch the Ipad and instead, read more books to them. They are so hooked on Ipad and TV these days and if I do not give in, they will scream the house down. I try to limit their time with these gadgets now.
What is the best piece of advice that you can give to all mums out there who do like you do?
If you want to start a home business, make sure the idea is good. A lot of online stores are selling the same things. You need to be different to stand out but do not be afraid to follow your dreams. I live by this: Never try never know. If I try and fail, at least I can tell myself I have tried.
We thank Mummy Alicia Cho for favoring us this interview! We, from MummySG, wish you all the best!
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Also, if you can relate to this interview, you could be a Supermom, too! And you have come to the right place. Send us a message at sarah.carpio@mummysg.com to qualify. Maybe your story will be featured soon, because you.are.that.awesome! <3
