IN celebration of Mother’s Day, a group of women in Kuching gathered for an afternoon luncheon hosted by local jewellery brand Lamour Eternel Jewels. The luncheon, held on May 1, was organised in conjunction with Mother’s Day, celebrating not only motherhood, but also the women who continue to build businesses, families, and communities at the same time.
Sharing more on the luncheon, its organiser and founder, Adeline Sim, said that the event was held with hopes of building a community to empower mothers in business, to unite local designers, and to support small businesses.
“Beyond the brilliance of gemstones, Lamour Eternel Jewels is a movement dedicated to women’s empowerment and creative unity. We bridge the gap between independent designers and small businesses, fostering a collective where unique perspectives merge to create timeless artistry.”
Sim also said that the event focused on the business side of jewellery (marketing, gemstone education, or entrepreneurship), which can help turn the “unity” vision into a practical support system for other women and mothers in the trade.
Also taking part in the event were local home baker Soul Sweet X Eggstra and floral arranger Peace Flowers, each adding their own touch to the afternoon — from artisanal cheese platters and desserts to curated blooms — reflecting the spirit of collaboration and shared growth that defined the luncheon.
Important to empower the women’s community
For Sim, building a women’s community is not just an ideal — it is a necessity shaped by real gaps in the business landscape. She noted that many women, who are also mothers, especially those running small or independent ventures, often navigate their journeys with limited access to networks, mentorship, and resources.
“Empowering women’s communities is important because many of us are building something from the ground up, and it can be incredibly isolating. When we come together, we create a space where experiences, knowledge, and even challenges can be shared, instead of carried alone.”
She emphasised that beyond emotional support, such communities play a practical role in helping businesses grow. Through collaboration, women are able to open doors for one another — whether by sharing platforms, cross-promoting brands, or exchanging industry insights that might otherwise be out of reach.
“Empowerment has to go beyond words. It should translate into real opportunities such as collaborations, mentorship, and visibility. That’s how we build something sustainable, not just for ourselves, but for others who are just starting out.”
Sim believes that when women actively uplift one another, the impact extends far beyond individual success. Instead, it creates a ripple effect, encouraging more mothers to step forward with confidence and pursue their own ventures.
“When women support women, it builds a stronger ecosystem. It’s about creating a culture where we grow together, and where success is shared, not competed for,” added the entrepreneur.
In elaborating further, Sim believes that celebrating women is essential, not just as a symbolic gesture, but also as a meaningful way to recognise their contributions, resilience, and often unseen efforts in both personal and professional spaces.
She noted that mothers frequently juggle multiple roles — as entrepreneurs, caregivers, and community builders — yet their achievements can sometimes go unacknowledged.
“Celebrating women is important because it gives recognition to the journeys we often don’t see. It’s a way of affirming their value, encouraging confidence, and reminding women that what they do matters.”
She added that such celebrations also create space for connection, where women can feel supported, inspired, and empowered by one another’s stories.
The rise of women-led microbusinesses
In our local community, there is a steady shift whereby more women are turning their passions into small, self-run businesses, many of whom are housewives with a goal. From home-based bakers and florists to independent jewellery designers, these microenterprises are reshaping the local entrepreneurial landscape — not through scale, but through individuality and purpose.
As an entrepreneur for over five years, Sim observed that many of these ventures often begin as personal pursuits, driven by creativity or the need for flexibility, before gradually evolving into viable sources of income.
“A lot of women start small, sometimes from home, balancing multiple responsibilities at once. What they build may begin as a passion, but with the right support, it can grow into something sustainable.”
She noted that the accessibility of digital platforms has played a significant role in this growth, allowing women to market their products, connect with customers, and build their own brand identities without the need for large capital. However, while entry barriers may be lower, sustaining a business remains a challenge.
“Starting is one thing, but maintaining and growing a business is where many struggle. That’s why having a community is so important, as it creates opportunities to learn, collaborate, and support one another in practical ways.”
As more mothers step into entrepreneurship, Sim said there is a growing need to recognise and nurture these small businesses as part of a larger ecosystem. Rather than operating in isolation, she emphasised the importance of creating platforms that bring these entrepreneurs together, allowing them to gain visibility and build meaningful connections.
“Every small business contributes to something bigger. When we support women-led microbusinesses, we are not just supporting individuals, we are strengthening the community as a whole,” she said.
Honouring mothers beyond the home
This Mother’s Day, Sim said celebrations should go beyond the traditional image of motherhood confined to the home. While mothers have long been recognised for their roles in nurturing families, she believes it is equally important to acknowledge how many of them are now also entrepreneurs, creators, and community builders in their own right.
“Motherhood today is not limited to caregiving at home. Many mothers are also running businesses, managing teams, and contributing to the economy, all while still holding their families together. That balance itself is something worth honouring.”
She added that this dual responsibility often goes unseen, as the emotional and physical labour behind both family life and entrepreneurship is rarely fully visible. For many women, especially those running small businesses, their journey involves late nights, early mornings, and constant adjustment between personal and professional responsibilities.
As a mother to two boys, she emphasised that recognising mothers in all their forms is essential in appreciating the full scope of their contributions. Whether they are homemakers, business owners, or both, she said each role carries its own form of strength, sacrifice, and resilience.
“In many ways, mothers are already leaders — in their homes, in their work, and in their communities. Honouring them means acknowledging not just what they do, but everything they hold together quietly behind the scenes.”
She believes that spaces like the luncheon help bring this recognition into focus, offering mothers a moment to be seen, celebrated, and connected with others who share similar journeys.
Reflecting on the event, Sim expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support received, noting that its success was a testament to the strength of the community she hoped to build. She shared that seeing women come together — not just to celebrate, but to connect and support one another — affirmed her vision for Lamour Eternel Jewels as more than just a brand, but a platform for meaningful collaboration.
