Balancing motherhood and work

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BY GILLIAN NESSLYN

MOST mothers find it difficult to strike a balance between their careers and child-rearing duties.

But for these three inspiring Sarawakian women, being entrepreneurs gives them the abilities to take charge of their lives, spend more time with their families, and discover purpose outside the house.

From the busy streets of Kuching to the beaches of Sematan, these mothers have used their passion, tenacity, and personal goals to build their small but impactful businesses.

Though their paths may differ, they share similar passions; being a mother has not stopped them from being accomplished, ambitious, and leaders.

At 42, Thian Ann Nee has taken on many roles – mother, mentor, and Crown Ambassador at BE International Marketing, a business she ventured into after 14 years in sales and marketing.

Thian Ann Nee

What attracted her to BE International was not just the products it offered, but also the company’s pioneering concept and marketing plan.

“The pioneering concept and unique marketing plan offered me no reason to say no,” she explained.

For Thian, the turning point came when she realised that entrepreneurship offered something that a salaried job could not – flexibility, freedom and financial independence.

“This business allowed me to achieve things that I wouldn’t have been able to if I worked for someone else,” she said.

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Starting a business while raising two young children, then aged four and six, was no easy task.

“To be honest, I don’t see challenges as an obstacle, but I see them as an opportunity.

“But there is an issue that I would consider as a challenge, which is how to inspire others and keep them motivated,” she said.

With careful time management – scheduling appointments during her children’s school hours and making sure family time wasn’t interrupted – Thian now enjoys more quality time with them.

Through this journey, she has not only become a more confident leader and public speaker, but also a role model for her children.

Her advice to mothers?

“A career allows women to be economically, psychologically and socially independent. Confidence makes women more attractive and strong, so don’t be afraid to have more choices in life,” she said.

As for, Sarani Jarop, 47, she never planned to become a homestay owner when she bought an apartment at Roxy Apartment, Sematan. It was originally purchased for family use only.

Sarani Jarop

“We love to go on family vacations and initially we bought it for ourselves, but after trying to rent it out once, the response was good. So we ended up continuing this business,” she shared.

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She later named the homestay business as Sea Breeze Roxy Apartment, Sematan, which she now manages.

Her initial challenge was finding customers, but Sarani did not give up.

Now, her business is running smoothly with the support of family, friends and regular customers.

Her grown children make it easier for her to balance household and business duties.

“This work is done on my own time and schedule so there are no time constrains,” she said.

Although the challenge of the distance from home to Sematan took time, Sarani felt that this journey made her more independent.

Her advice to other mothers who want to try owning a business?

“Don’t be afraid to try. Prayers and effort will bear fruit; so do it until you succeed,” she said.

For Mak Idah, 37, turning passion into a source of income came naturally.

The founder of a frozen cake business – specifically curry puffs and donuts – started out of interest and a desire to help her family.

“There were a lot of challenges at first, but I kept going because I really like making kuih,” she shared.

As a mother, she manages her time carefully.

Mak Idah

“I take care of my children and home first. When I have more time, I make curry puffs and frozen donuts,” she said.

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The biggest support comes from her husband, children and friends who give her a lot of encouragement.

“My husband and children help a lot, along with my friends, they give me encouragement as well,” she said.

Mak Idah believes that patience and gratitude are the keys to facing challenges.

“Always be grateful for the blessings that you have,” she advised.

For now, she is not only able to increase her income but also set an example for her children.

Her message to other mothers interested in starting a small business?

“Keep trying and don’t give up easily because blessings will definitely be there for you and your children,” she said.

These stories prove the spirit and drive of Sarawakian mothers in the world of entrepreneurship.

Whether selling health products, running a homestay or making frozen kuih, these women show that motherhood and entrepreneurship can go hand in hand.

With family support, smart time management and an unwavering spirit, they continue to build a better life not only for themselves, but also for their families and communities.

Their journeys remind us that success is not simply about profits, but about passion, purpose and perseverance.

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