A Mother’s Day Special - Hazel Yeo, a passionate Mumpreneur and a new Mama of 3
Meet Hazel Yeo, co-founder of Jing Botanics, as she shares about how she juggles being a business owner, a nurturing, hands-on parent, and yet still carving out time for her passions in life.
1. What has been the hardest period of motherhood for you and how did you overcome it?
The very start of motherhood. I found it hardest to cope with the identity shift. Even now after being a mother of three, I still feel like I’m dealing with certain parts of this identity shift, although I’m a lot more settled into my role as a mother now. It’s a huge transition from having your own time to suddenly being consumed by motherhood. I found that this transition to be especially difficult because my mother had just passed away when I became pregnant with my first and I had also decided to leave the corporate world. Dealing with grief, the departure from tying my identity to career, prenatal depression (I had this for all of the first trimesters) and then facing the chaos of being a first time mother. It was a lot. What helped me to overcome this tough period was my village of support. My super hands on husband, my family, friends and my helper. I could go on and on about the details of how they helped to ease my challenges as a mother.
2. How do you maintain your individual identity while being a mom?
Sometimes it’s so easy to get caught up with feeling like you’re “just a mum”, isn’t it? I consciously make time for myself. Whether that looks like girls night out, a matcha morning ritual, coffee with an old friend, pursuing my interests (Psychology degree), exploring a passion project, working on my business (Jing Botanics) or having some quiet time to pray or practise gratitude.
3. What has been the number one highlight of motherhood for you?
Watching my children play together. With two boys so close in age, they are bound to have their fair share of disagreement. More often, watching them laugh and play together, care for each other and learn to work through conflict has been by far the most rewarding part of motherhood.
4. What is one thing your children have taught you?
To learn how to be more present. In our day and age, it’s so easy to just grab your phone and get lost in it. Our children don’t have access to phones or screens, so they are fully present when they are playing. They stop to notice and appreciate all the minor things around us.
5. What do first time mothers need to know?
It’s okay to ask for help. Parenthood can be overwhelming and it’s normal to feel uncertain or exhausted at times. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support from your partner, family, friends or support groups. Asking for help doesn’t make you any less capable, it’s a sign of strength and a vital aspect of nurturing both yourself and your child.
6. If you had to choose one parenting mantra to share on this Mother’s Day, what would it be?
“Always connect first.” Life with two toddlers and a newborn can get really hectic. Prioritising connection with your children above all else not only eases the challenges but also enriches the chaotic journey. They are more willing to listen when you first connect with them to understand their underlying needs. Embrace the chaos and cherish the moments!
Evan, 4, and Aaron 2, wears 4T and 3T Two Piece Pyjamas in Almond respectively; and Leanne, 5m, wears 3-6m Long Sleeves Kimono in Almond.
Jing Botanics creates high-performance products for holistic healing of the mind, body, and spirit using a combination of timeless wisdom of Eastern herbalism with advancements in scalp science, helping you achieve your fullest self. This Mother’s Day, Jing Botanics is giving away gift vouchers worth $20 with every purchase at These Tiny Things, valid till end May.
To all mamas, mamas-to-be and mama figures, Happy Mother's Day from all of us at These Tiny Things!