by Alexandra Nicole Nuralam

Norfasarie on Balancing Work, Motherhood & Self

Norfasarie Mohd Yahya is not one to shy away from a challenge. It’s not easy running a business and being an attentive parent to three children, but Norfasarie manages to balance everything gracefully. The Singaporean entrepreneur and working mother was a former Mediacorp actress and singer, before becoming a Singapore Airlines flight stewardess.

We chat with Norfasarie at her Moza Aesthetics spa; she tells us how she juggles between her career and motherhood, tips on squeezing time in for a self-care routine, and her signature beauty look.

Can you tell us a little about yourself, your career and your family?

My husband and I have been married for 12 years and we are blessed with 3 amazing kids: Mika, Moza and Muaz. As my husband is a national footballer, we were constantly on the move to different parts of Southeast Asia following his residency at the various clubs. But it was the spa-hopping trips I made in Indonesia that truly ignited the entrepreneurial fire in me to start my own business in Singapore. It left a deep impression in me and I knew that I needed to realise that vision.

Almost a decade later, I’m now the founder of Spa by Norfasarie, a ladies-only spa that prides in traditional therapy, and Moza Aesthetics, a unisex establishment that boasts “East meets West” aesthetic treatments. They’re like additional babies to me! 

What was your career like before you started a family?

From an early age, I always knew that I’d end up pursuing a creative profession—but my journey to that destination was anything but linear. I dabbled in the entertainment industry since I was 16 years old (I was acting and singing on Mediacorp’s Suria) before I became an air stewardess for Singapore Airlines for 6 years. 

You’re juggling your businesses and 3 kids. How do you find the time to get everything done?

I’m a fervent multi-tasker and juggling tasks is second nature to me. Having worked in multiple jobs since my teenage years and my experience as a full-time cabin crew, I’m accustomed to trying to go above and beyond. But now as a mom of three, I learn to be more efficient with time and try to find a healthy work-life balance. I always take it one day at a time and make it a point to set my priorities right. I want to be equally involved as a mother as much as a business owner. 

What has been the most challenging part about being a mother and entrepreneur?

Having the freedom of mind and time. My hectic schedule can get me lost in chaos sometimes, so I find it important to step back and slow down whenever I need to. It keeps me grounded knowing that I need to care of myself first before I can take care of others. Also, how do 24 hours go by so quickly?

What makes a strong woman? Who is a strong woman you look up to?

“To me, a strong woman is someone who is vibrant, goal-oriented and doesn’t wait for any man to validate her existence. She knows when to be selfish and when to be selfless, when to follow her head and when to follow her heart.”

When I saw images of New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern bringing her baby to a UN assembly, I was profoundly moved and in awe. Not only was it a history-making moment, but she also became a model for all working mothers. It sent a powerful message about women in leadership roles and how they don’t have to compartmentalise their lives or change their career expectations after having kids. I believe women have a place to be in every level of government or business if she strives to. We’re strong and resilient. After all, we are capable of birthing humans, right? (laughs)

What’s your favourite moment of the day?

At night. That’s when the house is at its quietest because my kids are all tucked in bed and asleep! I’ll take that moment to reflect on my day, plan ahead for tomorrow and wind down by reading a book or catch up on my favourite shows on Netflix. I always put an emphasis on making time for myself no matter how busy things can get. 

What’s your approach when it comes to beauty and wellness?

Beauty and wellness must go hand in hand. In order to achieve external beauty, we must take care of ourselves internally by having a good amount of rest, staying hydrated and eating a well-balanced diet. It’s super cliché, but this holistic approach will ultimately result in healthier radiant skin.
Also, I’m a firm believer in self-care. Take some time off your sea of errands, work responsibilities and family by reconnecting with yourself and indulge in the things that make you feel content with no guilt.

“When you make self-gratitude a habit, you’ll learn to embrace your self-identity and love yourself and others around you more.”

How do you look after your skin?

I have very strict rules when it comes to taking care of my skin. Even if I’m just taking a quick afternoon nap, I’ll ensure that I take my makeup off before sleeping. My daily regime revolves around Moza Aesthetics’ skincare range: I double cleanse my face with the Clear + Radiant Hydra Cleanser to remove makeup, followed by the Salicylic Cleanser. Next, I’ll apply my favourite BHA serum and the Luxe + Flawless Tinted SPF—my alternative to foundation. If I’m experiencing a bout of breakouts, I will dab a bit of Spot Attack to reduce the appearance of my skin’s new pesky resident. 

Once a week, I will go completely makeup and skincare product-free throughout the day and night to let my skin breathe. And, of course, twice a month, I pamper myself for a spa session at Moza Aesthetics. 

What is your signature beauty look? 

My go-to these days is definitely the no-makeup look: brushed brows, rosy lips and cheeks with natural, glowing skin. If I’m feeling a little extra, I’ll do a winged liner and a bold lip. A girl can do both, can’t she?

What are your hopes for the year ahead?

I hope to explore more business growth opportunities to expand Moza Aesthetics, and for my eldest son Mika to do well in his upcoming national exams. I hope the world will be able to heal itself after its ordeals, and that people are able to re-enter with a renewed sense of perspective — one that is kind, empathetic and more understanding. I’m also looking forward to travelling again and making new memories with my family.

Norfasarie’s Beauty Picks

Moza Aesthetics Clear + Radiant Hydra Cleanser, SGD48
Moza Aesthetics Salicylic Cleanser, SGD68
Chanel Correction Complète Super Active SPF50 CC Cream, SGD90
Moza Aesthetics BHA Serum, SGD88
Moza Aesthetics Luxe + Flawless Tinted SPF, SGD88
Chanel Ultrawear Flawless Compact Foundation Luminous Matte Finish SPF15, SGD98
Moza Aesthetics Spot Attack, SGD28
Chanel Le Correcteur de Chanel Concealer, SGD56
Bobbi Brown Luxe Lip Color in Bare Pink, SGD45
Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara, SGD49