by Alexandra Nicole Nuralam
Mumpreneur Michelle Hon: Making Motherhood & A Career Work for You
Michelle Hon took her passion for motherhood and turned it into The Chill Mom. Now she wants to help other moms do the same.
In celebration of mothers this upcoming Mother’s Day, we check in with moms and chat about their journey and hopes while highlighting their unique relationship with beauty.
Between raising three young children and growing her businesses, Michelle Hon certainly seems to live up to her moniker “The Chill Mom”. Launched in 2013, “The Chill Mom” is a lifestyle and parenting blog covering everything from postpartum concerns to teaching your children financial literacy. Since then, Michelle has launched a maternity consultancy business, written a book and founded MomBoss Academy, where she teaches women how to ace motherhood while growing their businesses.
We chat with the mompreneur on how her journey began, what excites her most about the industry and her source of inspiration.
How did you get started on your business and how has the journey been so far?
My story started when I had to give up my soup and salad bars to be a stay-at-home mom when my first daughter, Lauren, was born. 6 months into my gig as a stay-at-home mom, I was feeling restless. I needed a creative outlet and financial independence. I started a mom blog with the intention to monetise it and I was very deliberate with the content and branding of my blog. Long story short, the blog grew into a maternity consultancy business, a book, speaking engagements, brand partnerships and 3 other online businesses.
What does a typical day in your life look like?
Today, my focus is mainly on MomBoss Academy, an online training platform that helps moms build profitable businesses from home. I typically wake up around 8 am; my husband sends my older children to primary school, while I walk my son to preschool. Then I start work at my home office around 9 am. My team members work remotely, so we usually have short morning meetings a few times a week. What I work on varies day to day and it includes creating training materials, online content, sales and marketing funnels and shoots. I enjoy having the flexibility to decide what and when I want to work on.
The kids come home from school around 2 pm, and I usually spend time with them in the afternoon. We have dinner around 7 pm, bedtime for the kids at 8:30 pm and I spend my evenings with my husband. I’d be tinkering with work on my laptop while watching something light on TV. Then I’ll call it a day around midnight!
What excites you most about your industry?
The fact that moms no longer have to choose between career or babies when they start a family. Just 15 years ago, it wasn’t possible. With technology, they can now reach their target audience for free, build an online store and make money from home in less than a week. All while becoming a role model for their children at the same time.
Who inspires you?
Moms who never stop trying. And the one person who drives me is my mom. She was a dedicated stay-at-home mom with dreams of starting her own business one day. But she didn’t know how or where to start. Or perhaps she thought she would do it when we were older. Unfortunately, that day didn’t come for her. She passed away at 34 years old and she never realised her full potential. I want to be that mentor for people like my mom; to give them the confidence and strategies to do it right, the first time.
What’s your daily beauty routine like?
Twice a day, upon waking up and in the evening. I cleanse my face, apply 2-3 serums depending on my mood or my skin’s needs at the time, eye cream, lash serum and a hydrating moisturiser.
I seldom put on makeup. And when I do, I use a light and hydrating foundation, mascara, eyeliner depending on the occasion, and a dab of lipstick on my lips!
What do you look for when picking beauty products?
Efficacy and ease of use.
What are your self-care practices to relieve stress or anxiety?
I’m quite an introvert. I make sure that I get plenty of me-time to myself to relax and process my thoughts. I’ll block time off my calendar specifically for doing nothing. Because if I don’t, my time will be taken up with back-to-back meetings, events, and family and business commitments.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years, I see myself doing pretty much the same thing—with a bigger team, impacting more moms around the world to take charge of their lives and build their dream businesses from home.
Michelle’s Beauty Picks
Sigi Skin Dew Potion, SGD56
Lancôme Advanced Génifique Anti-Aging Face Serum, SGD19
Clinique Moisture Surge 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator, SGD59
Fancl Core Effector Essence, SGD140
Skinceuticals Discoloration Defense, SGD159
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