Mom‑Daughter Magic: Turning Family Bonding into Business Brilliance
Mother‑daughter partnerships often bring a mix of drama, love, and the occasional “Did you really want to do that?” moment. But when both parties roll up their sleeves and launch a venture together, those same dynamics can spark something extraordinary.
Meet Theresa & Sandra: The Beauty Spa Powerhouse
- Theresa Ong – The pioneering mom who opened a tiny one‑room salon with just two treatment beds in Ang Mo Kio. Think of it as a bustling 1998 internet startup: dream big, start small.
- Sandra Koh – Theresa’s daughter, playing the role of General Manager and the kid‑whisperer who re‑brands the salon to speak directly to Gen‑Z clients.
From Baby Steps to Chains of Success
Barely a boutique, Theresa’s first spa was a foot‑thick “you’re in for a treat” sign. Then, lightning struck:
- Opened four outlets island‑wide, turning a humble one‑room into the go‑to spa chain.
- Expanded offerings from just facials to include body wellness, massage, and full‑blown aesthetics like pre‑ and post‑natal massages and LED teeth whitening.
- Champion of organic slimming – a fusion of cutting‑edge tech and wellness products that feel like a spa day meets a fitness influencer.
Behind the Scenes: A Mother’s Perspective
Theresa’s new mom‑daughter venture also gave Sandra a chance to see her mentor in high gear:
- Learning how to manage a business while juggling life’s demanding roles.
- Seeing her mom’s resilience in real‑time and feeling a deep, new respect for her.
- Turning obstacles into stepping stones – from brand refreshes to navigating generational marketing gaps.
Spotlight Moments
“It’s like we’re rewriting our own story,” Sandra says. The duo is proving that a great business can thrive when you mix passion at work with family at heart. If anything, their story reminds us that sometimes the best partners are those you already know best.
Why did you decide to work together? Is the whole family involved?
Meet Sandra Koh: Reviving the Family Legacy
Why Sandra Joined the Family Business
After finishing her university degree, Sandra felt that her mother needed a fresh burst of energy to breathe new life into the family business. She saw an opportunity to pivot the brand and make it resonate with a younger crowd.
The Whole Family Onboard
Within a few years, Sandra realized just how demanding running the house was. She convinced her brother Ken—who had just left a bank job—to jump aboard the family venture. Besides swapping spreadsheets for store shelves, Ken found that the only numbers he’s crunching now are the toppings on the new signature dessert.
Key Challenges and Strategies
- Modernizing the Brand: Sticking to tradition while introducing tech‑savvy tweaks.
- Balancing Family Dynamics: Merging generational ideas without burning any bridges.
- Targeting the Youth: Crafting campaigns that feel relevant and relatable to the next-gen consumers.
What’s Next?
With Sandra and Ken steering the ship together, the family business is set to chart an exciting, bold course toward the modern marketplace—one that keeps the family’s heart intact while tapping into fresh, digital horizons.
What do you love about working with each other?
Family Bosses: The Secret Sauce for Hassle‑Free Work
Why Working with a Boss Who Knows Your Inside Story is a Game‑Changer
- No More Guesswork: When your leader is also your family member, you’ve already played a few rounds of “Anticipate and Deliver.” It’s like having a built‑in cheat sheet for how you function and what makes you tick.
- Expectations Aligned: You both get that same single‑eye look in the hallway— “We’re on the same page.” No need to spend time explaining preferences or figuring out the right tone.
- Borrowed Strengths: Think of it as a two‑person super‑team where each person brings a unique power‑up to the table. Your boss’s big-picture vision is balanced with your detail‑oriented focus, giving the company a solid, well‑rounded advantage.
- Less Formal, More Fun: The line between personal and professional blurs a bit, but that’s where the light‑hearted brainstorming happens. Toasted cupcakes or spontaneous video calls can spark creative conversations that wouldn’t drop off a corporate meeting agenda.
- Fast Decision‑Making: Having a shared history means decisions can often be finalised quicker; there’s less bureaucratic red tape because you’re already comfortable with each other’s decision styles.
The Bottom Line
When your boss knows you inside and out—both professionally and personally—the days of endless clarifications and unproductive meetings fade away. You focus on what you do best and somehow manage to elevate the whole company along the way. It’s a win‑win for everyone, and your office dynamics get a little lighter and a lot more productive.
And your least favourite part of working together?
Seizing the Reins: A Journey From Skepticism to Success
The First Remainder
Mom’s initial reservations about handing the company’s reins to us—me and my brother—were obvious. She had a hard time letting go of the day‑to‑day control that she’d kept tight for years.
The Struggle That Followed
We found ourselves in a bit of a bind. Suddenly, there were more doubts than decisions, and the business felt like a ship with no proper captain. It was a tough patch.
Putting Up Our Sleeve
- We set clear goals and communicated them with the family.
- We brought fresh ideas that matched the market’s pulse.
- We proved our reliability through consistent results.
The Turning Point
When we demonstrated our commitment and delivered real outcomes, Mom’s doubts slowly melted away. She started trusting our judgment and gradually stepped back from day‑to‑day decisions.
What We Learned
It’s about showing dedication, aligning with family values, and letting the results speak louder than any fears. With time, even a cautious heart can open up to new leadership.
Has going into business together changed your relationship or perception of each other?
Mom‑Boss Chronicles: Juggling Biz, Babies, and a Bit of Guilt
A Dual‑Life Dilemma
Ever feel like you’re running a Fortune 500 company while also being the unofficial Chief Play‑Date Officer of your own household? That’s my daily reality. With two little ones running around, my schedule is a spinning wheel that keeps on spinning—if only I could keep the eye on all the spinning parts.
Mom Guilt: A Candid Confession
- When I press “submit” on a report and skip a bedtime story, that guilt hits harder than the last of the pizza crusts.
- Every “just a minute” leads to an unexpected “Oops, I left the kids in the middle of a game.”
- It’s easier said than done—especially when I remember that my own mom was once my single source of snack crumbs.
Remembering My Mom: A Piece of the Past
Growing up, my mom’s desk was almost always closer than my own. When I asked her for a hug, she’d sigh, “Sorry, there’s a deadline.” I’d squeeze my cheeks tighter to hold the answer.
Now, as a parent myself, I’ve been awakened to a hidden truth: It wasn’t her choice of a straight‑up career over cuddles. The grind was real; her sacrifices came from the need to keep the family fed and the office humming.
How I’ve Got It (All) Easier
Fast‑forward: I have a brother cheering me on and my mom now sharing in the load. Together, we swap stories over lunch, swap schedules, and sometimes swap the coffee.
I’ve learned that the best solution isn’t about deciding whom to “put first” but about building a team—at home and at work—that keeps the product (my family, the company, and the friendly workplace) running smoothly.
The Bottom Line: Perseverance, Love, and a Touch of Luck
Our family lineage can be described as a blend of raw determination, unshakeable grit, and yes, a sprinkle of luck. The result? A mom who can now say she’s not “overworked” but simply over‑held.
And to answer the unspoken question, Is my mom an entrepreneur? Absolutely—she turned hard work into a thriving business, just like my own hustle. And the story goes on…
Have you had disagreements and how do you hash it out?
Family Feuds and Love Languages
What We’ve Been Through
- Every family, every team has its fair share of misunderstandings and quarrels.
- I’m usually the one who bows out first—conflict isn’t really my cup of tea.
- It’s been a learning curve for both of us.
Our Love Languages
I thrive on words and touch, while my mum’s style is all about acts of service. It’s like we’re speaking two different languages – literally!
Getting to Know Each Other’s Strengths
- Working side‑by‑side helped us spot each other’s talents.
- I realised I need to adjust my expectations, especially around my mum’s style.
- In return, I’ve become more understanding and we argue way less.
Final Takeaway
My mum gave me the chance for higher education—a gift she never had. Now, we both laugh at the old “fight” moments and move forward with a deeper appreciation for how we show love. It’s a win‑win, and it keeps our family drama to a minimum, allowing more laughter and fewer “Sorry!” statements.
What have you learnt from her through working together?
My Mom: The Ultimate Work‑Life Juggler
I’ve always been in awe of my mom. She’s the kind of person who can keep a laptop open for 24 hours and still manage to find a moment for a crossword puzzle.
A Bilingual Boss
- Non‑stop hustle: She runs her own business the way you’d run a treadmill—non‑stop.
- Never‑ending learner: She’s constantly scrolling through tutorials, maybe even taking a course on “how to juggle 5 spreadsheets at once.”
Home is a Different Stage
When the office lights dim, she swaps the suit for a comfy hoodie and a mug of chamomile, becoming the most affectionate partner you could ask for.
Balance, Not Brawn
It can be tempting to flip the script in a marriage, but my mom shows you how to blend strong leadership at work with tender love at dinner.
Lessons I Want to Carry
- Work hard, learn harder: I aim to keep this drive alive.
- Love is the secret sauce: The same energy that powers my mom’s empire also fuels our family.
What’s one memorable incident that you can recall since you’ve started working together?
Big Shoutout to Mom
During our Annual Dinner & Dance night, I pulled out a microphone and dropped a heartfelt salute to my mom—both the powerhouse employee and the proud daughter she’s grown up to be.
Why the Moment Felt Extra Special
- Mom’s relentless dedication keeps the workplace humming.
- Her unwavering support is the real backbone for my career.
- And she’s the reason I always keep my shoes on—both figuratively and literally.
I’m not usually one to spill my heart on the spot, but that evening I gave it a stage. After a quick, heartfelt pause, I thanked her profusely—because, let’s face it, moms deserve all the applause we can give.
Your advice for young entrepreneurs starting out in the business
A Straight Path Ahead: A Tale of Perseverance
What We’re Facing
The journey isn’t always a walk in the sun. In fact, it can feel tough and lonely at moments. But that’s just the first chapter.
Why It Matters
- Grit helps you push through the struggle.
- Resilience keeps you moving forward, even when the road feels endless.
- Family support acts like a sturdy compass, pointing the way.
What’s Next
Keep at it—you’ll reach the destination in time. If you need more guidance, consider checking out Theresa Beauty’s website for helpful resources.
This uplifting message originally appeared in The Singapore Women’s Weekly.
