Meet Lily Chew: Teacher, Mom, and Budging Wizard
When Lily Chew stepped away from her primary school desk, she realized she had two super‑powers burning at the same time: teaching and starting a business with her husband. Naturally, she decided to combine the two, especially after welcoming her first baby.
Why Lily Loved the Mix‑and‑Match Idea
“I wanted to spend more moments with my little one and, at the same time, bring a fresh vibe to teaching,” Lily said, her eyes still sparkling from day‑to‑day classroom adventures. “Running my own venture means I can create a curriculum that’s a total game‑changer.”
From Home‑Based Beginnings to a Island‑Wide Empire
- 2015 – Lily and her spouse launched Lil’ but Mighty, a quirky English tutoring service for primary and secondary students.
- They started with just 10 enthusiastic students – all learning from the cozy confines of their home.
- Fast forward a year, and they earned the momentum to open their first physical centre.
- Today, the brand serves over 500 bright minds across four centres island‑wide, proving that passion + partnership = success.
So next time you see Lily chalking a board or plotting her next curriculum jump‑start, remember: behind every lesson plan is a mom who decided teaching and entrepreneurship could be a winning combo. And honestly, it’s pretty cool how she turned “just 10 kids” into a full‑blown learning powerhouse with a dash of humor and a lot of heart.
Not without challenges
From Classroom to Corporate Jungle: Lily’s 35‑Year‑Old Leap of Faith
Ever wonder what it’s like to juggle homework, business plans, and a spouse’s gossip—all in the same day? Lily’s story says it’s more than a balancing act; it’s a full‑court press.
First‑Time Founder: A DIY Disaster
When Lily launched her startup, she was the “one‑person show.” From answering frantic emails to designing the curriculum—yes, even chalking up the grades—she tried to do it all. But she soon discovered that the business side is a different beast.
- All‑hands‑on until she realized a room full of spreadsheets was a lot harder than a classroom full of kids.
- Operational chaos hit the nail on the head: “I was unfamiliar with the operational side and that was tough.”
Love & Numbers: The Spy‑Spouse Syndrome
The plot thickened when Lily’s husband joined the team. Suddenly, a power couple turned into a team‑couple. Their relationship tested its limits, especially when the office and home became one shared space.
Key Moment: 2016 – their first center opened, and home conversations shifted from “how about dinner?” to “what’s the next strategy?.”
“Tensions were at an all‑time high and we kept debating whether doing a business together was worth it.”
- Work‑home bleed‑through: “What happens at work continues at home because we’re together all the time.”
- Unequal workload: Lily felt the river of tasks seemed to swell on her side.
Lesson Learned: Keep the Lines Straight
Fast‑forward to the present—Lily’s 35‑year‑old triumph is shining, but her early challenges teach us a vital lesson: if you want to run a business with your spouse, keep those conversations strictly for work. And don’t forget to drop a “Hello, love” between strategy sessions—balance is key!
Love, Work, and Finding Balance
After years of juggling deadlines and dinner dates, Lily and her partner finally hit the sweet spot where they click both at work and at home. “We’ve simply learned to accept that our lives are fused together—because we chose to collaborate,” Lily says, winking. “That way, there’s always something to chat about or a joke to crack.”
Understanding Each Other’s Work Habits
It turns out that the secret sauce is a deeper appreciation of each other’s working styles. Over time, they’ve picked up on the quirks and rhythms that make teamwork feel less like a two‑person showdown and more like a well‑orchestrated dance.
Turning Little Disagreements Into Big Wins
They still argue—after all, nobody is perfect—but they’ve learned to solve conflicts quickly. “We’re learning to trust each other’s goal: better for us, the family, and our coworkers,” Lily explains. “When the pandemic hit, we realized just how far our relationship had grown.”
Lessons From a ‘Circuit Breaker’ Time
The lockdown forced them to pause and reflect. “In the midst of chaos, we had an aha moment,” Lily shares. “It made us appreciate the evolution of our bond and the fact that we’re linked in every way, from spreadsheets to Sunday brunch.”
- Mutual respect keeps the drama down.
- Every argument ends with a plan.
- Trust translates into wins for everyone involved.
No regrets
Balancing Dreams & Daddy Duty
While Lily steals her own spotlight, she’s no hero about to float into the skies forever. She keeps it real, admitting that sharpness in the spotlight comes with a stern sidekick—her deadlines.
What It Means in Everyday Life
Lily says, “I get to shuffle my schedule when my work runs backgrounder jobs, but when a deadline is about to pop up, I gotta turn into Dad mode.
- School Events Gone Overlooked: There were moments when she missed school performances and events, and the guilt was surprisingly heavy.
- Pressure Tactics: “My boys are the primary audience when I’m at my desk—no playing stand‑up comedy between them and Pens.”
- Balancing Act: If the clock was a savage, it’d say, “Pull the plug on the kids to keep the project alive.” That was the story.
Double Trouble
With a career that’s almost like a bad relationship that you can’t live with, Lily knows that even her “flexible” work-time can’t outrun the familial rhythm. She is quick to throw the humor on her clothes, saying she has to “rub the world’s stress – a simple, impactful motion that feels oddly like a vacation to the cosmos.”
What’s Next?
Besides gaining a few good laughs, Lily is calling out the fact that “ There’s a need to form a better relationship between heart, creativity and mother‑super‑mom role.” Where it last remains an emotional barbell meant for parents of the future.
What It’s Like to Grow Up with a Passion‑Driven Business
Raising kids while running a business is like juggling flaming swords—wilder than it sounds, but doable if you find the right beat.
Finding Your New Rhythm
“Thankfully, as my boys grow up, the routines we have at home change. It’s all about finding a new rhythm.” Lily jokes, and she’s right. The chaos of homework, school projects, and family meals often ends up reshaping the day‑to‑day grind of her teaching business.
No Regrets, Just Resilience
“Bouncing back from tough days means nothing if I never look back at what truly matters.” She shares a striking revelation—there’s no room in her heart for regret. “If you can turn your love for teaching into a classroom that lights up student smiles, you’ve hit the jackpot.” She worries not only about joy for her pupils but also about creating a safe, family‑like space for her team.
Four Pearls for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
- Know Your Strengths. “I’m less about surface things; I look to the core. What drives you? Know that. Passion is the super‑charged engine your business needs.”
- Pick Your Companions Wisely. “Finding people who resonate with your mission creates a partnership that sky‑raises the quality of your work.”
- Accept the Struggle. “When you leave your comfort zone, you’re probably not winning yet, but you’re growing.”
- Add Humor, Don’t Compromise. “When things feel heavy, a smile can help you keep forward momentum.”
Why Her Story Resonates
Born out of a personal love for education and a mission to offer a supportive environment for both students and staff, Lily’s story invites anyone who’s handed the entrepreneurial challenge to take heart. Its optimism is because, as she puts it, “Progress means you’re learning to do better.” So, are you ready to rewrite your own story in this exciting, dynamic, and humor‑sprinkled way?
