In this special column called the “TLC x Fempreneurs Series”, we will be featuring inspiring Female Entrepreneurs (Fempreneurs) in short. You will be able to have a sneak peek at their mindsets and their daily habits.
Believe in the power of community. On some days when you feel big goals are impossible, or when you feel like giving up, you need to lean on your like-minded community. You can even “borrow” motivation, and in turn “return” with your own inspiring stories to pay it forward.
Meet Veronica Ni (Schöne mama)
TLC x Fempreneurs Series: Veronica Ni
Tell us a little about yourself.
Hi! My name is Veronica Ni and I am a mother of two. I was born in Shanghai and raised in Singapore since I was 7 years old. I am the founder of Schöne mama Singapore, a brand that aims to journey with every woman along their motherhood journey and to provide support and guidance.
Schöne mama helps mothers recuperate after birth using scientific technology and Traditional Chinese Medicine knowledge. We are a one-stop comprehensive pre and postnatal healthcare centre that focuses on providing health assessments, counseling, and guidance for women.
What got you started on your business?
I started Schöne mama due to my personal experience after having my first child, Lauren, in Singapore. Couldn’t seek a place in Singapore that was able to resolve my postpartum issues, which were blocked ducts and mastitis issues. I saw a gap in Singapore’s postnatal recovery business and wanted to provide mothers the same help and experience I had received back in Shanghai when I was back to visit for a short period of time.
Fempreneur Veronica Ni
Before you started on your business, what did you do on a full-time basis?
Before starting Schöne mama, I was an accountant and later on, a bunker.
What were some difficulties you faced in your life and how did you overcome them?
The biggest difficulty I faced when I first started out as a business owner was the awareness of postnatal centres and educating the Singapore market about Schöne mama. It was challenging becoming an entrepreneur who is introducing a new concept of postnatal care into Singapore. Despite having faith that Schöne mama would be beneficial for mothers, it was difficult because we used Traditional Chinese Medicine and scientific approaches to provide health recuperation, as compared to Jamu massages for body relaxation, which Singaporeans are more used to. As such, we angled ourselves to be a pre and postnatal healthcare centre and we educated mummies about what Schöne mama is all about, along with the importance of postpartum recovery.
Who inspires you?
My mother is my inspiration. Her resilience and determination to provide me with the best education was the reason I was able to grow up in Singapore since I was 7.
Fempreneur Veronica Ni and her children
What excites you most about your industry?
The most exciting thing about being in my industry is that I am able to help mothers target their postpartum concerns and achieve positive results. The results of our treatments and the improvements in a mother’s health progressively as they complete their treatments with us also makes me happy, knowing that we are able to help another mother treat her concerns. Being able to walk with my customers throughout their motherhood journey from their first child and more is also what makes me enjoy being in the industry.
What is your vision / personal motto?
My vision is to empower women and journey with them throughout their motherhood journey and to let them know that there is someone who believes in providing them the best treatment they can get for postpartum issues.
Do you have any word of advice for other ladies who are starting their business/ starting to pursue their dream?
Be perseverant while staying humble and being hungry for knowledge. Never give up even if the going gets tough, and remind yourself what got you started and motivate yourself constantly.
Schöne mama Brand Logo
How do you think you can help ladies to feel confident and empowered?
It is important to practise self-love to enjoy doing the things you do. Appearance tends to hold many women back from empowerment, but it is important to know that what others say or think is not important. You are beautiful, and that’s the only thing that matters.
What have you learned recently that you hope the other ladies can take back?
Self-love is very important. Before being able to take care of your family and children, you need to love and take care of yourself first.
What is one thing you are grateful for?
I am grateful for the Schöne mama team who persevered with me during this pandemic and through the good and bad times.
What do you do in your free time as self-care? How do you unwind?
I spend my free time with my family and my furkids. Being able to spend quality time with the people I love is enough for me to unwind.
Schöne mama’s shop front
Let us know more about what you do!
Schöne mama is a one-stop comprehensive pre and postnatal healthcare centre focusing on providing health assessments, counseling, and guidance for women through all stages of life, especially during the post-partum stage. We believe in the importance of a good physical condition throughout womanhood.
Connect with Schöne mama!
Website: www.schonemama.com.sg
Instagram: www.instagram.com/schonemama
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SchoneMama