TLC x Fempreneurs Series: Eriko Wong (Mellow)

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 Eriko Wong (Mellow)

 

Tell us a little about yourself. What is your business/ brand about?

I’m a proud mother of two wonderful boys, aged 7 and 4 years old. Alongside being a dedicated mom, I am also the co-founder and designer at Mellow, a Singapore-based label specialising in children’s essentials.

What got you started on your business? 

It was our firsthand experience as new parents grappling with the challenge of finding children’s products that strike the right balance between aesthetics, functionality, and affordability. Faced with the dilemma of choosing between high-priced items that appealed to our tastes and budget-friendly options lacking in visual appeal, we recognized a gap in the market.

Motivated by this challenge, we founded Mellow with a clear mission: to create products that seamlessly blend aesthetic appeal, practical functionality, and affordability. Our goal is to simplify the process for parents like us, offering a curated selection of items that not only meet their needs but also reflect their personal style preferences without compromising on quality. This commitment stems from our belief that parenthood should be filled with joy and ease, and our products are designed to enhance that experience for families everywhere.

 

Before you started your business, what did you do on a full-time basis?

Before starting my business, I worked as a research assistant, consistently immersed in the scientific research field. However, driven by a deep passion for creating products that enhance the lives of children, I transitioned to become a children’s essentials designer and founder, with a newfound commitment to innovation and impact in the realm of childhood development.

What were some difficulties you faced in your life and how did you overcome them?

Balancing the roles of a wife, daughter, mother, and entrepreneur running a small business has been quite the rollercoaster ride for me. Some days, it feels like I’m spinning plates, striving to keep everything going without dropping a single one.

To tackle these challenges, I’ve embraced creativity, involving my family in my business journey, and turning tasks into bonding experiences. Whether it’s brainstorming new ideas during dinner or having my kids help with packaging orders, it’s become a collaborative effort. However, it’s not always smooth sailing. There are moments of feeling overwhelmed, and pulled in multiple directions.

During such times, I’ve learned the importance of seeking support, whether from my spouse or by delegating tasks within the business. Taking moments for self-care has been essential too—stealing quiet moments with a cup of tea or going for a walk to clear my head helps me recharge. It’s a continuous balancing act, but by staying flexible, leaning on loved ones, and prioritizing self-care, I’ve navigated through the challenges and found joy in every aspect of my life.

 

Who inspires you?

Children inspire me with their boundless curiosity, resilience, and unfiltered joy for life.

What excites you most about your industry?

It is the joy of witnessing families grow alongside our products. It’s incredibly rewarding to see children using our items from the earliest stages of infancy to their toddler years, knowing that we’ve played a part in their journey of growth and development. This aspect of our industry provides a unique opportunity for us to create lasting connections with families, becoming an integral part of their everyday lives.

Additionally, being able to innovate and adapt our designs to meet the evolving needs of children and parents as they progress through different stages of development is both inspiring and fulfilling. Overall, the prospect of contributing to the happiness, comfort, and well-being of families as they navigate the beautiful journey of parenthood is what excites me most about our industry as a children’s essentials designer and founder.

What is your vision / personal motto?

Innovate, Impact, Inspire.

 

What have you learned recently that you hope the other ladies can take back?

Recently, I’ve learned the importance of recognizing that it’s okay to prioritize certain aspects of life over others to prevent burnout. Understanding that we can’t achieve perfection in every area simultaneously has been a valuable lesson. It’s essential to give ourselves permission to set boundaries, delegate tasks, and focus on what truly matters in the moment, whether it’s our careers, relationships, or personal well-being. Embracing imperfection and finding balance is key to maintaining our mental health and overall happiness, and I hope other ladies can take this lesson to heart as well.

How do you think you can help ladies to feel confident and empowered?

I believe I can empower women by creating products that not only provide ease and comfort during their parenthood journey but also reflect their values and priorities. By offering practical, well-designed essentials such as waterproof bed mats, silicone dinnerware, I aim to alleviate the daily challenges faced by mothers and caregivers, enabling them to navigate parenthood with confidence and ease.

Additionally, through our blog and social media, we provide valuable information and tips on topics such as child development, parenting strategies, and family activities, empowering women with the knowledge and support they need to make informed decisions and foster meaningful connections with their children.

Furthermore, through collaborations with partners offering services like postnatal yoga, we provide women with opportunities to prioritise their well-being and nurture themselves as they navigate the demands of parenthood. Overall, by creating thoughtful products, offering educational resources, and fostering partnerships that prioritize women’s empowerment and well-being, we strive to support and uplift women as they embrace the joys and challenges of motherhood.

What is one thing you are grateful for?

I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to pursue my passion and turn my vision into reality, and the unwavering support and encouragement of my family, friends and customers.

Let us know more about what you do!

Discover practical, aesthetic, and affordable children’s essentials from our Singapore-based label, Mellow. Our thoughtfully designed products, like the grooved Kiku bowl and waterproof bed mat, marry beauty with functionality, making parenting easier. Experience the difference with items that are mindfully crafted to work seamlessly together.

You may also find Mellow featured on Xin Ming Ri Bao.

Connect with Mellow

Website: https://www.hellomellow.co
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hellomellow.co

Are you a Fempreneur too?

Connect with us – we’d love to feature you! Say hi to us at hello@theladiescue.com or reach out to us via our social media.

 

Read TLC x Fempreneur Series: