TLC x Fempreneurs Series: Nur Fadhilah Shuib (Aeroviation)

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 Nur Fadhilah Shuib (Aeroviation)

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

I am honoured to introduce myself as the Co-Founder of Aeroviation, where my primary focus revolves around marketing, branding, and overseeing our students’ progress. Beyond my professional endeavours, I also take pride in being a mother to a wonderful daughter. My entrepreneurial spirit runs deep in my family, with both my mother and grandmother pursuing their own businesses. Their journeys have been a continuous source of inspiration for me.

Aeroviation represents a unique opportunity in the world of aviation. It’s a place where aspiring aviation enthusiasts can embark on their ab initio training, taking the first crucial steps toward a fulfilling career in the industry. Our mission is to empower and guide young, bright minds through this transformative learning experience, nurturing them into accomplished professionals.

We are passionate about fostering the aviation leaders of tomorrow, encouraging them to break boundaries and embark on a journey toward their dreams. At Aeroviation, we believe that today is the perfect day to start making strides toward a future in aviation.

What got you started on your business? 

I embarked on this business venture because of a significant gap I noticed while working in a preschool. Many students expressed a strong desire to become pilots, yet there were no educational avenues available for them to pursue this dream. I observed that, in contrast, there was a plethora of options, such as ballet and coding classes for children, but nothing specifically tailored to aviation.

Recognising the importance of nurturing these ambitions from a young age, I decided to take the initiative and work with my husband, Faris, who is well-versed in the aviation industry. I began by developing a comprehensive syllabus filled with engaging activities designed for kids. Despite the complexity of aviation concepts, I believe we could simplify them and introduce children to this fascinating world.

To make the learning experience even more exciting, I created lessons that incorporated various subjects, such as Geography. For example, we explored the countries they could visit through flying, helping them discover the world around them. We also delved into the different parts of an aeroplane, breaking down any challenging terminology into simpler terms that children could easily grasp and understand.

The driving force behind starting this business was the belief that it’s crucial to introduce children to their passions and dreams at an early age. By offering aviation education for kids, I hoped to provide them with the opportunity to explore their interests and aspirations in a supportive and engaging environment.

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

Before venturing into my current business, my career path led me through two distinct phases:

Early Childhood Education: I initially began my career as a preschool teacher, dedicating a significant portion of my professional life to the field of early childhood education. Over the course of five years, I worked in this industry, focusing on nurturing and educating young children during their formative years. My educational background, which includes a diploma in early childhood studies and a degree in psychology, provided me with a strong foundation in understanding child development and human behaviour. This experience allowed me to make a positive impact on young minds and families.

Transition to Aviation: Following my tenure in early childhood education, I embarked on a new professional journey by transitioning to a role at Changi Airport. This career shift was influenced by my partner, Faris, who possessed a background in aviation. His extensive experiences and passion for the aviation industry served as a source of inspiration for me. I was drawn to the dynamic and captivating world of aviation, and it presented a unique opportunity for personal and professional growth. This transition allowed me to leverage my educational background and skills in a different context while exploring a field that I found exciting and filled with potential.

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

After giving birth to my daughter, life took a dramatic turn, and being a mother became a whole new challenge. As a former preschool teacher, I had high expectations for myself and wanted to homeschool Fayra while spending quality time with her. However, I soon realised that juggling work responsibilities, play classes, and personal goals was much tougher than anticipated.

Although I didn’t have the luxury of a support system, I made a conscious decision to take full responsibility for my child’s upbringing. This journey has been remarkable, teaching me that moms are capable of accomplishing anything they set their minds to. I’ve discovered strength, resilience, and independence I didn’t know I had.

To overcome difficulties, I maintained a positive mindset, sought advice from experienced parents, and immersed myself in parenting communities. I learned to adapt, prioritise, and effectively manage my responsibilities. Each day presents new challenges, but I face them with determination and perseverance.

Motherhood has taught me patience, resilience, and adaptability. Every mother should embrace their inner strength, believe in their capabilities, and create a beautiful life for themselves and their children.

Who inspires you?

The person who inspires me the most is my mom. She has been a source of inspiration since my early years, instilling in me valuable lessons about business and life skills. I fondly recall stories from my youth, when my brother and I embarked on entrepreneurial ventures, even during their primary school days.

One remarkable story revolves around Valentine’s Day, where my mother crafted handmade items. Together with my brother, we would go to the Singapore River to sell these creations to people, despite being in primary school at the time. My mom’s upbringing prioritised practical life skills over pure academics, as my late grandmother was also involved in a business. She specialised in cooking during the kampong days, particularly selling “epok-epok” (a local pastry). I’ve heard childhood stories when my mom shared that my late grandmother would give them a whole basket of “epok-epok” and wouldn’t allow them to return home until they sold them all. They view this as a lesson in responsibility and entrepreneurship.

Instead of focusing solely on homework and schoolwork, my mother’s emphasis was on doing something that could earn us money. The money we earned allowed us to buy our own toys, and my mom even organised flea markets to sell their old toys and purchase new ones. During my primary school years, I was already thinking like a businessperson. I would buy erasers in bulk and then encourage my friends to buy them from me. My early experiences shaped her entrepreneurial spirit and taught me the value of hard work and resourcefulness.

What excites you most about your industry?

What excites me the most in the flight school industry is the opportunity to witness the incredible progression and growth of my students over the years. It’s truly inspiring to see young individuals begin their journey with us, and then witness them transform into skilled pilots, confidently soaring through the skies and obtaining their licences. These moments are emotionally rewarding and fill me with immense pride, knowing that we have played a crucial role in nurturing their passion and guiding them towards achieving their dreams.

What is your vision / personal motto?

My personal motto is “Never stop learning.” Despite not having formal marketing skills, I embrace the idea of continuous learning and growth, emphasising the importance of acquiring new knowledge and skills throughout life.

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

Recently, I’ve learned a valuable lesson that I hope other ladies can take to heart. As a mother, I’ve discovered that it is indeed possible to balance the responsibilities of caring for a baby while simultaneously managing work commitments. It may require sacrificing some precious sleep, but it’s entirely achievable. I believe that this experience serves as a testament to the strength and resilience that women possess, highlighting that with determination and effective time management, they can successfully navigate the demands of motherhood and their professional lives, achieving a harmonious balance that allows them to pursue their passions and fulfil their responsibilities.

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

In my perspective, empowering and boosting the confidence of women begins with nurturing a strong belief in oneself and their unique abilities. It’s crucial to remind ourselves that our individual qualities and talents are invaluable assets.

Equally important is the act of surrounding oneself with a circle of positive influences and supportive individuals who genuinely uplift and inspire. Recognising the presence of toxic relationships and having the courage to distance oneself from such negativity can be transformative.

By adopting these principles in my own life, I’ve found that they have not only enhanced my self-belief but also cultivated a sense of self-assurance and empowerment that propels me forward in my journey.

What is one thing you are grateful for?

I am immensely grateful for the blessings I receive daily. My amazing family and supportive friends have been with me from the start. Everything has fallen into place, both in my business and personal life. This abundance of blessings inspires and empowers me to strive for greatness, knowing that I am surrounded by love. Gratitude is my mindset, guiding me towards success, fulfilment, and joy. I cherish these blessings and aim to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

What do you do in your free time as self-care? How do you unwind?

In our free time, we prioritise self-care by making it a point to travel from time to time. When my husband, Faris, has 3 to 4 days off or even upon his return from work, he often suggests impromptu trips, adding an element of spontaneity to our relaxation routine. We’re not afraid to buy plane tickets on a whim and indulge in some quality self-care through travel experiences. It’s a way for us to unwind, create lasting memories, and rejuvenate our spirits.

Let us know more about what you do!

Discover your aviation dreams at Aeroviation! We’re the pioneers of the Recreational Pilot Certificate program, making aviation accessible and affordable for all ages. Join us on a transformative journey from dreamer to professional aviator. Your future in aviation begins here!

You may also find us featured on Berita Harian, CNA938, and Warna 942.

Connect with Aeroviation!

Website: https://www.aeroviation.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aeroviationsg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aeroviationsg

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.