TLC x Fempreneurs Series: Sandra Lim (Math Nuggets)

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 Sandra Lim (Math Nuggets)

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

Hello, I’m Sandra Lim, also known as Teacher Sandra. With over 15 years of teaching experience, I specialise in primary math education. My venture, Math Nuggets, offers small group coaching sessions tailored to individual students. Our approach emphasises bite-sized learning, meeting students at their unique levels by providing them with digestible nuggets of math information.

At Math Nuggets, inclusivity is a priority. We cater to students with special needs, such as autism, dyscalculia, or dyslexia, and our team includes certified teachers equipped to support them.

Throughout my tutoring career spanning over a decade, my goal has been to inspire young minds and instill confidence in their Mathematical abilities.

What got you started on your business? 

After leaving the corporate banking industry, I was presented with the opportunity to assist a close friend who is a single mother. Facing financial challenges, her daughter was struggling academically in primary school. Given my passion for tutoring, I took on the responsibility for free, and after extensive coaching, the student achieved As and Bs in her exams. The sense of fulfilment derived from this experience solidified my determination to pursue a path in education.

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

Following university, I dedicated two years to a corporate banking career. Unhappy with the work pace, I decided to leave the industry. The pivotal moment came when I began tutoring a friend’s daughter, achieving remarkable results, and ultimately inspiring the inception of Math Nuggets.

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

In my 20s, before discovering my true calling in education, I went through a challenging phase. It was a period marked by feelings of loss, depression, and a general lack of joy in life. Those times were undoubtedly the darkest in my life, filled with considerable troubles.

Eventually, I reached a point where I grew tired of being engulfed in this state of misery. I made a conscious decision to pull myself out of depression. This journey started with reading motivational stories, which gradually helped me shift my mindset from negative to positive.

During this time, I lacked significant emotional or moral support, which has since inspired me to be a source of encouragement and support for others facing similar challenges.

Who inspires you?

Mother Teresa has always been a profound source of inspiration for me. Her unwavering commitment to helping the poorest of the poor and the most vulnerable in society truly resonates with my own values. Her life was a testament to the power of compassionate action and selfless service.

What I find most inspiring about Mother Teresa is her ability to see beyond the immediate suffering and address the needs of the whole person – be it physical, emotional, or spiritual. Her dedication, despite the enormity and often overwhelming nature of the challenges she faced, showed a strength of character and resolve that I deeply admire. She tackled problems not just with sympathy, but with a deep empathy that moved her to action. This has influenced my approach to life and work, especially in the field of education.

It’s not just about imparting knowledge, but also about nurturing the heart and spirit, much like how Mother Teresa cared for those she served. Moreover, her humility and simplicity, choosing to live a life devoid of materialistic pleasures, remind me of the importance of focusing on what truly matters – making a positive impact in the lives of others.

In many ways, Mother Teresa’s life story and her profound messages continue to inspire and guide me in my journey, both personally and professionally.

What excites you most about your industry?

What excites me the most about the education industry is the profound and impactful role we play in shaping young minds. Being a part of a child’s educational journey is not just about imparting academic knowledge; it’s about nurturing their overall development and helping them grow into well-rounded individuals.

The opportunity to believe in each student, and to be their cheerleader, is incredibly fulfilling. Every child has unique talents and potential, and it’s a privilege to help them recognize and develop these qualities. Through encouragement and positive reinforcement, we can instil a growth mindset in them, which is essential for their long-term success and well-being.

This growth mindset, the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work, is a powerful tool. It prepares students to face challenges in life with resilience and optimism. In our roles, we get to witness the transformation of students as they learn to embrace challenges, persist in the face of setbacks, and see effort as a path to mastery. This, in turn, paves the way for their success in various aspects of life, be it personal or professional.

Moreover, the dynamic nature of the education industry keeps me continuously engaged and passionate. It’s an ever-evolving field, with new teaching methods, technologies, and research constantly emerging. This pushes me to stay innovative and adapt, ensuring that we are always providing the best possible learning experiences for our students.

In summary, what excites me most is the ability to make a lasting, positive impact on young lives, inspiring and equipping them to face the future with confidence and curiosity. It’s about moulding not just successful students, but also contributing members of society.

What is your vision / personal motto?

‘Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love’ – Mother Teresa. This is a principle that guides me in my daily interactions and decisions.

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

Recently, I’ve gained an insightful perspective that I hope can resonate with many women. The notion of being a ‘strong, independent woman’ is often misconstrued as having to do everything ourselves and bearing the entire burden of all the roles we play. For a long time, I subscribed to this belief and tried to juggle everything on my own. But over time, this approach took its toll, leaving me exhausted and stretched thin.

What I’ve learned is that being strong and independent doesn’t negate the need for support and collaboration. In fact, acknowledging when you need help and being open to receiving it is a sign of strength, not weakness. It’s about recognizing our own limits and understanding that asking for help is a part of taking care of ourselves. This realisation has been transformative.

Reaching out for support, whether it’s from family, friends, or colleagues, can significantly ease our burdens and provide a sense of community and shared responsibility. It also allows for a more balanced life, where we’re not constantly under pressure to handle everything alone. This shift in mindset has been empowering. It has allowed me to be more present and effective in all aspects of my life, without the constant feeling of being overwhelmed.

I hope this message can empower other women to reconsider the traditional definition of strength. Embracing vulnerability and accepting help can lead to a more fulfilling and sustainable way of managing our various responsibilities. It’s a lesson that’s particularly relevant in today’s fast-paced world, where the pressure to ‘do it all’ can be overwhelming. Remember, being strong also means knowing when to lean on others.

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

I believe that empowering women to feel confident is a multifaceted mission, one that requires both practical strategies and emotional support. My approach centres on three key pillars: education, mentorship, and community support.

Firstly, education is crucial. I focus on providing women with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in their chosen fields. This can range from academic learning to practical life skills. By equipping them with the right tools and knowledge, we can help women build a strong foundation for their confidence.

Secondly, mentorship plays a vital role. I strive to be a mentor who not only guides but also inspires. Sharing my own experiences, challenges, and how I overcame them can be a powerful motivator. It’s about showing that it’s okay to make mistakes and that growth often comes from overcoming obstacles. This mentorship extends to creating a network of women who support and uplift each other.

Lastly, fostering a strong sense of community is essential for building confidence. By creating a supportive and inclusive environment, women can feel more secure in expressing themselves and pursuing their goals. This includes providing a safe space for open dialogue, where women can share their thoughts and experiences without fear of judgment.

Additionally, I believe in celebrating each woman’s unique journey and achievements. Recognizing and appreciating their hard work and progress reinforces their sense of self-worth and empowers them to aim higher.

Through these efforts, I aim to not only boost women’s confidence but also empower them to be leaders in their own right, capable of inspiring and uplifting others in their communities.

What is one thing you are grateful for?

One thing I am profoundly grateful for is the unwavering support and guidance I have received from those around me. This includes my family, mentors, and my incredible team. Each of these groups has played a crucial role in both my personal and professional journey, and their impact cannot be overstated.

My family has been my bedrock, offering emotional support and understanding through every phase of my life. Their belief in my abilities and their unconditional love have been the driving forces behind my resilience and perseverance. In times of challenge and uncertainty, it’s been a blessing to have a family who stands by me, cheering me on and providing a safe space to grow and explore.

In addition to my family, I have been fortunate enough to cross paths with inspiring mentors throughout my career. These mentors have not only shared invaluable wisdom and insights but have also believed in me, sometimes even more than I believed in myself. Their guidance has helped shape my decisions and my path, offering me new perspectives and encouraging me to reach higher.

Last but certainly not least, my team has been a source of immense gratitude. Working alongside a group of talented, dedicated, and passionate individuals has been both a privilege and a joy. They are not just colleagues but collaborators in our shared mission. Their creativity, enthusiasm, and commitment to our goals have been instrumental in our collective success and have made the journey enjoyable and fulfilling.

The combination of supportive family members, insightful mentors, and a wonderful team has been a blessing in my life. It’s this network of support that has empowered me to pursue my dreams and overcome obstacles, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

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

In my free time, I deeply value the act of self-care as a way to recharge and maintain balance in my life. One of my favourite ways to unwind is through reading. Whether it’s an insightful non-fiction book or articles on topics I’m curious about, reading allows me to escape into different worlds, gain new perspectives, and relax my mind.

Additionally, I occasionally treat myself to a spa and massage day. It’s a therapeutic experience for me – a time when I can let go of all the stress and tension. The tranquillity of the spa environment and the rejuvenating effect of a good massage work wonders in restoring my physical and mental well-being.

Travelling is another activity I cherish for unwinding. Taking time to explore new places, immerse myself in different cultures, and witness the beauty of sights and nature, is incredibly fulfilling. These experiences not only provide a break from the routine but also enrich my understanding and appreciation of the world. Whether it’s a short getaway to a nearby town or a longer journey to a distant land, travelling invigorates my spirit and offers me a fresh perspective on life.

Ultimately, these activities help me to maintain a sense of inner peace and joy. They allow me to step back from the demands of my work and daily life, giving me the space to rejuvenate and return with renewed energy and focus.

Let us know more about what you do!

Transforming math education into a delightful, bite-sized experience. Our mission is to make learning progressive and enjoyable, helping students overcome barriers with empathy and care. We aim to boost confidence and empower them to tackle life’s challenges with ease.

You may also find us featured on CNA938 and Kiss92 fm.

Connect with Math Nuggets

Website: https://www.mathnuggets.sg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mathnuggets
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MathNuggets

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.