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 Stephanie Lee (Jus Students)
Tell us a little about yourself. What is your business/brand about?
I would say that I am a visionary, an idealistic and steadfast individual and most importantly, I believe in making things happen. Even if it means taking baby steps toward a goal. Additionally, I am one who is very much led by my faith. Hence, my “walk by Faith and not by Sight” motto, reminds me to submit myself wholeheartedly to live each and every of my day with a sincere heart and unconditional gratitude in the platform for which I am called.
Jus Students is a dedicated after-school care service known for instilling fun and enjoyable learning while building up 21st Century competencies in children. We are known for our holistic approach to after-school care, and the line-up of activities reinforces collaborative and cohesive learning. In an environment that encourages interaction among children from different schools, the centre teaches young minds to understand diverse traditions and cultures, and other skills required for the 21st century. Our center has developed our own learning curriculum aligned with MOE guidelines while encouraging creativity and imaginative thinking.
What got you started on your business?
My endless search for opportunities led me to join a childcare centre franchise 10 years ago. I’ve always had a heart for children, and I envisioned our current new set up “Jus Students” – a student care centre with a unique caring environment “based on the unconditional heart of a mother”.
Before you started on your business, what did you do on a full-time basis?
Before I embarked into the education platform nearly a decade ago, I was involved in the lifestyle business. An opportunity led me to participate in Mrs Singapore Worldwide 2019 pageant, and I was crowned “Mrs Singapore Asia Pacific Global 2019 and also clinched five other sub-titles. I did not take part for any glamorous reason but rather a platform where I hope to be good to the community in ways beyond.
Winning such a title has given me more insight into this industry and different opportunities to work with the underprivileged. I still have plans and dreams yet to be realized with this title, and it is a matter of time before they will come to pass.
What were some difficulties you faced in your life and how did you overcome them?
No one’s life is a bed of roses. I have my fair share of challenges and heartaches I need to cope with. However, learning how to overcome these obstacles and letting the sorrows go helps me achieve peace.
Holding to no grudges and moving along our own paths without burdening ourselves with others has helped me overcome the daily challenges.
Who inspires you?
I find that our late founding father, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, has inspired me as he is a man who stepped out of his comfort zone to fight for his nation, and his people so unconditionally till his last breath. I really respect and look up to his fighting spirit which eventually gives me a better place to live. I am a proud true blue Singaporean, forever grateful and not forgetting the work of our forefathers. I called this place my home I feel safe and secure.
What excites you most about your industry?
I feel that what excites me most about the education and student care industry is finding this path as a calling and my chance to give back to the community. As I too am a mother, I have a soft spot for children especially as they are the ones who are most vulnerable.
My goal is to redefine the Student After School Experience as I stepped up to play different roles, to guide children who are growing themselves as individuals and partnering parents who are also probably making vast changes as they gradually return to work.
What is your vision / personal motto?
My vision is to be a ‘Change Maker’ in the industry that I am in. At the same time, my motto is never to judge others as we never know the real battles faced by the person behind them.
Do you have any words of advice for other ladies who are starting their business/ starting to pursue their dream?
My advice for other ladies would be to always have trust and believe in yourself and never allow your past to block your growth.
What have you learnt recently that you hope the other ladies can take back?
Recently, I have been learning to look at things and situations from a different perspective with a specific purpose that allows me to extend my help unconditionally.
I’ve also learned that life is not complicated, but we tend to overcomplicate it with too many details.
How do you think you can help ladies to feel confident and empowered?
Come together! Learn together!
We ladies can empower each other to feel confident by participating in sharing sessions. Through these sessions, we can learn and equip ourselves through our shared experiences and encourage one another to be unique, kind, and authentic to themselves.
What is one thing you are grateful for?
I am most grateful for the right people in my life to stand and journey together with me. Giving me the opportunity to grow and learned in my journey.
What do you do in your free time as self-care? How do you unwind?
I will chill out and catch up with friends in my free time as self-care. Sometimes, I’d cook up a storm to play host or simply just sit in or walk my Bleu (my first dog I got beginning of 2022, so my first experience as a pet owner) to the beach and forth has given me a new way of life too.
Let us know more about what you do!
Jus Students business involves a big heart for children by going into every aspect and detail in the hope to establish real relationships that will stand the test of time.
It also needed a strong belief that it will sustain everyone’s needs here as we grow from one to many.
Connect with Jus Students!
Website: www.jusstudents.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jusstudents
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.