Mother-Daughter Duo Flourishes with New Crochet Business

A new mother-daughter business venture has transformed the lives of Jasmine Ng and her mother, as they embrace entrepreneurship in Singapore. The duo launched San Yarns, a crochet flower business, amidst the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. This experience has not only rekindled their bond but also allowed them to explore their individual identities.

Jasmine Ng’s mother has always dedicated herself to her family, often taking on the traditional role of a stay-at-home wife and mother. Her daily expressions of love included preparing diverse meals, tidying up their living spaces, and managing household tasks without complaint. Growing up, Jasmine viewed these actions as simply “mum stuff,” failing to recognize the sacrifices her mother made.

Reflecting on her mother’s past, Jasmine recalls how her mother would light up while sharing stories of her former life as an administrative worker in Malaysia. She would recount carefree afternoons spent chasing butterflies and her adventurous spirit as a child. Over time, however, Jasmine noticed a change in her mother, who humorously referred to herself as a 黄脸婆 or “yellow-faced housewife,” indicating the toll that years of housework had taken on her.

During Jasmine’s teenage years, she became increasingly preoccupied with school and social life, often disregarding her mother’s contributions. By the time she began her studies at junior college, Jasmine’s focus shifted to her own challenges. This left her mother to manage household responsibilities largely alone, particularly as Jasmine’s brother pursued his university education and their father worked long hours at sea.

In response to these circumstances, Jasmine’s mother initiated a small side business selling flower bouquets on the e-marketplace Carousell. Although Jasmine helped with marketing, her priorities remained elsewhere. The turning point came when the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in extended time at home for both women. As they watched movies together and engaged in heartfelt conversations, they began to discuss the increasing number of small businesses emerging online.

Motivated by this conversation, Jasmine started her own crochet business, even as the pandemic restrictions eased in June 2020. However, she found herself retreating into her room, focused on her craft while often shutting out her mother’s attempts to connect.

Recognizing the family’s growing financial strain following her father’s job loss, Jasmine’s mother urged her to help market her floral business again. It was then that the idea of combining their efforts emerged, leading to the creation of San Yarns. Initially, Jasmine’s mother took on a supportive role, wrapping flowers and showing reluctance to learn crocheting.

Then, one of their social media posts went viral, resulting in an influx of orders. To keep up with demand, Jasmine’s mother unexpectedly began learning crocheting through online tutorials. One day, she proudly presented a lopsided purple rose she had crafted, which revealed her determination and newfound skills.

Through this venture, Jasmine began to witness her mother rediscover her sense of self outside of traditional roles. Participating in pop-up events and engaging with customers has helped her mother gain confidence. She now shares updates on her creations and has even begun setting quarterly goals for their business.

Jasmine has come to realize that her mother possesses a strength that goes beyond what she had once appreciated. This experience has opened her eyes to the importance of nurturing their connection and allowing space for both of them to grow.

As they dream of future endeavors, including the possibility of opening a café together, Jasmine acknowledges the time lost in the past. She hopes to make the years ahead more fulfilling for her mother, allowing her to embrace the life she truly deserves rather than the one she settled for.

Jasmine Ng is the founder of San Yarns, a business dedicated to creating crocheted flowers. She invites others to share their experiences or contribute to similar stories by contacting her via email.