Mother-Daughter Duo Transforms Hobbies into Thriving Business

Jasmine Ng and her mother have turned a shared passion into a successful business venture, highlighting the transformative power of family collaboration. Amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the duo established San Yarns, a business specializing in crocheted flowers, illustrating how personal experiences can foster professional growth and deeper connections.

Jasmine’s mother, a dedicated stay-at-home parent, has long expressed her love through everyday acts of care, from cooking diverse meals to tidying up the house. Despite these contributions, Jasmine initially viewed these responsibilities as typical and often overlooked their significance.

During her teenage years, Jasmine became increasingly preoccupied with her own life, particularly as she navigated the pressures of education in Singapore. With her brother focused on university and her father frequently away at sea for work, Jasmine’s mother found herself alone at home. This isolation prompted her to start a small side business selling flower bouquets on the e-marketplace Carousell, though Jasmine’s involvement was minimal at the time.

As the pandemic forced many into isolation, Jasmine and her mother found themselves spending more time together, which sparked conversations about entrepreneurship. This period of introspection led Jasmine to explore crocheting, initially as a personal project but soon as a potential business.

Despite her mother’s initial reservations about learning to crochet—she described herself as “just a primary school graduate”—the necessity for additional income after her husband lost his job became a catalyst for change. Recognizing the potential for collaboration, Jasmine suggested combining their efforts: selling crocheted flowers alongside her mother’s floral arrangements.

The idea blossomed into San Yarns. Initially, Jasmine’s mother focused on wrapping the flowers, but the business quickly gained traction following a viral post on social media. Faced with an influx of orders, she took the initiative to learn crocheting through online tutorials, surprising Jasmine with her newfound skills.

The venture has not only provided an additional source of income but has also allowed Jasmine’s mother to reclaim a sense of identity beyond her roles as a wife and mother. Participating in markets and pop-up events, she enjoys engaging with customers and building her confidence. Jasmine observes that her mother is now more ambitious and has set personal goals for their business, discussing future products and milestones with enthusiasm.

Reflecting on their journey, Jasmine acknowledges the personal growth both she and her mother have experienced. Where once she viewed her mother primarily through the lens of traditional family roles, she now recognizes her as a resilient individual with dreams and aspirations. This realization has shifted their relationship, fostering a deeper bond as they work together.

Looking ahead, Jasmine hopes to further support her mother’s ambitions, including her dream of opening a café to sell baked goods, a concept they had discussed fondly in the past. Though Jasmine cannot change the years her mother spent prioritizing family needs, she is determined to ensure that their future is filled with opportunities for both of them to thrive.

Through San Yarns, Jasmine Ng and her mother exemplify how shared passions can lead to personal fulfillment and financial stability. Their story serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and valuing the contributions of those we often take for granted.