Words Of Wisdom: Inspiring Quotes From Our That Mamas

Who and what inspires these women we all admire?

International Women’s Day is coming up, which is why we wanted to pay tribute to some of the That Mamas we have been lucky enough to feature over the past couple of years. These women are all sorts of amazing — from switching careers to follow a passion in baking or gelato-making, to building schools from scratch or fighting for Hong Kong’s endangered animals or bravely raising a cancer survivor, they offer plenty to be inspired by. So we decided to ask them which person they most look up to and what inspiring quotes they have found relevant to their own journeys.

Read more: Women’s Day Special: How To Properly Compliment A Woman

This special series in honour of International Women’s Day is brought to you in partnership SoFi Hong Kong, the $0 commission trading app and contains editorial and sponsored posts celebrating women in Hong Kong. For more such stories, please click here. 

Is there any woman you admire? Why?

I admire Jacinda Ardern for running her country with wisdom, compassion, integrity and common sense. She stands firm in her beliefs and isn’t swayed in what’s predominantly a male-dominated political arena.

Is there any quote you find particularly inspiring?

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead

What relevance does it have in your life?

People often think what they do couldn’t possibly make a difference but it’s simply not true. If everyone cared just a little more about other human beings, and then became the change and didn’t just talk about it, the world would be so much richer and more colourful. This leads to my second favourite quote:

“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the water to create many ripples.” – Mother Teresa

Read more: That Mama: Gaylene Meeson, Volunteer And Awareness Activist

Is there any quote that you find particularly inspirational? Why?

Back in my college days, we were working on a theatre piece on the nature of protests, covering everything from the Suffragettes to the Greenham Common women. We were particularly looking at women’s roles and I found this quote by Virginia Woolf very relevant — “As a woman, I have no country. As a woman, I want no country. As a woman, my country is the whole world.”

It’s always given me food for thought about the nature of peace and where gender roles and instincts fit in. Or whether they do at all — I still don’t have any answers though!

Read more: That Mama: Janet Walker, Spokesperson Of Hong Kong Dolphinwatch

Is there any woman you particularly admire? Why?

Oprah. She’s empowering, inspirational and has experienced so many setbacks and rejections throughout her life and career but she never let it get in the way of achieving her dreams. She’s now one of the most influential people globally and has supported and shaped so many lives through her work.

Is there any quote you find particularly inspiring?

“Think like a QUEEN. A Queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is another stepping stone to greatness.” – Oprah

What relevance does it have in your life?

I experienced a challenging phase when I was a teenager transitioning into adulthood. I made heaps of mistakes along the way and left a trail of destruction behind me. I wish I had someone like Oprah in my life to share with me the lessons of how mistakes, challenges and failures are not setbacks but are a solid learning ground to shift your mindset, an opportunity to expand and grow.

Read more: That Mama: Coco Chan, Founder Of Voltage PR And Co-Founder Of OMSA

Is there any woman you admire? Why?

Raden Adjeng Kartini is an Indonesian national hero and a pioneer in the area of women’s rights and education. As one of Indonesia’s first feminists, she took groundbreaking actions to advocate for gender equality. Through her life’s crusade and tireless efforts in helping women achieve their full potential, Indonesian women today now have the opportunity to speak freely in society and to receive the education that they deserve.

Is there any quote you find particularly inspiring?

“Habis gelap, terbitlah terang” (Indonesian)

“Out of darkness, comes light.” – Raden Adjeng Kartini

What relevance does it have in your life?

I love that this quote is a statement full of hope! It is especially powerful through the strange and difficult period of the pandemic. By having faith that there will be light out of this darkness, we can persevere through these trying times, learn from the process and even practise gratitude. Sometimes you need those hard days to help you appreciate the good ones.

Read more: That Mama: Conny Wong, Founder Of Pepper & Mint And Author, Mini Love Tales

Is there any woman you admire? Why?

The two women I admire the most are my own mother and Mother Teresa, for their love, sacrifices for their children/the world’s children and devotion to others. As a single parent, my mother carried the weight of raising three children under five years. Her courage and tenacity taught us hard work, the value of a healthy, organic lifestyle (at a time when the term organic didn’t exist!) and the confidence to live out our dreams and lead fulfilling lives today. Now, at 80 years, her life is devoted to helping others who are suffering.

Is there any quote you find particularly inspiring?

“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” – Mother Teresa

What relevance does it have in your life?

The love and kindness shown by Mother Teresa is something to aspire to. It’s always reminded my children and me that we can play a small part, performing simple good deeds when we can.  Whether it is dropping food off for a friend who’s home from surgery, assisting the elderly or entertaining someone, these seemingly small actions mean a great deal to others.

Through my work in nonprofit, I often meet people with the desire to contribute, but with limited time due to work and family obligations. However, every little bit counts and it’s the sum of these small contributions that keeps us going. I am so grateful for all of it!

Read more: That Mama: Estella Huang Lung, CEO Of Children’s Medical Foundation

Is there any woman you admire? Why?

Nafisa Ali, a popular social activist in India, who seems to have found the right balance between managing her personal and professional life.

Are there any quotes you find inspiring?

“There is nothing more beautiful than a woman being herself, comfortable in her perfect imperfection. To me, that is the true essence of beauty” — Dr Steve Maraboli.

What relevance does it have in your life?

While it sounds easy, it is actually very tough being yourself. Even more so for a woman, as she is more often judged, criticised, praised and commented upon, than men.

For me, growing up in a close-knit community in India, where everyone knew everybody’s business, I was happiest to be by myself. I found my true calling when we moved to Hong Kong. I think age also plays a certain role in accepting who you are and what you believe in. I found it was easier to do so after I turned 40. Going grey and accepting my natural self was important to me and I am glad that I have stuck to it.

Read more: That Mama: Mehroo Turel, Founder Of SUMMER And Mums@PLAY

Is there any woman you admire? Why?

Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel because of her self confidence and unique designs. She knew what she liked and stood by it, even when it was quite different to what society was used to. One particular example was the Chanel Suit, inspired out of her need for comfort. She used a fabric that was not at all common (tweed) to mix masculine and feminine designs. She was able to keep the essence of elegance in women’s fashion while keeping women comfortable at the same time. She has left a legacy in the fashion world with her iconic pieces and bold personality that liberated women.

Is there any quote that you find particularly inspirational?

“You have to be unique and different and shine in your own way” – Lady Gaga.

What relevance does it have in your life?

Growing up I was always a little different with my accent, background and style. I loved to experiment and didn’t always follow trends. I was sometimes teased but never really let it get to me.

As I got older, I realised more and more that it’s good to be different, everyone is unique and that’s the way it should be. I believe we should all be proud of who we are and embrace our individuality. It’s easier to be accepted once you accept yourself. As a designer, I take pride in designing unique pieces and love to inspire women to own their individuality.

Read more: That Mama: Anthea Cooper, Founder Of Anthea Cooper Jewellery

Is there any woman you admire? Why?

Ruth Bader Ginsberg is a woman I find so inspiring, both for the personal challenges she overcame to get to where she did, and the amazing wins she achieved for women’s rights. She paved the way for so many women after her to pursue their dreams, and for that I am grateful.

Is there any quote you find particularly inspiring?

The Persian adage, “This too shall pass.”

What relevance does it have in your life?

I heard this quote after having my first child – a time in my life when I was having challenges with breastfeeding and lack of sleep and all that comes with new parenthood. A wise mama shared this quote with me and it really stuck, pulling me through thick and thin ever since… every sleepless night, every clogged duct, every tiring day at work…

It has also reminded me to appreciate all the great things in life, all the joy children bring, all too fleeting if not cherished. Women are so strong, we will get through every challenge, and we should hold dear every moment of happiness.

Read more: That Mama: Vicki Chuard, Founder Of Petit Tippi

Is there any woman you admire?

Jeannette Kagame, the First Lady of Rwanda. Despite the unimaginable horrors of the 1994 genocide, Rwanda has become a global model of reconciliation and economic development under the leadership of First Lady and President Kagame. Their bold vision for transforming Rwanda into a hub of innovation and technology united the country. I am deeply inspired by Madame Kagame’s courage and conviction. I’m grateful that she has supported our vision for Akilah, the only college for women in Rwanda, from the very beginning.

Is there any quote that you find particularly inspirational?

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” — Theodore Roosevelt, 1910.

What relevance does it have in your life?

As an entrepreneur, you must be comfortable with risk, criticism and the possibility of failure. Sceptics push back on my vision for building a global education organisation with statements and questions such as, “But you’re so young. How can you do this while raising three children? Why can’t you just be satisfied with running a small college?”

Yes, I am scared of failure. But even scarier is the idea of becoming complacent, of keeping these ideas in our heads instead of bringing them to life. In order to tackle complex problems, we have to push through fear and doubt and follow our instincts. This is where true innovation and leadership are born.

Read more: That Mama: Elizabeth Dearborn Hughes, Founder Of Akilah Institute And Davis College

Is there any woman you admire? Why?

The woman I most admire is my mum. She not only is the most loving mother who brought up four girls, but she is also an accomplished doctor. When she studied medicine, she was one of the few girls who made it to medical school. She later opened a clinic in Tsing Yi, which was still a small island in the 70s and 80s with poor transportation. Her clinic was able to care for middle and lower-income local families. I remember visiting her clinic when I was young and watching how much everyone in the village looked up to her.

Is there any quote you find particularly inspiring?

樹欲靜而風不止，子欲養而親不在
(famous Chinese poem)

When the trees long for peace but the wind continues to blow.
As should children take care of your parents before they are gone.

What relevance does it have in your life?

My parents used to teach us poems when we were kids and this one stuck in my mind. Now that I have a child of my own, I understand this quote even more. So whenever I miss a call from my parents and am too lazy to call them right back, or if they ask me to visit them in Canada and I want to put it off to the next year, I remind myself of this quote. Perhaps we should not wait for another day or another time. We should all spend as much time as possible with our parents while they are still healthy and able to enjoy our company.

Read more: That Mama: Larvina Wong, Founder Of Igloo Dessert Bar

Is there any woman you admire?

My mum. She is the most loving and caring person I know. She is always on top of things (in spite of handling one million things at the same time!). She has a memory that no one can beat, is very hardworking (still working!) and is an amazing cook. She is an independent woman and is an amazing role model for me and my sister.

Is there any quote you find particularly inspirational?

“We fall. We break. We fail. But then, we rise. We heal. We overcome.” — Kiana Azizian.

What relevance does it have in your life?

As an entrepreneur, I have gone through many ups and downs. The quote gives me courage and keeps me going. I always tell my daughters to try and overcome their obstacles. That’s part of life and that’s how we grow as a person.

Read more: That Mama: Shirley Kwok, Founder Of The Cakery

This special series in honour of International Women’s Day is brought to you in partnership SoFi Hong Kong, the $0 commission trading app and contains editorial and sponsored posts celebrating women in Hong Kong. For more such stories, please click here.