Auntie Kim and Cynthia

Share something with us about yourselves, Cynthia and Auntie Kim!

AK: I am 66 years old this year and I am a housewife. When I was young, I was a pretty good seamstress. I enjoy dressing up and looking pretty, take photos with my other sisters and girl friends. I stopped being a seamstress when both of my daughters grew up. Now I am a happy senior citizen!

C: I am the blessed youngest child in the family, grew up like every other average 90's Singaporean kid with a tiger mum and lots of love. Upon graduation, I stumbled into a career in the pharmaceutical industry and absolutely loved it. Working out and staying healthy has always been important to me as well!

Auntie Kim, what do the three words - strong, beautiful and woman - mean to you now?

AK: Strong - It is important for us to be mentally strong as a person to overcome the different obstacles we may face in life.

AK: Beautiful - Depending on the individual, people may have different ideas on what is beautiful on the outside. However, we are all beautiful on the inside.

C: Family has always been a big part of me and a key consideration for any big decisions I make. Mum told me once when I was bawling my eyes out, "don't worry about anything, our whole family is here for you there is nothing to fear."

The most significant moments when I feel down is when either of my parents are ill and the fear of seeing them in pain creeps in. I will always remember the one time our father was in the ICU and my sister and I rushed down from work in the middle of the day, we were both just sitting outside the ICU with the uncertainty and fear. In that moment I was thankful to have my elder sister go through this with me as my pillar of strength. Her positivity, rationale mind, and ability to keep calm in such times is admirable. My best friend of 14 years is also a great source of comfort by just being there and lending me a listening ear whenever I need. I count my blessings all the time!

Strength is cause for celebration, as is vulnerability. Let us in on some moments when you feel down, and your sources of comfort in times of need.

AK: When I was younger, I used to manage all the problems I face on my own and I do not share them. There was nothing much to worry about other than financial-related problems trying to make ends meet when I was younger and times were harder. At that time, I was strong enough to settle them on my own and did not want people around me to worry.

After I have my daughters and they have both grown up (sensibly), I share my woes and troubles with them. My younger sisters are also a source of comfort for me especially now as I go through my breast cancer journey.

C: Family has always been a big part of me and a key consideration for any big decisions I make. Mum told me once when I was bawling my eyes out, "don't worry about anything, our whole family is here for you there is nothing to fear."

The most significant moments when I feel down is when either of my parents are ill and the fear of seeing them in pain creeps in. I will always remember the one time our father was in the ICU and my sister and I rushed down from work in the middle of the day. We were both just sitting outside the ICU with uncertainty and fear. At that moment I was thankful to have my elder sister as my pillar of strength. Her positivity, rational mind and ability to keep calm in such times is admirable. My best friend of 14 years is also a great source of comfort by just being there and lending me a listening ear whenever I need. I count my blessings all the time!

Strength is cause for celebration, as is vulnerability. Let us in on some moments when you feel down, and your sources of comfort in times of need.

AK: When I was younger, I used to manage all the problems I faced on my own and I do not share them. There was nothing much to worry about other than financial-related problems trying to make ends meet when I was younger and times were harder. At that time, I was strong enough to settle them on my own and did not want people around me to worry.

After I have my daughters and they have both grown up (sensibly), I share my woes and troubles with them. My younger sisters are also a source of comfort for me especially now as I go through my breast cancer journey.

 

Complete the sentence. Life is...

 

Photography: Nicole Ong (@knickieophotography) and Sharon Leisinger (@studioleisinger)
Hair & Make Up: ARLY
Lingerie: Harper Full Cup Padded Bralette by Perk by Kate
Robe: Bells & Birds