An interview with Lee Mak the founder of Hot Mama Baba
Question:
What was it that inspired you to go into fitness and training?
Answer:
To be honest I was not very active when I was young. Being brought up by Chinese parents I was encouraged to be studious. However when I attended University and spent lots of hours studying, I needed something to balance it out. So I decided to start going to the gym. From the moment I stepped into the gym I loved it!. Although I could barely complete a class, I kept going to the gym and eventually got fitter and fitter.
As a result of my training, not only could I fit into my clothes better, I felt happier, stronger, more confident and could see muscle definition for the first time! Seeing results and my transformation, it was here where I developed my passion for fitness and training. My motto in life is “your greatest wealth is your health”.
Question:
When did you decide to start your own company and why?
Answer:
As an active Mum, I found it difficult to have a high intensity workout with my baby. Although there were some Mum and Baby classes available, I could not find one which gave me a real good workout and made me sweat. Hence I decided to create my own class which incorporates moderate/high intensity exercises with your baby.
Prior and during pregnancy I was teaching fitness classes such as Body Attack, Body Pump, RPM, High intensity training and indoor cycle. I have also studied pre and post natal exercise and going through having a baby myself, I knew what exercises I could and couldn’t do.
I first started running some classes to a small group of friends (in my living room!!!) but as this group grew I decided to open this up to other Mums in the neighbourhood at my local community centre.
Question:
What challenges have you faced as a young mumpreneur starting her own business?
Answer:
Starting your own business is certainly challenging as a Mum. The biggest challenge for me is dedicating time to build up my business while still devoting time to my little one. For me it’s about being able to balance the responsibilities as a Mum and building my own business.
The second biggest challenge is overcoming self doubt. My lesson here is that you have to be patient and be confident with your business idea. Members don’t come overnight and you have to be willing to start from the bottom.
Question:
What words of advice would you give other mums who don’t want to go back to work and are thinking about starting their own thing but are too afraid to take the plunge?
Answer:
My first word of advice to Mums who are too afraid of taking the plunge is to start small and then grow big. Secondly, give yourself a realistic timeframe to work on your business and if things don’t work you can always go back to your day job. Thirdly, before you start make sure you do your research. Lastly, have a supportive network within your community, mentor, coaches.
Question:
How do you see your business growing? What would you like to aspire toward?
Answer:
My aim is to build a solid member base and expand to different community centres. Once this expands, I would like to be able to seek additional funding to open up my own fitness centre.
This fitness centre would then have add on facilities to become a nice health retreat for Mums!
