Boss Mom Q&A: from Passion to Action

小編其實還未與「運動族人」Angel 見過面但已經被這位創媽的正能量吸引著。Angel 創辨這間令人感到親切且有效率的網上運動舖, 嚴選售賣本地及世界知名品牌的運動及户外用品, 亦會定期於日本代購, 貼地分享有趣運動資訊、舉辦多種線下活動, 輕輕鬆鬆帶動香港人投入愉快的運動生活, 亦為不少家長解決為孩子選購運動用品的煩惱。

Whereas I have never met Angel in person, I have been attracted by her positive energy. Angel has founded this intimate and efficient online sports shop, Sports Union, that diligently selects sports and outdoor products from local and world-renowned brands. It also regularly purchases in Japan, distributes interesting sports information and organizes various offline activities. It is aimed to drive Hong Kong people into a happy sports life, and also solves the troubles for many parents in sourcing sporting goods for their children.

Q: 是什麼驅使您創業

What inspired you to start your business?

A: 絕對是因為孩子(笑), 孩子最年幼的階段最需要陪伴和感受愛, 而且很短暫, 我很珍惜和享受, 所以非常希望可以親力親為地照顧他們, 努力做好媽媽的角色, 把孩子的價值觀和習慣都盡力從生活中培養好。創業能讓我繼續挑戰和經營自己, 做喜歡的事並且學習更多, 最重要是有非常彈性的自主工作時間 (雖然有時真的很攰人和混亂, 哈哈) 但確實大量增加我跟孩子親密相處時間, 也令我更有空間地對他們進行各方面的啟發, 所以毅然決定創業這個路向。

Definitely, it’s all because of my children. When children are young, they need more love and caring. This precious moment is very short, that’s why I would like to be there with them all the way to set their good daily routine which can turn to good habit that leads to good value. On the other hand, starting my own business can keep my momentum and ability to face challenges while doing what I like to do. Most importantly I could control my own working schedule (things do get out of control sometimes tho) so I manage to spend more time with the children to grow up by their side everyday.

Q: 當母親和當老闆之間有沒有什麼不同?

What’s the main difference between taking care the children and running a business?

A: 當母親要把自己轉換成小朋友模式來思考, 慢下來, 對他們不能有太多計劃, 但當老闆則要行動力和好的計劃, 比較理智, 但兩者我認為都很需要做好平衡和時間管理。

I often have to turn on the kiddy mode when dealing with my children. I have to slow down and put everything in simple context. In contrast, I have to keep the momentum and being totally rational when I am working in my business. Doing both at the same time requires me to keep the right balance and manage my time well.

Q: 怎樣同時兼顧家庭和工作?

How do you balance yourself between family and work?

A: 很多事情我都習慣壓縮處理, 成千上萬的功夫自然會練成很多節省時間的小方法。雖然照顧小孩總會出現很多突發事情, 但彈性轉換也是我經常會做的事, 現在妹妹都上學了, 他們在學校和深夜的時間就是我主要的工作時間, 基本上照顧他們的時間表上的空隙也就是我的工作時間 (笑)。

I am used to compressing my workloads and I have learnt my ways to save time in completing my tasks. Although there are always unexpected incidents when taking care the children but I manage shift things around to cater for them. With my daughter now also in school, I could have more time to work during school hours or at late night. I manage to work anytime anywhere whenever I do not need to take care of them.

Q: 您希望您的孩子怎樣看待您的生意?

How would you like your children see your business?

A: 事實上我經常帶上他們去工作, 讓他們一同參與, 希望讓他們最真實地了解「工作」和「做生意」是什麼一回事, 對他們也是一種非常好的體驗和明白「生意」不只是有關錢或者一份工作, 我希望他們能夠被感染成為一個努力, 不怕辛苦和困難, 為值得的事而堅持奮鬥的人。創業也是一種奇妙的創造過程, 我會跟他們分享工作趣事, 令他們覺得工作本來就是苦樂參半, 在乎角度和心態。

Indeed my children are always hanging out at my workplace where I let them take part to learn more about businesses and works. It is my true belief that having a business is not only about making money or having a job, it is a dedication and hard work to aim for the achievement. Entrepreneurship is a very unique experience and letting my children take part in it can allow them to feel the up and down as well as the pain and the gain,

Q: 作為一位母親, 在創業過程中有沒有幫助?

How has it been helping you in your business as a mom?

A: 我們的客戶, 除了是運動人士, 也有非常多家長為孩子配置運動用品和服飾, 所以在接觸他們時會更有親和力, 我會很容易了解家長的想法和需要, 很多家長還可以成為朋友。

Our clients are not only sport lovers but often they are parents who are looking for sport accessories or items for their children. Being a mom can allow me to connect with them and understand their needs. Many customers have become friends where we even chat about parenting sometimes.

Q: 當媽媽已經很辛苦, 再加上自己的生意當然是苦上加苦, 您是怎樣舒緩壓力?

Bring a mom is already touch, having your own business only adds on to it. How do you relax yourself?

我會保留時間和空間給自己去學喜歡的事, 跟小孩到户外玩也是我放鬆自己的時間, 現在妹妹漸漸長大, 開始計劃跟他們一起做運動來邊親子邊減壓!

Having a little me time to do what I like and playing with the kids in outdoor is how I relax. Now that my younger one is older, we can often go out to play all sort of sport activities to exercise while easing my pressure.