Meet Kimberly Phua, founder of Mighty Arrows and mum of two, whose journey into mumpreneurship began with the familiar struggle many working mamas know all too well. After years of dedicated teaching, she was faced with a choice—step back from her career or struggle to be present for her own children. Her solution wasn’t conventional: she created Mighty Arrows, a student care centre where her passion for education could thrive alongside her role as a mum.
In this edition of Mums We Love, Kimberly shares her honest journey—the tough decisions, the creative solutions, and the messy reality of building something meaningful while putting family first. Her story is one many mums will recognise: it’s not about having it all, but about finding a way to do what matters most. This is her story.
Tell us a little about your family background and growing up years.
I am the eldest of four children, with two younger sisters and a youngest brother. From an early age, I naturally stepped into the role of caregiver—someone my siblings could rely on, and someone my parents expected to set the standard. Being the eldest meant I was responsible for their well-being.
My father was a strict and short-tempered man, often occupied with work and carrying the anger back home. Though his presence at home was limited, his expectations loomed large. He believed in order and accountability, and that often translated into high standards for all of us—especially for me. When any of my siblings got into trouble, I was often the one held responsible. My mother was a homemaker—a quiet, submissive woman who devoted herself entirely to our care. She cooked for us, looked after us, and showed us love in the only ways she could.
I was still a child myself when I began looking after my younger brother. He was barely a year old, and yet, there I was—just a few years older—keeping him safe while my mother stepped out to run errands. Looking back, those early responsibilities weren’t always easy, but it shaped who I am.
How many children do you have and how old are they now?
Two daughters, 19 and 16 years old.
Did you have a role model(s) while growing up? How did he/she/they inspire you?
I do not have a specific role model while growing up. I simply take the best of others and own them.
How would you define your parenting style?
My journey in motherhood went through many ups and many downs. I had to learn to unlearn and learn again. Looking back, I now see how my own childhood shaped the way I parented. My father ruled with an iron fist and with anger. Inevitably I inherited some of that, believing that love meant preparing my children for the tough world ahead, even if it meant pushing them hard. So, when I became a mother, I brought that same tough love into my home. I drilled my child hard on her schoolwork, set high expectations, and believed that excellence came through pressure.
During my firstborn’s growing up years, I was swamped with work, juggling deadlines and home, while my husband was travelling for work. The weight of everything fell on me. And the thing I swore I would not do happened – I brought my emotions home… My daughter became fearful of my outbursts and distanced herself from me and I realised I was repeating a pattern I once promised myself I’d never pass down. I spent one year trying to win back my daughter and it was all worth it. I still believe in discipline, but now I know that love and patience must lead.
Has your character, attitude and approach to life changed after becoming a mum? How so?
Yes—completely. Motherhood redefined not just how I live, but how I see life. Before becoming a mum, I saw life as a series of tasks to complete and goals to achieve. Becoming a mum interrupted that rhythm. It forced me to slow down. I learned to listen more – not with ears but with the heart. Motherhood has also taught me the power of grace—to give it freely, and to receive it humbly. I began to see how a little kindness—a soft word, a second chance — can change someone’s entire day. Most of all, I came to believe deeply that everyone has a right to be seen, heard, and belong. My children remind me of that all the time in their display of fears, failures, quirks. And so now, my approach to life is no longer about perfection. It’s no longer about appearing strong, but about being real. I want to live a life that makes space for others.
Most rewarding moment(s) in your motherhood journey thus far?
Well, it’s hard to choose just one moment. I remember the birthday cards with heartfelt words, my girls bringing me to Ya Kun and buying me a cup of coffee just because I love coffee, eating my food, helping me with the household chores, coming to my room to talk before they sleep, telling me it’s all right when I messed up, catching them being kind to strangers…it’s all these and so much more.
Three things you absolutely love about being a mum.
Firstly, I love being the one they come to – whether they are scared, excited or simply a hug and kiss. Secondly, I love watching them grow into the person they are – witty, kind and brave. Lastly, I love the spontaneity in the moments spent with them – a sudden dance, song or a game of badminton in the living room.
Introduce us to Mighty Arrows!
My teaching journey began with boundless passion and the belief that I could change every child’s life through great lessons and dedication. But reality taught me that students carry stories and struggles beyond my classroom walls, and being a truly effective teacher meant meeting them where they were—emotionally and academically. When my husband’s extensive travel left me juggling full-time teaching, parenting, and running our home alone, I reached a breaking point and made the difficult choice to step away, though the teacher in me never truly left.
After returning to education through tuition and curriculum development, I once again found myself overwhelmed by growing demands. That’s when Mighty Arrows was born—my calling reborn as both a student care centre where my own children could thrive and a place where I could continue nurturing young minds with warmth and purpose.
What were your main challenges when you first started Mighty Arrows? How did you overcome them?
When I first started Mighty Arrows, one of the biggest challenges was wearing many hats at once—founder, educator, administrator, marketer, and even cleaner at times! Transitioning from being “just the teacher” to being responsible for every aspect of the centre was daunting to say the least. There were also financial constraints, uncertainties in enrolment, and the emotional weight of wanting everything to be perfect for the children.
One step at a time — anchored by my passion, supported by faith, and strengthened by the belief that this vision was worth building. I also learned to lean on the community, ask for help, and take imperfect steps forward. Slowly, we found our rhythm—and Mighty Arrows is starting to become it was meant to be.
What makes Mighty Arrows different from other student care centres?
We care just as much about our students’ emotional and mental well-being as we do about their academic progress. This is why Mighty Arrows has created an environment where kids are guided to manage their emotions, form meaningful friendships, and develop character. My teachers and I weave in values through daily conversations, circle time and current affairs programme. We want the children to know they have the power to make a difference—even in small ways—in their families, schools, and the community.
As well, Mighty Arrows believe strongly in partnering closely with parents. After all, no one knows a child better than their family. We also don’t catch up with every new trend. There is really no end to it. We just have a clear purpose and goal — providing a space where values are lived out, not just talked about.
From educator to business owner, what aspects of your career portfolio are you most passionate about? Why?
I am intentional in where and how I am going to make a difference during my lifetime. I am most passionate about the parts that allow me to shape lives—whether it’s in the classroom, through mentoring, or in supporting families. It’s all about the joy of seeing a child light up with understanding, watching a struggling student find confidence, or helping couples in their marriage journey. Another aspect that excites me deeply is curriculum and programme design. I love crafting lessons, enrichment activities, and storytelling sessions that go beyond academics. If a child learns well through the programme or materials I have crafted, I am happy. Lastly, being able to inspire children – not just academically but as individuals. Seeing them flourish and find their place in the sun makes me feel happy too.
Future Plans for Mighty Arrows?
Looking ahead, we’d love to offer more enriching experiences for the children—not just within four walls, but beyond. We’re exploring more ways to make learning come alive. One step is organising more overseas trips and cultural exchanges, where children (and even their parents!) can experience new perspectives together.
These shared adventures help to build strong bonds and lasting memories. Community work is also something close to our hearts. We want our children to not only grow in knowledge but also in compassion. Whether it’s small acts of kindness, outreach projects, or simply learning to care about the world beyond themselves—we’re looking for more ways to involve them in giving back.
In my spare time, I love to…
Free time? What’s that? If I ever stumble across a quiet moment, you’ll probably find me either sleeping or sipping a well-deserved cup of coffee while letting my thoughts drift. Sometimes, in those little pauses, a wild idea appears—and before you know it, I’m off and running to the computer to plan for the next thing! Of course, family time is non-negotiable. I make it a point to be there. I make time to eat with family, cook for them, visit my grandma who’s over 90, bring my parents for their medical check-ups, and show up for birthday parties of siblings, nieces, and anyone else whose cake I’m invited to. As for friends? I sneak in cycling meetups or quick catch-ups when I can—and yes, those count as cardio and therapy combined. My schedule may be full, but I try to make space for the people and moments that matter.
I wish I had…
I wish I had been kinder to myself in the early years as I had spent too much time trying to be everything for everyone, forgetting that taking rest is not weakness, having me-time is not wrong. Looking back, I realise that the journey didn’t require perfection—it required perseverance and purpose to go through each season.
One advice for aspiring mumpreneurs out there?
Don’t wait for the perfect time—it doesn’t exist. Start with what you have, where you are. Your passion and your “why” will carry you through those moments when you start to doubt what you do. Surround yourself with people who believe in your dream, and never lose sight of your family in the process. They will be your biggest cheerleaders. Success isn’t just about scaling your business; it’s about staying grounded in your values and building something meaningful that reflects who you are—not just what you can do.