Tell us about your family. How Many Kids?
I’m the proud mum of two beautiful adult daughters, Sophia and Coco. Becoming a mother transformed every part of my life and shaped the woman I am today.
What was your biggest adjustment when becoming a mum?
The biggest adjustment was shifting my focus from business to motherhood. It took time away from my work, and there’s so much you simply don’t know — especially when they’re sick. But being a mum came naturally to me. The day-to-day care never felt like a chore; it felt exactly where I was meant to be.
How do you manage the juggle of doing it all?
I’ve learned that managing the juggle isn’t about doing everything alone — it’s about partnership, prioritising what matters most, and giving yourself grace.
What’s the best thing about being a mum?
The love changes everything. Your perspective, purpose, and priorities shift. You grow alongside your children because nobody has done this before. Every moment teaches you something. Motherhood shapes you into a stronger, more compassionate person.
What has been your biggest challenge as a mum?
The teenage years were the hardest. Finding the balance between being lenient enough to keep communication open, yet firm enough to protect them, was challenging. You don’t want to lose their trust — once that’s gone, it’s hard to get back.
What surprised you most about becoming a mum?
The cultural differences in parenting.
My husband is Austrian, and in Europe, children are encouraged to be independent early. Coming from an Asian upbringing, that was a big shift.
It taught me to embrace different ways of nurturing growth.
What do you wish you knew before becoming a mum?
I wish I’d had deeper conversations with my husband early on about values, boundaries, and expectations. When you’re aligned, everything flows more smoothly.
If you could go back, what would you tell yourself?
You can overthink every decision, or you can learn as you go. What matters most is showing up with the right intention and giving motherhood your best.
Do you have any tips for managing daily life?
Trust yourself. Too much advice can be confusing. Love your children wholeheartedly, lead by example, and stay present. If you give them time and love, you can’t go wrong.
How do you manage time between work, family, and yourself?
Even though I’m organised, everything is a compromise. You prioritise what matters most and accept that every day will look different.
Who is in your village?
My family is my foundation — including my extended family.
We support each other in every way. I’ve also learned that I must take care of myself first. My spiritual practices keep me grounded.
I light incense daily and pray to my Buddha and ancestors. It keeps me grateful and centred.
The 5 things in your bag you can’t leave home without:
My keys, iPhone, lipstick, cash, and foundation — just in case.
Your favourite holiday destination?
Salzburg, Austria — first visited in 2002 for my wedding. It’s magical.
Why do you love it?
It feels like a living postcard. Every visit is filled with love and memories. I’ve been back 12 times, and it never loses its magic.
What location is on top of your wish-list to travel to next?
Morocco, Peru, India, Tibet, and Nepal.
What is your favourite brand?
Hermès and Chanel — timeless, elegant, and never out of style.
The trend you’re loving right now?
Saint Laurent — the leather, tailoring, silk pieces, and strong silhouettes.
The trend you can’t get on board with?
Gothic styles and fluorescent colours.
Latest brand discovery?
Lam Gia Khang — timeless, minimal, and powerful.
Where do you do most of your fashion shopping?
Mostly online. I know my body well. About 25% of my wardrobe is vintage.
What does a healthy lifestyle mean to you?
It starts with mental happiness. Self-love, kindness, balance, and nourishing food. I don’t drink or smoke. Wellness is a lifestyle.
How do you stay active?
Daily movement is essential. In my 50s, strength and flexibility matter more than ever.
What are your top 5 health tips?
Exercise twice weekly, walk 15km every Saturday, eat clean, stay hydrated, and avoid alcohol and smoking.
What are your non-negotiables when it comes to health and wellness?
I believe health reflects outwardly.
My grandmother taught me to care for my hair, teeth, and skin.
Regular treatments, dental visits, and daily skincare are part of my routine. These rituals help me feel confident and aligned.
What does the word ‘balance’ mean to you?
Balance and moderation. I avoid extremes. A sustainable, joyful lifestyle matters most.
Is there a childhood memory that continues to guide you today?
My refugee upbringing taught me resilience and gratitude. Nothing is guaranteed, so I never take life for granted.
What did rebuilding after losing everything in 2009 teach you?
That resilience is not letting fear control you. You can rebuild, step by step.
When did you first realise food and nutrition would become your life’s work?
When I saw how nutrition could transform health and confidence.
Who influenced you most growing up?
My parents and the strong women in my community — for their work ethic and integrity.
How have your cultural roots shaped who you are today?
As a Teochew-Chinese-Vietnamese woman, family and hard work are everything. We support each other and grow together.
What is your proudest milestone?
Personally, keeping my family strong through hardship. Professionally, building Coco & Lucas’ Kitchen — the hardest and most rewarding project.
What’s the biggest business lesson you’ve learned the hard way?
Not having debtor insurance. When clients didn’t pay, we lost everything.
How do you grow your business while staying true to your values?
We stay focused on sustainability and quality. For example, our trays are sugar pulp, not plastic.
When you look to the future, what legacy do you hope to leave behind?
I hope my journey inspires others — especially my children — to believe in themselves and build meaningful lives.
To find out more about Coco & Lucas’ Kitchen, click here.
