After a brief hiatus, the Inspirational Ummi Series (IUS) is back again! We feature mummies who, as always, wear various hats and do what they can to make the world a better place, for themselves, their families and even the community!

In Ramadhan this year, we introduced the Raudah Shimmering Chiffon Dress! In the latest edition of our IUS, we interview Raudah Laza, a primary school teacher and a mother whom we named the Raudah Dress after to honour her!

Together with a friend, Raudah began an Instagram shop, Chubbyprints, to extend her desire to motivate and inspire children to educators and parents alike through the use of customisable prints. Chubbyprints provides uniquely designed visuals, such as motivational posters, customisable bookmarks and prints made for the classroom (currently on hiatus till the December school holidays).

We interview Raudah to find out what exactly transpired in her mind when she began on her business and how she balances work, a part-time degree, family, Chubbyprints and other commitments!

BU: When was Chubby Prints born? What was your motivation that gave birth to the business? 

RL: It started in 2013 December. I’ve always wanted to start a business as it is a sunnah. I had many ideas on what I wanted and shared them with my best friend, Liyana. In the end, we settled for Chubbyprints. It’s not so daunting to be embarking on it with a friend.

BU: Tell us about Chubbyprints.

RL: We are both primary school teachers and love children, so we design and print visuals that both of us would use in our classrooms. Our products range from customisable bookmarks, motivational posters, classroom helpers such as attendance or taking note of dates. We felt that being able to customise products were a big help to parents and educators, since our customers would have differing needs.

BU: How did you all begin? What were some of the challenges?

RL: Both of us were part of a network of teachers so we initially bounced ideas about classroom helpers we heard from many teachers, including ourselves. In the beginning we did all the cutting, laminating and labour work ourselves. There were many orders, Alhamdulillah! However, the production was very tedious. After that we sourced out for cheaper printers. One challenge we had was finding the right price. It sounded so simple before we started this which is to just put a number or a price. But when we started Chubbyprints, we realised it was not so easy. We didn’t want to overcharge as we won’t feel good doing so but at the same time, we needed to set the right price so that we would cover the cost price and make a profit.

Ultimately, being a full-time working mum was also a challenge, having to juggle both work and family.

BU: What do you foresee the future of Chubby Prints to be like? What are your future plans/goals for the company?

RL: One of our aspirations is to have more designers on board so that we can increase the variety of products. We are also hoping to cater more to parents and not just teachers. We are also hoping to include more novel designs and functions to our prints!

BU: How has it affected your family life? How is your family’s reception towards Chubbyprints?

RL: My family is very supportive of this. My husband would help me run errands like collecting the products or sending it for delivery. He never complains and I feel that he is proud of what I do, which means a lot to me. I’m grateful.

BU: In juggling work and family, there must be some struggles that you face. Tell us about some of them and how you overcame these struggles.

RL: One struggle is that I need sleep! But sleep doesn’t come by easily. At the same time I enjoy wearing many hats as I believe that there is a reward for all that I do for the sake Allah.

BU: What is your daily schedule like? Tell us how you divide time between work and your family responsibilities.

RL: Hmm I don’t have a daily fixed schedule. However I have an organiser in which I monitor the family’s activities. I would write everyone’s events and plans in it. I check it weekly and would divide the time at least one week in advance. I think this is very important as I am juggling work, part-time degree and family. My husband is also on the Mosque Management Board and have many events and meetings apart from his work. As a family we need to ensure that our son is well-taken care off and not devoid of attention. So I try to plan carefully. If I have an assignment due, I would block out the dates which I plan on doing it and inform my family early so that they can make accommodations.

BU: Who are your role models that have shaped your view on motherhood? Who do you think you emulated?

RL: My mother has shown me how to love unconditionally. She sacrificed many things for me. She also invested in large amount of time educating me in the early years. I also have an aunt who is very driven and loving at the same time. She excels at what she does at work. And when she comes home she still manages to give her 3 children her time and energy.

BU: If you could also bring to light other mothers within your community whom you would deem an inspirational mother, who would it be? Tell us the reasons why.

RL: Siti Mariam Bte Muhd Harith. She is a HOD IT in my school, Macpherson. She has finished her masters (which she did while she was working) and now pursuing her Doctrate. She is also a breastfeeding mum of 2 (going 3). Being a teacher is already so difficult. But HOD…? I don’t know how she does it!

BU: What are some of the experiences you went through which contributed to who you are today?

RL: I’ve supported myself financially since Poly days. I’ve tried many part time jobs. I’ve done waitressing , custumer service, administrative job, marketing, childcare teacher, tutoring.. At the same time I was also a mosque youth committee member. So I had organised many events, done fundraising, manage teams, attend meetings and many more. All these experiences are priceless.

Stay tuned for more mummy features and hear more stories of how the ummis in our midst continue to serve the community on top of their family responsibilities!