That Mama: Jasmine Han

This week’s That Mama is the multi-tasking business whizz behind the popular Singapore pole dancing studio, Bobbi’s Pole Studio and mother of 2, Jasmine Han. We spoke with this lovingly laid back (and super organised!) mama to get her top tips for keeping the family chaos under control while maintaining your own health (and sanity!).

Please tell us a little about your business, how did you first get into pole dancing?!

A friend of mine wanted to lose weight after the birth of her daughter, so I went along with her to an 8-week pole dancing class and was hooked straight away!
I trained together with Linna Tan (the founder of Pole Dance in Singapore) in Pole and Exotic Dancing, and also spent some time in Australia training with
some of the top pole dancers there.

I was then teaching at another dance school with Linna before we got together with Bobbi (from Australia) to open up Bobbi’s Pole Studio in Singapore.

What is the most common reaction you get from people when you tell them what you do?

They find it fascinating and are excited that such classes are provided in Singapore. Knowing what I do, they assume that I am fit, strong and flexible, and I AM… most of the time.

I’ve been able to walk the day after both of my c-sections, with no helper, and have run my own errands shortly before and after giving birth, as well as go to work with both of my babies. Recovery rate after my births has been faster, plus the added strength and stamina from the benefits of pole dancing have really paid off.

As a mama of (soon to be!) 2, how do you save time? What are your organisational tricks and tips?

I ended up giving birth on the day that the photo shoot for this feature was supposed to happen! So we postponed it to the day after I got discharged from the hospital instead (amazing!).

To save time and stay organised, I do the following…

• Pre-cook and freeze lots of meals so that they are always ready to eat straight from the fridge or freezer and I buy dry groceries online and have them delivered.
• I invested in a wet vacuum — it’s brilliant! It cleans the sofas, carpets and all types of floorings in one go.
• Have a basic diaper bag packed at all times that I reload as I go.
• I carry an extra diaper bag in the car all loaded up.
• Reserve a babysitter or family member to take care of my babies ahead of time.
• Top up stuff when you are out and have the time to do so, like cash cards, petrol, diapers, milk powder, stationary etc… you get the drift.
• Last but not least… duplicate yourself. Do not complicate the art of raising kids, make sure 1 or 2 other people are able to do what you do with your children.

Can you talk us through your career pre and post babies? How did you get back into the swing of things after having children?

Before having children I was teaching over twenty classes per week! Since having my babies I’ve cut that back to 5 to 6 classes per week. I don’t teach, organise or attend events as much as I used to as most of them are held in the evenings. I’ve found that having amazingly good business partners and staff are the biggest assets, as well as the support from trustworthy babysitters (my mummy friends and my own mother!).

How has having kids changed the way you define work?

It has taught me to be more efficient… only pick up calls and answer emails that are worth your time.

Do you have any tips for aspiring “mamapreneurs” and other mamas working in Singapore?

Be physically very fit and stay that way if you can because everything becomes more manageable if you are!

I wish I had more time for…

My girlfriends.

I always feel saner after….

A change of clean underwear! Ha! No? Alright, a shower then.

Favourite activities with the kids in Singapore?

We go to Royce Gym at Liang Court regularly, as well as musical playgroups that are held in certain condos, Jigglewigs at Polliwogs (Robertson Walk) and various playgroups in either my own home or in other mama’s homes. We also like to go sailing on our 22-metre yacht every weekend, as well as just napping together!

Favourite kid-friendly restaurants in Singapore?

Food for Thought at the Botanic Gardens is a firm favourite. For date nights, we like Margarita’s at Dempsey Hill, as well as my own kitchen!

Activity that I do not love to do but do it anyway because my kids love it?

Listening and singing the same rhyme 100 times over…

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received as a parent?

Do what is best for you, there is no such thing as a perfect routine. Put that book down now!

As a mama I wish I were better at…

Listening. It’s so easy to daze out and go to another land when I am holding a conversation with others.

Do you have any tips for keeping the romance alive in your relationship?

Spend at least 15 minutes a day doing something (or nothing!) with your partner. Even just sitting down and staring blankly at the telly together… it’s okay!

I wake up in the middle of the night thinking about…

My grocery list, my appointments or if I’ve still got the last bit of sweets in the fridge to put in my mouth!

Even when my child has a family of his/her own, I’ll still…

Call them “my babies”.

One thing I won’t sacrifice as a mama is…

My time. I also don’t leave any room in my brain for negativity.

Which part of Singapore do you live in? Are there any hidden gems/favorite places that you have there?

We live near the harbour front, opposite the marina at Keppel Bay. Our favourite place here is the marina — it’s where our boat is!

Ages/Genders of Children:

• 19 month old little girl, Sarah
• A few days old baby boy, Jack

These stunning photos of Jasmine, Sarah and Jack were taken courtesy of the super talented, Carolyn from Melia Photography.