‘Dragon ladies’ hope to soar this year

PETALING JAYA: Five women who were born in the Year of the Dragon are burning with ambition and eager to begin the new lunar year.

Housewife and mother of two Iris Heng, 36, hopes the dragon’s blessing will boost her new online business for crafts that she started last month.

“I’ve already got a good start to the year and completed around a dozen orders.

“I’ll be taking it one step at a time so that I can stay focused while I also care for my two kids, and I hope it being my year, both my personal life and business will flourish,” she added.

Heng said she was also planning to improve her planning and organising skills through online courses this year.

Entrepreneur Chin Pui Yeen, 36, wants to improve her mental fortitude as she looks at expanding her children’s education business, Hands on Box, over the next year.

Founded by Chin and Heng in May 2020, their business first started selling thematic educational learning boxes for kids during the Covid-19 lockdowns.

Since last year, Chin said their online business has expanded to also provide organised educational trips and workshops for both kids and their parents to participate in together.

“Being an entrepreneur is very challenging and I want to take my Year of the Dragon to get peace of mind first by relaxing.

“With the more positive vibes after resting, I hope to reach out to more families to create happy memories for them,” she said.

Aspiring artist Anna Lim, 24, is keen to have this Year of the Dragon be the beginning of her success story.

Her entrepreneurship plans include opening an arts cafe where customers can buy art produced overseas and locally.

“It’s been my dream for a long time to open up my art store where both my art and those of fellow artists can be appreciated by and sold to art lovers.

“So, with this being my year, there is no better time to chase my dreams,” she said.

She added that a physical store is set to open by the middle of this year, with her focus now being on beautifying the store’s interior design and setting up its online storefronts.

Housewife Christine Lim, 36, is hoping to take advantage of the dragon year to build herself up physically to achieve her fitness goals this year.

With her two primary school children no longer needing as much attention, Lim wants to achieve her dream of becoming a pilates trainer.

“Now that I have more time for myself, I want to learn some new skills, which include pilates that I have always enjoyed.

“With this dragon year being my year, I hope to become skilled enough to become an instructor and help teach other mothers like me how to be healthy, both in mind and body,” she added.

She also wishes to travel more and explore new experiences around the world this year.

Event project executive Ooi Suet Yee, 24, is also hoping to get fit and healthy this year.

“I expect 2024 to also be a tough year, which is why I want to pursue my weight loss plan and get a healthy body to confront the various challenges that lie ahead.

“To do this, I plan to learn how to better manage my time to not only ensure I complete my work on time, but to also allow me to incorporate exercise into my daily routine,” she said.

Ooi also wants to practise her calligraphy, have picnics and do more scuba diving.

The five were among those who attended the Chinese New Year eve celebration at the Sin Ann Meow Temple in Cheras yesterday.

The celebration featured a number of performances including lion and dragon dances, along with a singalong with visitors on the grounds of the historic 84-year-old temple.