Mien Muse | Chriselle Lim, BumoBrain Co-Founder
I met Chriselle shortly after she launched her startup, Bümo. When the pandemic was declared, she pivoted and focused on developing a virtual learning program which my son is enrolled in. I've watched Chriselle, and her Co-Founder, Joan Nguyen, grow their startup into a success with a thriving community this past year. Chriselle started with an idea, she wanted a way to support parents and with the odds of a once-in-a-century pandemic against her, she persevered and helped many families, including mine, along the way. I'm so proud to feature her as our Mien Muse. I also hosted a candid conversation with her via Instagram Live which is available on our Instagram page. Meet Chriselle, a friend of our brand's, and an inspiring working mama.
xxLisa
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Please introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m Chriselle Lim, Co-founder of BumoBrain & BumoWork, Mother of 2 girls, and I’ve also been a fashion/beauty content creator for over a decade now!
You’re a major fashion content creator, a successful entrepreneur, and a mother of two young children, how do you prioritize all these responsibilities without overwhelming yourself?
I would be lying if I said I’ve never been overwhelmed, but the truth is I take it one day at a time. Its important to know why you are doing things on a larger scale (your dreams, big picture vision, etc), but then you quickly have to come back down to earth and grind every single day. I think about what are the immediate tasks in front of me that I need to do now? I take it day by day because when I think too far in the future I get overwhelmed and I become counter productive. I make a list everyday of all the tasks I need to do because i’m very forgetful and if its not written down it will most likely not get done. I also batch out my schedule. In the morning I keep it to business & strategy and by midday I shift gears and go into my creative tasks.
How has being a mother changed the way you look at life?
It has helped me put things into perspective. Little things that used to bother me and annoy me all of sudden has become background noise. Also it has allowed me to be a child again. Seeing things thru my children's' eyes has been refreshing!
What is the definition of a life well lived to you?
Being able to be happy and present in the moment. Being happy with who you are and where you are in your life no matter the circumstances. I remember when I was starting my career fresh out of college when I had nothing but the excitement of the journey and what could be.
What is your favorite form of self care? Do you have a ritual to unwind and recenter?
After the kids go to bed I ride on my Peloton for 30 minutes and jump in my steam room for 30 minutes!
What does the average week look like for your household? How do you divide your time between work and personal life?
I work A LOT, but that comes with what I do as a content creator and as a founder of a start up. I always try to prep all food and necessities on the weekend so we don't have to think about those things during the week. We love our instant pot and air fryer! My house is a mess majority of the time, but it's something I’ve come to terms with.
I'm still figuring out how I could get more personal time to myself, but one thing I recently have been doing is NOT working after the kids go down (unless it's an absolute emergency or must). I used to be the type of person that ALWAYS pulled out my laptop to get plugged back in once the kids went down, but recently that has changed and it has definitely helped.
What would like your fans and followers to know about you and your success that social media doesn’t show?
LOTS OF TEARS AND LATE NIGHTS AND TAKE OUT FOR DINNER!
How did the idea of BümoBrain come about?
BumoBrain was born in midst of the pandemic. We had another business concept called BumoWork and it was put on hold last year as COVID-19 started to take place. BumoBrain is the closest thing you can get to a real live classroom for Early Learners. Forbes recently called our platform “The Virtual Classroom Of The Future”. We have the best in class virtual program for early childhood education ages 1-7. From classes like Chef Math, Readers Theatre, Dr, Kid, STEM academy, to our Foreign Language Program, it is the most engaging virtual program that has a blend of unplugged activities. We have taught over 20,000 classes up to date and we are just getting started! We are also getting ready to open up our physical doors at BumoWork at Westfield Century City Shoping Center on the 2nd floor right next to Bloomindales. Parents will now be able to work hard and parent hard at the same time.
My son has been in your program since the pandemic started and it’s invaluable. What advice do you have for people who have a brilliant idea but are afraid to take the next step to turn it into a business or venture?
Thank you! I’m so glad that you and your son love the program. I would say my best advice is don't let your lack of experience stop you from getting started. I’ve been in the fashion industry for over a decade. I felt like an imposter starting an education company , I wasn't sure if anyone was going to take me seriously. But with an amazing team and co founder we’ve been able to achieve so much! I would also say take it one step at a time. Don't get overwhelmed with ALLLLLLL the things you have to do. Think about the next 3 things you can do now to help you get there.
What can we expect from BümoBrain in 2021? Do you have any milestones and events coming up?
We will be launching on-demand classes so kids around the world can take a class at anytime, anywhere. Think about it as the Peloton of education for kids! Also we are super excited to be opening up BumoWork at Westfield Century City Shopping Center!
What is your favorite way to dress for a busy day ahead?
Something chic & comfortable like a one piece where I don't have to think about mixing and matching! Haha!
What are some of your favorite Mien pieces and why?
The jumpsuits are definitely my favorite Mien pieces! So chic!!
Chriselle Wears the Villa Jumpsuit in Dusty Blue.
xx
