#36 Myeppo Talks To…. Sara-Ann Shuen Krishnamoorthy

On her Instagram (@saraannk1), journalist-presenter Sara-Ann Shuen Krishnamoorthy self-deprecatingly calls herself a one-time singer-songwriter-actress. With 67K followers on Insta, the affable Singaporean is a social media influencer in her own right.

As if her life is not hectic enough, the mother-of-two dedicates her time to a Facebook community group called SG MUMMIES UNITED. “It’s a group we founded to help mums in Singapore who are struggling during these pandemic times by blessing them with necessities like food, formula, diapers and clothes,” she explains.

In the following Q&A, Sara-Ann shares more about her lifestyle, including her beauty must-haves….

What are you currently busy with? 

Besides my two kids and work, one of the things that occupies my time is a Facebook community group that a few friends and I started last year, called SG MUMMIES UNITED. It’s a group we founded to help mums in Singapore who are struggling during these pandemic times by blessing them with necessities like food, formula, diapers and clothes. We noticed that in many jobs, the first people to be let go were the mothers. Things got even worse when some of them had partners who were made redundant as well.

We started with five admins and 30 mums. And now though we’re down to about two to three active admins, the group has grown to a network of 9.1K – and counting. So, we’ve been pretty busy!

A typical day? It all depends! If I’m on night duty with the kids, my day starts slightly later. If not, in the morning, the hubby and I get the older boy ready for school and I start doing work. That could range from reading emails, doing Zoom calls or even editing videos. It’s also when I get to bond most with my younger boy, as his older brother is at school.

Nights are usually when everything happens for me. A lot of my hosting and presenting work these days has pivoted into doing livestream sales, many of those happen in the evenings or at night. I’ve been hosting quite a few panels and webinars online as well, and thankfully most of them happen when the kids are asleep, so that works.

If I’m not hosting, I’m usually going through scripts or spending a couple of hours reading through and approving posts on the SG MUMMIES UNITED group. Reaching out to mums who are really in need, and connecting those who need more help, to various agencies. So, I usually do a lot of research, to find out what helps these women best. If there are any grants or subsidies they can apply for as well. And many a time, I help them out of my own pocket.

Unfortunately, this year has seen a rise in domestic violence, in separations, as well as unsupported pregnancies in Singapore. And though it wasn’t the primary focus of the group – we do try to reach out to as many of them as possible because so many of them are so isolated.

Most of my days end about 1am, where I finally Netflix with some K-drama, squeeze in a workout before one of the boys inevitably wakes up at about 2-3am.

What’s the biggest lesson learnt during the pandemic?

Three things:

1. Invest in people. Not in things.

I love fashion, bags and bling as much as the next girl. But this year, every time I saved enough money to get a nice bag, there are almost always a few cases of mothers in need, who can’t afford the essentials for their family. And yup, it all goes here instead.

2. Check in on all your friends.

Every time a friend pops in my head, I send them a quick text just to check in. You never know when that makes a difference in their lives.

3. And of course, a little kindness goes a long way.

What is your beauty routine like?

Super simple and minimal! Whatever I remember at the time, really.

What are your must-have beauty products?

La Mer Moisturizing Cool Gel Cream – super light. Not sticky. And perfect for this climate.

Skininc Pure Serum infused O2 cleanser – I’m obsessed with this. 

Cosrx Acne pimple patch – to keep that maskne at bay

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair – when my skin needs that extra oomph at night

For makeup, Chanel lip Rouge allure velvet 58 – everyone can wear this red.

Laniege matte neo – great coverage you can layer on

Tarte Hamptons Weekender palette – use this for everything from contour to blush and eyeshadow. 

Urban decay All-nighter setting spray – makes everything stay on all day.

When you have free time, what forms of wellness do you indulge in?

2021 has really been the “year of me.” Especially with Covid, and after two children, you start losing your sense of self.

So, this was a year of reconnecting with things I love and wanted to do. Doing things for myself, even if they were frivolous and vain. Getting back into shape again. Going for massages. Investing in aesthetic treatments. Learning how to take care of me too, and not just the kids.

I’ve slowly incorporated workouts back into my life. Just 20 -30 mins a day. Something manageable. And I’ve started to get back into reading again, which I’ve missed. I got a lot of TCM treatments done this year and they’ve made me more balanced and healthier. I’ve also attempted to eat right. Definitely drink more water!

What gets you down? And what do you normally do to get out of a negative situation?

Feeling helpless when people are in distress, and not knowing how to help – that really gets to me. It pains me when I see what’s happening in Afghanistan, and even in Myanmar. It puts things in perspective.

By and large, I’m a pretty positive person; I’ve got a great support system in my family and friends and I genuinely think the more you help others, the happier you’ll be. You learn how to be grateful for everything you have, instead of counting the have nots. When you’re concentrating on helping to solve other people’s problems, you have less time to think of your own.

Plus, there’s nothing some good dark chocolate can’t cure. Laderach is definitely my weakness and biggest therapy!

Proudest accomplishments over the years?

My children. Cliche, but true. I never pictured having children of my own due to various health issues. Nor could I picture being able to love them so fiercely. But I do, and I’m so blessed to have them.

When I see my three-year-old boy running out of the house to hand the garbage collectors and delivery men drinks. Or see him playing in the playground with the special needs adults in our neighbourhood, so all the other kids aren’t scared – that’s when I know he has a beautiful spirit. And that’s enough.

In my life, I’ve had the privilege of interviewing heads of state, F1 drivers, Hollywood actors, celebrities and superstars of all kinds. But I think most of all, I’m proud of my friendships. 

I can sincerely say that I genuinely love all the people I’ve surrounded myself with in my life. And I’m so happy and proud of all their achievements and successes. If I’ve made these people feel special, loved, cared for or at least happy – that I think, would be my greatest accomplishment.

What makes you who you are today?

Hardship. And my mother. I went through a lot growing up, when my family lost a lot. There was a period of time in my life where I couldn’t even afford to take a bus. I did work a few jobs to put myself through university.

And just when things seemed like they couldn’t get any worse, they did. My parents got into a serious accident caused by a drunk driver. It was a miracle that both of them survived, as the car they were in was completely totalled.

But, as life and God had planned it, the insurance money that came in from that accident years later was perfectly timed. And that money was how my mum helped our family stand back on our feet again. How she managed all of that with grace and fortitude, while still helping others is beyond me.

Hardship is what gave me compassion and empathy. The scales on my eyes from a life of privilege were truly dropped. And it helped me realise that there is more to life, than material wealth and desires.

What’s your advice to younger women who want to follow in your footsteps?

Don’t be afraid to fail. Don’t follow in my footsteps. Everyone has their own journey. Walk where your heart leads you and find your own path.

What does self-love mean to you?

There has been a movement to encourage sexual health and wellness in Singapore, particularly amongst mothers. As many of us mothers lose touch with ourselves, and often feel like our bodies don’t belong to us after being put through the wringer that is motherhood.

I believe self-love is looking after your wellbeing and wellness in general. Every aspect, from inside to out. Physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and yes, even sexual health.

To me, self-love was giving myself this year to have me time. To not apologize for needing to work, even if that meant time away from the kids. To carve out time for myself to rest, go out with my friends to catch up once in a while. To spend some money on small things I liked, instead of just on the children all the time. And I am so much happier for it.

Myeppo Talks To… is a regular series in which we profile dynamic personalities. For more on Sara-Ann, follow her @saraannk1 on Instagram.