my Nya: the Nya in manekNya

Swee Lin

I've always pondered the significance of eulogies given at funerals or speeches delivered at weddings. And I will always remember my mom, who said it every Mother's Day, 'Every day is Mother's Day. It's a blessing to be alive.' Can you relate?

So, I decided, why not? Why wait for a special occasion? Let me take a moment to write about my Nya (which means mother in the Peranakan language).


During my childhood, my sister and I spent about 90% of our time at our grandparents' house, even during school holidays
(I vividly remember dreading those school breaks because I still had to wake up early! 😆). Both of my parents worked tirelessly, balancing family time with the responsibility of providing for my siblings and me. As for me, I had piano lessons, art classes, violin practice, taekwondo sessions, and even a brief stint in badminton. Not to mention countless tuition classes (You might think this is normal, yeah, maybe). Nya never bought us toys (I remembered no Barbie dolls 😂🥺), but she never hesitated to purchase any workbooks we needed for our studies.


A few months ago, I accidentally saw my Nya's payslip
(oops!), and I couldn't help but think, 'Wow, how is this possible?' She earned about the same as me while raising three children. How did she do it?


Then it hit me.


I remembered all the sacrifices, the absence of toys and games, the fewer holidays. Nya would always pack food from home, always striving to save and earn in any way she could. 🥹


Today, as my sister and I embark on our journey in
manekNya, which has been 9 months since, I am reminded of the countless ways in which Nya has supported us. Even though she didn't have a university degree, her unwavering support humbles me. I also recall her sharing that her father chose not to send her to university because he assumed that all women would become stay-at-home moms after marriage. So, why bother? (Not in a mean way, but due to the cultural norms of that time, coupled with my grandparents' financial struggles.) However, she doesn’t feel any resentment about this. It made me question myself: Would I harbor resentment if the same happened to me? Probably, yes. 🥲🐱

In addition to her unwavering support, Nya has played an instrumental role in the development of manekNya. She not only nurtured our love for Peranakan culture but also took it upon herself to teach us the intricacies of the beautiful art of beading. Patiently guiding us through the stitches, she shared her wealth of knowledge and expertise, ensuring that we honed our skills and perfected our craft.


Not only did Nya impart her embroidery wisdom, but she also became our steadfast companion on this journey. You might never believe it, but she played a huge role in our journey, especially in the beginning. She introduced us to a skilled shoemaker who helped us source high-quality materials for our creations. Nya's connections within the Baba Nyonya Community proved invaluable as she arranged meetings with prominent figures, including the president of the Peranakan Malaysia Association. These encounters allowed us to delve deeper into the rich cultural heritage that inspires our work and provided us with valuable insights and guidance.

Nya's support extended beyond introductions and connections. She tirelessly championed our brand, continuously talking about us to her friends, family, and acquaintances (we called it her Aunties group 🤣). Her unwavering belief in our vision and talent helped open doors and create opportunities for us. Whether it was showcasing our creations at local events, collaborating with other artisans, or securing partnerships, Nya always went above and beyond to promote our work and find avenues for growth.


Recently, Nya accompanied me on a business pitch in Kuching. It was her first time witnessing me present our brand, and her presence provided invaluable support and encouragement. Having her by my side was a constant reminder of the love and support we share.

Nya's contributions to manekNya go far beyond her role as a mother. She has been our mentor, our advocate, and our greatest cheerleader.


Reflecting on Nya's journey and her unwavering love and support, I am filled with gratitude and admiration. She has taught me the true meaning of resilience, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication as a person and as a cancer survivor. I am privileged to have her as my Nya, and I will forever cherish the lessons she has imparted and the values she has instilled in me.


This is my heartfelt to a remarkable woman who has shaped my life in more ways than I can express. Thank you, Nya, for everything. You are my inspiration, my rock, and the driving force behind my pursuit of dreams. I love you always. ❤️


So, now, if you are curious about what Nya means to us in ‘manekNya’, here you go.


#happymotherseveryday

#whataboutfathersday 🫢

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