Who We Are with Rachel Lim #25: Reinventing at 42: From Counsellor to 17M Followers & 5 Kids
I had the joy of spending time with Ssonia Ong of Ong Squad during her visit to Singapore, where I was deeply moved by the strong bond she shares with her husband and 5 children, aged 2 to 14. Their close-knit family culture radiates warmth and genuine joy, and I was eager to discover the parenting principles that guide her.
Ssonia’s story of reinvention is truly inspiring. When she was 38, she bravely pivoted from a fulfilling career as a child trauma counsellor to become a thriving content creator on TikTok, amassing over 17 million followers. It took immense courage to step into this new chapter, and her journey is a testament to the power of following your passions, no matter your age.
In our conversation, she opens up about her parenting journey, the challenges and triumphs of balancing motherhood with a new career, and how she fosters a nurturing environment for her kids. Join me as I explore her incredible story and the belief that it’s never too late to chase your dreams. Ssonia’s insights will inspire anyone looking to make a meaningful change in their life.
00:00 Introduction
00:36 Get to know Ssonia Ong
03:38 Content Creation During the Pandemic
08:22 Transitioning to a Full-Time Content Creator
10:33 Balancing Content Creation and Motherhood
12:09 Finding Inspiration on TikTok
13:05 Kevin’s Role in Ong Squad
15:22 Embracing Imperfection as a Content Creator
17:12 Creating Content with Positive Impact
19:13 Protecting Children on Social Media
23:21 Navigating Social Media Validation and Criticism
26:05 Memorable Interactions with Followers
27:18 Ssonia’s Content Creation Strategies
28:53 Redefining Creativity and Taking Risks
32:38 Navigating Motherhood with 5 Kids
35:30 Prioritising Marriage Amidst Parenting
39:14 Ssonia’s Advice for Young Parents
41:13 The Key to Raising Healthy Kids
42:12 Advice for Middle-Aged Dreamers
44:13 Ssonia’s Biggest Lesson in Life
44:49 Final Reflections
Follow Rachel here: https://www.instagram.com/ms_rach/
Follow Ong Squad here: https://www.instagram.com/_ongsquad/