Meet Annie, a vibrant mom influencer from Kuala Lumpur who has captured the hearts of over 70,000 followers on Instagram. Known for her heartwarming and relatable content, she shares glimpses of her life, often featuring fun and inspiring moments with her son.
From parenting tips to lifestyle inspiration, Annie creates authentic and engaging content that resonates with many around the world. Her journey as a content creator not only highlights the joys and challenges of motherhood but also reflects the bonding between her and her son. Read Annie’s story on how she got started.
What inspired you to start creating content on Instagram and how did your journey as a content creator evolve over time?
I never thought I would be an influencer at this age, to be honest. It was actually my son Zi Xuen who brought me into this journey. He’s similar to his sister when they were young—always taking videos of me, even the “ugly” moments and then posting them. So yes, it’s because of my children.
But my daughter isn’t as active in content creation anymore. Honestly, I never expected to become an influencer, it just happened naturally around August last year.
Your bond with your son is clearly reflected in your videos. How do you strike a balance between content creation and being a mother?
To be honest, I don’t think much about it. I just be myself, whether I’m in front of the camera or not. As Zi Xuen’s mother, I always support and believe in him, especially when it comes to content creation. I listen to his advice, and he also respects me and takes some of my suggestions. We work well together as a team.
My son and I have a really good relationship. What you see in our content is natural and real. Sometimes I come home from work and switch off mentally, and suddenly my son starts recording and pranking me.
There was one time he brought his friends over and made fun of my reaction because I didn’t even realise what was happening—I was just focused on watching my Chinese drama and crying! It’s all very authentic. I am more like a friend rather than a strict parent.
What are the most common misconceptions people have about you as a content creator?
There are good and bad sides. Some people think I earn a lot of money, but it’s not as easy as it looks. It’s actually tiring. I’m not young anymore, and sometimes my son jokes, saying, “Mum, you’re so old, you need to create your own content.”
What are the biggest challenges you face as a mother and influencer, and how do you manage them?
Honestly, I don’t feel like I face real challenges. I’m 53, turning 54 in two months. At my age, I don’t overthink things. I just enjoy the process with a peaceful mindset and see how far I can go. I’m OK with whatever happens. If I’m not famous next month, it’s fine. I’m not putting pressure on myself.
I think the key is to find something that feels natural and enjoyable. You need to be real. A lot of people tell me I’m exactly the same in real life as I am online.
How do you come up with ideas for your videos?
Most of the ideas come from my son. He’s so creative. I even asked him why he didn’t study directing or producing instead of fintech. He loves being behind the camera while I’m in front. People enjoy watching our interactions. But I know I can’t rely on him forever. If I want to stay in this industry long term, I need to create my own content. If you stop being creative, people get bored.
What kind of content does your followers enjoy the most?
They enjoy videos of my son and me together. Pranks are very popular—whether I prank him or he pranks me. People love watching those funny, playful moments between us.
Have there been any memorable moments or collaborations in your content creation journey?
Yes! One unforgettable experience was with Coach. It was my first collaboration, and my son and I took the train to Ipoh. I hadn’t taken a train in Malaysia in over 30 years. The whole experience, from the staff to the environment, was so enjoyable.
What advice would you give to other moms who want to start creating content or grow their social media presence while managing family life?
I don’t know many moms my age who are influencers. I think the key is to find something that feels natural and enjoyable. You need to be real. A lot of people tell me I’m exactly the same in real life as I am online. I think moms just need to find their own path, something that suits them and makes them happy.
Some of my friends ask how I can still go out to eat casually like before. I tell them I just wear slippers and do what I want. I don’t change myself just because more people recognise me now. I’m still the same person.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
Honestly, I haven’t thought too much about the future as an influencer. I’ve been focusing on my content and my KL-based account, “KL辣妈”. I picture myself as a regular woman in five years, hopefully with a partner who enjoys travelling and working together.
I just want to live a happy, healthy life. When I was younger, I worked so hard. Now, I want to enjoy life. As a new influencer, I also hope to build lasting connections with my online community. I’ve already met fans from China who visited and brought me gifts—it feels so heartwarming.
Connect with Annie: Instagram, DouYin and XiaoHongShu.
