Meet Vivian, a resilient single mother, social impact advocate, and founder of a painting and mould removal business that grew from grit, necessity, and heart. What began as a mission to support fellow single parents evolved into a thriving enterprise rooted in service, strength, and second chances.
From overcoming deep personal loss, battling depression, and weathering financial hardship, Vivian’s journey is a testament to unwavering determination. Today, she not only runs a successful business but also leads the Single Parents Support Group – SPSG, helping others rise through practical aid, mentorship, and emotional healing through Healing With Viv. Her story is one of reinvention, courage, and purpose-driven leadership.
Your journey is incredibly inspiring. What inspired you to start your painting and mould removal company, and how did you get it off the ground as a single parent?
I started my painting and cleaning business as a social enterprise. The initial goal was to provide jobs for other single parents.
But many of them were in situations like mine—overwhelmed and unable to commit fully. As a result, the jobs didn’t get completed properly, and I ended up doing most of the work myself.
After about a year, I decided to drop the social enterprise model and continue as a regular cleaning and painting business. A few years ago, I had to stop the cleaning portion of the business. I was diagnosed with high grades pre-cancerous cells in the cervix.
It hadn’t progressed to stage one yet, but I was exhausted all the time. I cleaned every home that hired me—sometimes even landed properties in places like Bukit Timah. By the time I got home, I was completely drained. That’s when I decided to focus solely on painting and mould removal.
As to how I manage as a single parent, I believe the responsibilities are exactly the same. The difference is I’m blessed with supportive parents who helped care for my then young son. That support gave me peace of mind.
You overcame depression while raising your son. What was the inner shift that helped you start healing and rebuilding your life?
I went through depression three times. The first was after my divorce when my son was just three. He’s now 20. The second was in 2017, after a major public incident.
A single mother told me she had cancer and no money for treatment. Her bank account had only a few dollars, and she still had bills to pay. I made a Facebook post asking Singaporeans to each donate $1. Within a week, it went viral, and we raised over $40,000.
But the donations went into my account, and people started calling me a scammer. I was working when the post went viral and didn’t even know what was happening. When I checked my phone and laptop, I saw all the harsh comments. I knew then that no amount of explanation would help.
Eventually, I was fortunate that the press came to interview me. I explained that I was applying for government subsidies on her behalf and that the funds would be used to support her medical and living expenses. From my own mother’s cancer journey, I knew that government subsidies were not enough—you need cash to survive treatment.
That incident pushed me into a deep depression that lasted for three years. From 2017 to 2020, I felt like my entire world had collapsed. But slowly, I started walking out of that darkness. I realised that life was showing me who my true friends were. The fake ones left, and the real ones stayed. It was a painful but necessary lesson.
What helped me the most was my son and the Single Parents Support Group that I founded. My son was still young, but I remember him saying, “You don’t have to care what others say.” That gave me strength. I couldn’t let him or the single parents I support down. I had to climb out of it.
Fighting depression is like a daily battle with yourself. You either win or fall back into the pit. But when you fight hard enough for long enough, one day, you’ll realise you’ve broken free.
My anxiety was so severe at one point I couldn’t eat at coffee shops. I would pack food and eat in the toilet. My hands would shake. My whole body would tremble. And people would stare. That’s how bad it was.
My anxiety was so severe at one point I couldn’t eat at coffee shops. I would pack food and eat in the toilet. My hands would shake. My whole body would tremble. And people would stare.
Can you share more about the Single Parents Support Group you mentioned?
In 2013, I had started the Single Parents Support Group after reading a news article about Rebecca Chua, a single mother who threw her handicap son from her house window.
People were calling her a murderer online, but I saw things differently. I went to State Courts to try to visit her, but they wouldn’t allow it. So I gave a speech at Speakers’ Corner titled “Please Have Mercy for Rebecca.” That was the start of the group. The press and media interviewed me, and I even used my own savings to get it going.
We started by providing groceries, milk powder, diapers—basic necessities. But over time, I realised giving free fish doesn’t help in the long run. So we shifted focus.
Now we support children from broken homes with art classes and mentorship. For example, we’re helping three children raised by their grandmother after losing their mother. I enrolled them in art therapy sessions with Elfin who runs an art studio.
I still provide free consultations for families who truly need it. For ongoing counselling, we offer low-cost support—just $90 a month for those with blue or orange CHAS cards. Why charge? Because if something is free, people may not value it. But the work we do isn’t cheap, and we must be sustainable.
What were some of the biggest challenges balancing your business and being a single mum and how do you overcome them?
It was especially tough during COVID. My business dropped to zero for three months. I survived on rental income from leasing out my home.
I used to fear networking events because of the judgement and trauma from the past incident.
But I slowly changed. My mindset shifted thanks to people around me. I joined networking communities where I got referrals for painting jobs. Each network taught me something new.
But I also believe you must give in order to receive. The universe is fair. If you only take, nothing good will come your way. Business requires constant giving, helping, and serving. Also, I believe in investing. Entrepreneurship is never 100% smooth.
So aside from running a business, you must also plan for safe investments and passive income. It’s not about chasing risky gains, but about securing your future.
What advice would you give to other single parents who feel stuck—emotionally or financially?
Find a good mentor. Listen to their advice. Learn how they overcame similar challenges. But most importantly, be willing to change.
If you don’t change your mindset or lifestyle, you’ll stay stuck forever. The moment you open your ears and take action, your life will start to improve.
What do you think makes a good entrepreneur?
A good entrepreneur isn’t just about making money. It’s someone who treats their workers well, shares success with those who journey alongside them, and bounces back from setbacks.
A great entrepreneur grooms other leaders. That’s what leadership is about—creating more leaders, not followers.
What’s your vision for Singapore in the next five years?
I hope Singapore becomes a less angry society. I’ve seen too many stories of neighbours fighting over small things. Some even die from these conflicts. My vision is simple: less anger, more peace.
If you could have a superpower for one day, what would it be and why?
If I could have one superpower, I’d use it to heal everyone’s emotional and physical pain in 24 hours—so people could live in peace, play like children, and stop judging or fighting. That, to me, would be the happiest and most beautiful world.
Connect with Vivian: HealingWithViv and VArtisanPainting.
Vivian is a member of Rainmaker, a revolutionary movement that rallies like-minded people together based on the values of Love, Authenticity, Respect, Kindness and Youthfulness (LARKY).
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