Meet Stephen and Sharon, partners in both life and business. Together, they’ve built a dynamic portfolio of ventures rooted in passion, purpose, and parenthood. Their businesses span three key areas: Tinytodds, an award-winning kids and family photography studio; BIMC, a consultancy that helps SMEs optimise operations; and JL Institution, a WSQ-accredited education provider focused on caregiving and early childhood training.
From a love of photography and art sparked by their first child, to growing into business educators and consultants shaping the next generation of professionals and parents, both of them have turned their life experiences into platforms for transformation. Their journey is a testament to how personal passion and family values can become powerful drivers of entrepreneurial success.
What inspired the both of you to build such a diverse portfolio of businesses across education, consultancy, and photography?
Stephen: We started with photography. Sharon has a background in education, she’s an ex-MOE teacher with a postgraduate degree, while I worked in the corporate world for 16 years after graduating from NTU. It was after we had our first child 11 years ago that our interest in photography took off.
Sharon: Stephen has always loved photography and I have a strong passion for art, so we began taking photos of children, and soon realised we loved doing it.
Given my experience in early childhood education, we decided to create a concept that blends photography with play. That’s how Tinytodds was born. Our studio is designed like a playground where children can explore and enjoy themselves during photoshoots.
As the photography business grew, he found himself increasingly drawn to the business side of things. He decided to pursue a Master’s in Business and realised there was demand for proper consultancy in Singapore, especially for SMEs.
Stephen: I was approached by PUB Singapore to become a certified management consultant. There are fewer than 1,000 of us certified in Singapore, and there’s high demand due to government grants like the Enterprise Development Grant (EDG), which require consultants with integrity and deep business experience.
That’s where BIMC comes in, to help business owners optimise and transform with practical solutions.
As our consultancy expanded, clients started asking for WSQ-certified training as well, especially in business strategy and change management. This led to our acquisition of JL Institution, which specialises in care services like infant care, emotional development, and nutrition for young children.
These programmes resonate with us deeply, especially as parents. JL Institution complements our existing businesses and allows us to bring meaningful education to other young parents.
Tinytodds has become a beloved award-winning brand. What makes your approach to children’s photography stand out?
Stephen: We create memories through play. That’s our concept—photoshoots through play—and it’s something we’ve trademarked. Sharon’s teaching background helps us understand how to engage children aged 0 to 5. We design every element around what children enjoy so the experience feels magical, not forced.
Sharon: Before starting Tinytodds, we took our child to a studio and found it very transactional—just posing a child like an adult and snapping away. We knew there had to be a better way. If you want a child to smile genuinely, you need to enter their world and give them a reason to smile. The studio itself is like a mini wonderland, with immersive themes like enchanted forests and safari scenes.
Stephen: Parents tell us it’s not just a photoshoot. It’s an experience. That’s why they come back for every milestone, from newborn to K2 graduation. Many even say their only major photo memories are from K2 and university, so we take pride in creating moments that truly matter. Our clients value the emotional connection and joy our sessions bring.
Before starting Tinytodds, we took our child to a studio and found it very transactional—just posing a child like an adult and snapping away. We knew there had to be a better way.
Through BIMC, you help companies optimise operations and marketing. Can you share a success story?
Stephen: One standout case was with a precision engineering firm. They produce fasteners and use toxic chemicals in post-manufacturing cleaning, which exposed their technicians to high health risks and limited their working hours.
We came in to redesign their workflow and introduce safer technology. This reduced costs, improved efficiency, and protected the health of their team. It was a meaningful project because we were solving a real operational bottleneck while safeguarding people’s well-being.
As a husband-and-wife business team, how do you navigate disagreements?
Stephen: There’s not much disagreement—Sharon’s always right! (laughs)
Sharon: We know each other well and have clearly defined roles. For example, in Tinytodds, Stephen handles the photography and videography side, while I handle the design, set themes, and aesthetics. Across our ventures, he focus on B2B collaborations and I handle B2C.
We don’t often clash because we operate like separate departments and trust each other’s strengths. Marriage is a form of collaboration after all—this is our fourth company together!
What moment in your life changed the way you see the world?
Stephen: For me, it was becoming a father. That shifted everything—my patience, my leadership style, my priorities. I became more purposeful and empathetic.
Sharon: Being a mother does change our priorities. I left my teaching job to stay home and care for our child, and I understood how important those early years are. We started our business partly to have flexibility to raise our children, but also because we saw gaps in how young parents were supported. That’s why our education work with JL Institution is so close to our hearts.
What’s your vision for Singapore in the next five years?
Stephen: Singapore is moving quickly into the digital, green, and care economies. We see our three businesses aligning with the care economy—focusing on the very young and the elderly. JL Institution, for instance, offers courses not just for infants and toddlers, but also for senior care and mental wellness.
Sharon: As Singapore progresses rapidly, we’re concerned about those left behind, either emotionally, socially, or mentally. We want to play our part in supporting both the young and the vulnerable, while contributing to a more empathetic, inclusive society.
If you could have a superpower for one day, what would it be and why?
Sharon: I would love to have the power to be in two places at once, so I can work and still spend time with my kids. I can do everything I love and still not miss time with the kids.
Stephen: Sometimes our children join us at the studio or school. We want them to see how hard we work for the family, and also learn that success comes through effort. For my superpower, maybe earn more money then we can spend more time with the children.
Connect with Stephen and Sharon: Tinytodds, JL Institution and BIMC.
Stephen 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).
