Embracing Authenticity: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Mental Health with Samantha Quek, founder of Cupplets Creative and Cupplets Artisan Cake
In the first episode of the Hug to Heart podcast, Samantha Quek, founder of Cupplets Creative and Cupplets Artisan Cake, opens up about her personal journey of self-discovery. She shares the importance of mental health in navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, relationships, and personal growth.
1. Introduction and Samantha’s Business Journey
00:00 - 15:50: Samantha’s journey from running Smooch Café in Ngee Ann Polytechnic to becoming a cake artist at Cupplets wasn’t just about learning the craft—it was about learning herself. As she developed her skills, she also faced the emotional demands of running a business.
2. The Importance of Mental Health in Business
15:50 - 18:43: Samantha emphasizes that the "heart work" is often the most challenging part of entrepreneurship. Balancing professional success with personal well-being requires introspection, emotional strength, and time for recovery. She encourages everyone to recognize the significance of mental health in every aspect of life.
3. Self-Sacrifice and Destigmatizing Mental Health
16:55 - 23:20: Samantha delves into the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly in generational narratives. The pressure to “push through” or sacrifice oneself for success is widespread, but taking care of your mental well-being is crucial. Samantha speaks on the importance of self-compassion and destigmatizing mental health struggles.
4. The Healing Journey and Personal Growth
23:20 - 33:50: Both Samantha and host Wei Ting share their experiences of guilt, shame, and burnout. Samantha explains how nature and art therapy helped her heal and reframe her relationship with work. She also discusses how carving out time for yourself is essential for energy restoration and self-awareness.
5. Identity and Setting Boundaries
33:50 - 41:25: The episode dives into identity, especially when you’re no longer “someone’s daughter” or “a business owner.” Samantha’s journey to set boundaries, share her art online, and shed the need for external validation has led her to discover her true self.
6. Mental Health in Relationships and Personal Life
Samantha touches on how mental health also plays a crucial role in personal relationships. How we perceive ourselves, shaped by upbringing, influences our emotional reactions in relationships. Learning to understand these patterns helps improve relationships and personal growth.
In this episode, we highlight a critical message: mental health should be a priority in all areas of life—whether in business, personal relationships, or your individual journey. Samantha’s story serves as a reminder that self-care is not a luxury but a necessity. Taking time for healing and reflection is key to finding balance and authenticity.
Healing Through Self-Care and Nature
Art therapy and nature played a huge role in Samantha's recovery. She describes how carving out time for yourself to reconnect with nature or engage in therapeutic practices can greatly aid healing and restore energy.
Key Takeaways:
- Mental health is vital for both personal and professional growth.
- Entrepreneurs, like Samantha, often struggle with burnout and emotional strain, but addressing mental health helps create balance.
- Learning to set healthy boundaries and letting go of labels are key aspects of self-discovery.
Tune in to the full episode of Hug to Heart Talk on YouTube and Spotify to hear Samantha’s inspiring story of embracing authenticity and prioritizing mental health.
