Content creator Chiang Lee Ming talks about embracing the challenges that come with balancing parenting and her work commitments. — AZMAN GHANI/The Star
Channelling old Hollywood elegance with her unique style, Chiang Lee Ming is a content creator who stands out in the crowd.
Often spotted at events and soirees about town, the 37-year-old mother of one exudes nostalgic charm with her signature style of hair and makeup – red lips, defined eyeliner and hair neatly coiffed to one side – and outfits inspired by 1950s Hollywood glamour.
Chiang grew up in Malacca with five sisters and parents who ran a wholesale grocer, and later she pursued tertiary studies in graphic design.
“It was the safe choice over my fashion design dreams vetoed by my dad,” says Chiang, who participated in model searches and starred in TV commercials for a time, before getting into blogging.
Making it to the top four of the Malaysian Dreamgirls Season 2 reality show in 2009 also contributed to her eventual foray into the content creation world.
These days, she splits her time between content creation and raising her four-year-old son, Tyrese Bradford Goonting.
Chiang says that on the plus side of content creation is the flexibility of it all and working on her own schedule, which allows her to be able to watch her son grow and be there for all the little moments. — AZMAN GHANI/The Star
"The cherry on top is being able to watch my son grow and being there for all the little moments. It’s incredibly rewarding and sure, it’s a balancing act, but being able to create, connect and witness his milestones firsthand? That’s the real magic of it all,” she adds.
While it may look glamorous on the outside, the job has its challenges, as tight deadlines and payment delays are a sobering reality.
In addition, there are months where jobs are few and far between when things are quiet on the campaign front.
To avoid being stuck with no income, Chiang plans ahead and ensures she works extra hard during busy times.
“Dabbling in different income sources and saving up during the good months helps soften the blow when things get slow. It’s all about rolling with the punches, staying on your toes and making the best out of every situation,” says Chiang.
A balancing act
At the age of four, Chiang’s kindergartener son is likely the youngest guest at most of the beauty and fashion events she attends.
Dressed as stylishly as his mother, Tyrese is a common sighting at many a launch, keenly observing his surroundings and taking in the vibrant scene.
“Let me spill the tea – I’m still figuring out this whole hands-on mum thing,” says Chiang. “Bringing my son along to events isn’t always a choice; it’s more of a necessity when your village is essentially just you.”
“Yet, in the midst of the chaos, there’s a silver lining. These moments of professional and personal worlds colliding have opened new ways for us to bond. Despite the challenges, witnessing my pandemic baby build confidence in front of crowds has been a unique experience. It’s not the traditional mum life, but it’s our version of making memories and growing together in our own quirky, solo adventure.”
Parenting is a journey that is constantly evolving, and with her husband Shaun Andrew Goonting, a casting director and assistant director, they are raising their son to embrace his individuality with pride and to stay true to himself.
“When it comes to raising our kid, we’re doing things a bit differently than how my parents did it. They were all about the rulebook, while we’re just going with the flow,” says Chiang. “Embracing the unexpected, rolling with the punches, and creating a space that’s all about spontaneity and growth. We steer away from strict rules and opt for a vibe that celebrates creativity, independence and following passions.”
(left) Chiang and her son Tyrese. photo: Shaun Andrew Goonting
Setting aside time for each other as a married couple is another challenge, between her husband’s production schedule and her commitments.
“Finding time for each other is like solving a puzzle! When he’s not off shooting, we’re all about family time. To bond with my adventure-seeking hubby, I dive into his world of sports and thrills, even though I’m more of a chill-at-home kind of person,” she says.
Unique style
Chiang is a regular fixture at events, and a noticeable one at that.
Styling herself in 1950s Hollywood glamour-inspired pieces, she’s all about poodle skirts, fit and flare dresses, cute neck scarves, polka dots, sassy cat-eye sunnies, cozy cardigan sets and sleek pencil skirts.
“Basically, anything fun, flirty and fabulous that accentuates the curves,” she says. “I’m all for embracing that traditional femininity in a modern way, adding a dash of retro chic to my everyday look.”
“Delving into the world of 1950s fashion is a bit of a time commitment – nailing the makeup and those intricate hairdos takes effort. For inspiration, I often turn to 50s celebrity pictures, drawing from their iconic styles to infuse a touch of retro magic into my own look.
“On average, getting that perfect vintage vibe can take me about an hour of primping and styling. So, it’s all about balancing that classic 50s glam with my everyday life and finding that sweet spot between retro and modern for the ‘gram!” she adds.
Thanks to her refreshing take on fashion and makeup, Chiang is an inspiration to anyone looking to channel their unique style, and as a mother, she is showing young mums everywhere that parenting doesn’t mean one has to take a step back from living their best life.
