In a world where juggling motherhood and work often feels like a tightrope act, some women not only manage to balance it all but also create something extraordinary along the way. Gisele, a proud mother to one-year-old Clare, turned her experiences and challenges into inspiration, building a space designed for families and young mums. Clare’s Corner isn’t just a venue – it’s a testament to Gisele’s love for her daughter and her determination to create a community haven for mothers.
The Birth of a Vision
Gisele’s journey began when she planned Clare’s first birthday party. As she was searching for a venue, she realised how tough it was to find an affordable, mum and baby/kids-friendly space. She knew there was a clear need for thoughtfully designed venues that catered specifically to young families.
That’s when the ‘Why not create the perfect space myself?’ idea hit her.
This realisation sparked the idea for Clare’s Corner, a space thoughtfully designed to offer practical amenities such as a kids’ play area, a nursing corner, and a diaper-changing station – all at rates lower than the market average.
A Community of Support
Clare’s Corner opened its doors in November, just in time for Clare’s first birthday celebration in December. It was designed with mums in mind – a place where they could gather, celebrate milestones, and feel supported.
“Clare is my sunshine. She’s the smiliest little girl with a huge personality. She lights up every room she enters, and more importantly, she lights up my life. Everything I do, I do for her – and she inspires me to keep going, even on the hardest days.”
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This personal motivation translated into a space filled with thoughtful details. Mums immediately saw the value. Even before the venue had official photos, dozens of bookings flooded in. And the heartfelt messages they received from fellow mums made her realise that Clare’s Corner was her calling.
Overcoming Heartbreaking Challenges
However, just as things were looking up in the span of two months, Gisele received a devastating letter from the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA). The venue’s location, housed in an industrial area, was deemed non-compliant for event hosting.
“When I read the email, it was like the words slowed down, the background started spinning, and everything just stopped,” Gisele recounted. She had poured her heart, soul, and savings into this dream, only to find out it wasn’t legally viable.
Gisele felt like she failed everyone, the mums, herself, and most importantly, Clare. All of this happened while she was grieving her grandfather and father-in-law’s passing. But like other strong mums we know, Gisele did not give up. She was determined to fulfil her dreams for Clare’s Corner, creating a safe space for mums and their little ones.
A Determined Rebirth
With Gisele’s unwavering determination and a miracle sent by her late grandfather, she secured a location on the very day of his cremation. This time fully compliant and better equipped to serve the community.
Despite the staggering costs of starting over, Gisele remains steadfast in her commitment to creating a meaningful space for families. Now, a better Clare’s Corner is set to reopen in March.
Looking Ahead
As Clare’s Corner prepares for its grand reopening, Gisele hopes her story inspires others. She’s also raising awareness about the legalities of opening event spaces, sharing her experiences to help others avoid similar pitfalls.
“It’s not widely known that hosting events in industrial areas is illegal, and many others in similar situations have reached out to me to share their stories of loss and debt – hearing their stories has been heartbreaking. I feel incredibly privileged to have the resources to start again, and I want to ensure others don’t face the same challenges,” she said.
A Love Letter to Mums
Gisele’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, love, and community. Through Clare’s Corner, she has created more than just a venue – she has built a sanctuary for families and a beacon of hope for mums. Her story reminds us that even in the face of adversity, it’s possible to transform setbacks into opportunities and create something truly extraordinary.
