Wardrobe By (inside top & skirt): Double U by Jimmy , Location: The Nesting Place
You may have heard of Maryam Younarae, a name that echoes through the vast halls of social media with a following that’s 1.3 million strong on Instagram and 1.5 million on Tiktok (at the time of writing this article). But there’s more to her story than the impressive numbers and her handle, Maryam Durian Kimchi.
As a new mother and entrepreneur, she’s become a symbol of the rich tapestry that multiculturalism weaves into the lives of those it touches. Her South Korean roots have merged with her Malaysian life, creating a unique blend that shines through in her approach to life and parenting. Maryam’s journey is not just about adapting to the role of a mother, it’s a vivid exploration of identity, love, and growth in a home where two cultures meet.
Maryam’s Wardrobe: Double U by Jimmy, Daughter’s Wardrobe: Babyshop, Location: Sanctuary Luxe VIP Suite, The Nesting Place
The Surprising Love of Motherhood
Beneath Maryam’s vibrant exterior lies a profound revelation about motherhood. She shares, “Normally, I don’t love someone easily and put that person in my mind 100%, even my husband, I just love 85%. But after becoming a mother, I’m surprised that I can love someone 100% and sacrifice everything for that person with unconditional love.” In her words, motherhood has unlocked a depth of love she hadn’t anticipated.
Wardrobe By: Double U by Jimmy
“After becoming a mother, I’m surprised that I can love someone 100% and sacrifice everything for that person with unconditional love.” – Maryam Younarae
Navigating Toddlerhood in a Multicultural Household
Communicating with a toddler is a universal challenge, but Maryam faces an additional layer due to her multicultural family. She recounts instances where cultural differences posed unique parenting challenges, saying, “When Rina speaks Malay with the Korean family, they don’t understand, and when she speaks Korean with Rizal’s family, they don’t understand. The challenge is explaining everything in conversations, so we need to explain again to our family.”
Maryam emphasises her strategy for blending cultures, “When I speak to Rina, I need to use two languages so she can understand what Rizal and I are trying to say. Example, when I say in Bahasa Melayu ‘Rina, Jom makan,’ in Korea ‘Bib moekja.’ So, I will repeat in two languages to make her understand both languages.”
Wardrobe: Double U by Jimmy
Multifaceted Career & Entrepreneurship
Maryam’s career is a tapestry of experiences – a physiotherapist in Korea for seven years, selling ‘Kaya Ball’ at Korea Subway, and recently launching her clothing brand “Maryamnarae.” She shares, “As a mother, I started Maryamnarae to inspire everyone out there, even as a convert with not enough knowledge as other Muslim parents, I need to show/do something that can be inspiring to others.”
Wardrobe: Double U by Jimmy
“I started Maryamnarae to inspire everyone out there.”
Personal Hobbies & Growth
Beyond her roles as a mom and entrepreneur, Maryam finds solace in art activities and singing. Her dedication to learning Bahasa Melayu for almost 4 years exemplifies her commitment to personal growth. She underscores the importance of personal hobbies, saying, “Keep doing what you want to make you successful and don’t give up in your career. A happy mother raises happy kids.”
“Keep doing what you want to make you successful and don’t give up in your career.”
Maryam You Narae’s journey is a testament to the strength, love, and adaptability required to navigate the complexities of modern motherhood. Her story inspires moms of this generation to embrace their uniqueness, pursue their dreams, and cherish the multifaceted adventure that is being a mom.
In Maryam’s words, “The purpose of raising a child is making them independent, to learn how to eat by herself, walk, study, and more.” Maryam’s narrative is an ode to the joys, surprises, and challenges that come with being a mom – a narrative that resonates with moms worldwide, reminding them that they are not alone in their journey.
