Why I Do What I Do: A Mumpreneur’s Journey Through Calligraphy and Faith

Serene Wu Author

Mar 27, 2025 |

A little while ago, Angeline from The Tiny Trove reached out to me to feature Sundays Dawn in the Mumpreneur Spotlight. As I sat down to craft my responses, I found myself pausing—not just to answer her questions, but to truly reflect on this journey I’ve been on. 

Sometimes, in the midst of the day-to-day, it’s easy to forget the bigger picture. But in answering these, I was reminded why I do what I do here in this space. And I thought I’d share that with you today. 

The Heart Behind Sundays Dawn

Sundays Dawn is about encouraging personal growth through the art of calligraphy. It’s more than just writing beautifully—it’s about writing intentionally, with words that uplift, encourage, and bring light to someone’s day. I first experienced the power of written words in one of my hardest seasons. Someone gifted me a Bible verse, Psalm 34:18, written in calligraphy after I had a miscarriage. That verse comforted me in a way I can’t quite explain—it was as if God had sent a reminder, in ink and paper, that He was near to the brokenhearted. That moment stayed with me. It planted a seed. And yet, calligraphy was never part of my original plan. I spent 13 years as a JC math teacher—far from anything artistic! 

But when I picked up a brush pen, I realized that this art form wasn’t just about aesthetics. It was about slowing down, finding clarity, and expressing encouragement in a tangible way. I never set out to start a business. Sundays Dawn grew from a simple desire to share what I had discovered—that lettering isn’t just about making words look beautiful, but about making words feel personal, intentional, and alive. And that’s what keeps me going—helping others experience that same connection through calligraphy. If you’re curious about starting calligraphy, I’ve put together this beginner-friendly free e-guide to help you take your first steps.

Navigating the Mumpreneur Identity

The biggest challenge I faced as a mumpreneur? Honestly, it was a loss of identity. I went from being an educator—a role I loved and thrived in—to being at home full-time with my boys while growing Sundays Dawn. And I struggled. Was I really a “mumpreneur”? There were no KPIs, no clear markers of success. I kept wondering, Am I doing enough? Am I doing well enough—as a mom, as a business owner? 

But in that uncertainty, I surrendered it all to the Lord. He reminded me that my first ministry is my children—and no title or external validation could define my worth. Sundays Dawn was never meant to be about my success. It is His work. My role is simply to be faithful, to honor Him in the work I do, and to trust that whoever passes through the gates of Sundays Dawn will be encouraged, blessed, and reminded of His light. 

That shift changed everything for me. Instead of striving to prove myself, I leaned into His purpose for this season, knowing that whether in motherhood or in business, my job is to show up, serve, and let Him do the rest.

Balancing Motherhood and Business

Balance, for me, isn’t about splitting time evenly—it’s about being present where I am. Afternoons with my boys are non-negotiable, so I shape my work around that. I also remind myself that flexibility is a strength, not a weakness. Some seasons are more about family; others allow more space for work. And that’s okay. If I could give one tip to fellow mumpreneurs, it would be this: Build your business in a way that truly works for you. And if you ever feel like you’re “falling behind,” remember—your pace is your own. 

Your business should fit your life, not the other way around. It’s never about how fast you go—what matters is that you’re moving in the right direction, one intentional step at a time.

The Influence of My Boys

My boys remind me daily of the power of words—both written and spoken. How a simple encouragement can shift a mood, how names carry meaning, and how handwritten messages become treasures over time. I still keep their little notes to me—each one a reminder of how something as simple as a few written words can hold so much heart. They’re also why I’m so intentional with my time. 

Sundays Dawn exists because I want a life where work and family flow together—not compete. And yet—ironically—both my boys have been flagged for needing to improve their penmanship! A funny reminder that calligraphy isn’t just about neat handwriting. It’s about slowing down, being present, and making words matter.

Advice for Mumpreneurs Starting Out

Instead of advice, I think I’ll share something I’m still learning in this journey: Start small. Begin with what’s already in your hands. You don’t need to have it all figured out—just take the first step and trust that you’ll learn along the way. And your business? It doesn’t always have to carry the weight of some huge purpose. Sometimes, it’s simply about loving the Lord and loving your “neighbor” through the way you work. It’s about integrity, sincerity, and striving to do your best. It’s choosing to make the right decisions, even when it’s hard, and keeping your heart pure in the process. I’m learning that my work is meaningful just because I honor Him in it. Growth happens in the quiet moments, in the act of showing up, and in remembering why I started. And I pray I always stay connected to that. 

If you’ve read this far—thank you. I hope this encourages you, wherever you are in your own journey. If you’re a fellow mumpreneur (or thinking of becoming one!), I’d love to hear from you—what’s been your biggest challenge? 

What’s kept you going?

Let’s journey together. 💛 

Let’s connect on Instagram! DM me at @sundaysdawn.

Categories: : Calligraphy, Mumpreneurship