Mum Knows Best!

Being a mother truly immerses one in many different roles. For Fatimah Abu Bakar and Susan Ooi, being a celebrity manager wasn’t on their life list, but when their daughters became famous, it was a responsibility they took on with love.

- Eena Houzyama

As we sat having a nasi lemak breakfast while waiting for our photographer to set up, it was heartwarming to see Fatimah Abu Bakar and Susan Ooi getting to know each other. Susan is the mother of influencer, author, and speaker Xandria Ooi. She’s been managing Xandria’s career since the latter started out as a TV personality in 2005. Fatimah’s four daughters all have careers in the arts industry and she once managed one of them, Sharifah Amani, who began her acting career also in 2005.

Before Susan took on the role of ‘mumager’ (mum manager) to Xandria, she was the brand manager for a couple of cosmetic brands before moving to a catering company as the marketing manager. She left to start her own catering business after a couple of years. However, she eventually gave up the business to spend more time with Xandria and Sean, her younger child, in their formative years. Once they were older and more independent, she started her own bookshop in Subang Parade, called Reader’s Corner. “I automatically took on the role of Xandria’s manager as she comes to me for advice and guidance on almost everything,” expresses Susan.

Fatimah, on the other hand, was an editor at The New Straits Times while managing Amani’s filming schedule and work engagements. Later on, she left the newspaper and started Salt Media Consultancy with some friends. She’s stayed active as an actor and acting coach, although she no longer manages Amani’s career. “I thought I was the best person then, as she was so young,” shares Fatimah.

Her World: What was it like for you when your daughter became famous?