YeoMama Club:
Cheryl Ow
Meet Cheryl, a makeup artist and a love for all things bold and bright, reflected beautifully in her vibrant sense of style.
Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024, Cheryl remained a true superwoman throughout her journey — even heading on a KL work trip just a month after recovering from mastectomy and breast reconstruction. Her resilience and determination became a testament to her unwavering zest for life.
Discover how Cheryl's journey reshaped her outlook on life, confidence, and self-love — and her gentle reminder that "it's okay not to be okay."
Tell us a little about yourself!
I’m Cheryl, going to be 49 very soon and I’m a makeup artist. I was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. This journey has made me realise that I am braver and stronger than I think, and am able to firmly make major decisions in a matter of minutes in a doctor’s clinic with tears streaming down my face and also pulling myself together almost immediately after that.
How would you describe your personal style?
I like something different and I like to stand out. So even if I’m wearing a simple t-shirt and jeans, there would be something to make it a little extra. For example, I’d wear a scarf around my head, tie an accessory on the belt loop, or wear bright lipstick.
How did it feel being part of our social shoot?
Sharing my feelings made me a little vulnerable but I’m glad I did it because I want to be able to share about what I went through — you never know, it might help someone.
Was there a moment during your journey that brought you joy or made you smile?
I am proud that I managed to stay positive throughout. And that I was reminded about how lucky and blessed I was to have a supportive family and friends.
Cheryl is wearing Kai Le Cheongsam Dress - Royal Phoenix
What do you wish you’d known about breast cancer before your diagnosis?
I wished I stopped taking my birth control pills much much earlier. It did come with a warning of a breast cancer risk but I thought what would the odds be, right? And I didn’t think about the hormonal bit. I had excessive levels of oestrogen and I believe it was from the many years of being on the pill. I wished I knew there were different types of breast cancer and that having too much oestrogen could be a contributing factor.
Is there a small ritual, habit, or practice that has helped you feel stronger or more hopeful?
When I wake up every morning, I say “Thank you for today. I’m alive and let’s make today count.”
Cheryl is wearing Allera Oversized Blazer - Pink Wavesong
Now, if you were to describe your life as a batik print, what would it look like and why?
It would be of a bird print. With wings spread out, soaring. I’ve been described as a free spirit by one too many people and I feel that a bird best describes that. Dark green because that’s my favourite colour, with bright splashes of fuschia and orange for that pop and pizazz.
