Alexandra Carlile has a knack for spotting market niches for websites and chatrooms that work. She has done it twice in the last three years with Sai Kung Mummies and Sai Kung Helpers for Helpers. Both are non-profits and community services of value.
At the time of writing 1933 women had asked to join Sai Kung Mummies. Men are told to go away and directed to Sai Kung Dads. “We have asked people if they want to allow men on,” Alex said, “and the consensus is no. A lot of intimate stuff is talked about, stuff men don’t need to know. Women want to be able to talk freely and openly amongst themselves.”
Sai Kung Mummies operates as a website and a Facebook chatroom. “Often we get desperate pleas at 2 or 3 in the morning from new mums,” Alexandra said. “They’ve been hit with something they’ve never seen before. Within minutes there will be women popping up, saying, don’t worry. Me too. I’ve been in that situation. You’ll get through it.”
The chatroom is all about being supportive and empathetic, Alex said. It works; no one has yet been banned for bitchiness or inappropriate comments. “Women talk a lot about their worries: Teething, the costs and availability of education, pollution, allergies and there is a lot of concern about home security.”
Lou Adams, like Alex a teacher at KGV and an active participant on Sai Kung Mummies, said, “Two days before I was due to give birth, I realised I didn’t have any nipple cream. I asked on Sai Kung Mummies and within minutes I had over 20 offers. Women I had never met were prepared to pick up and bring back from Central.”
Alexandra started Sai Kung Mummies as a Facebook site with nine other mothers in 2012 as a way of organising playdates. The links and contacts on the website are there mostly because they have been recommended by the mums on Facebook.
Although both the Mummies and Helpers services are non-profit now, Alex said she may change that. “I’d like to at least make back the money I’ve put in.” She’s thinking about charging for ads on the front page of Sai Kung Mummies website, but also looking at charitable options for any future profits. Sai Kung Helpers for Helpers is another story and SAI KUNG BUZZ will look at it in the next edition.
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