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S'porean woman left abusive marriage with just S$600, worked 3 jobs to provide for young daughter
“I worked really hard because I know I have a little girl depending on me.”
May 15, 2026, 08:20 AM
Image from Stephanie Teo/IG
Stephanie Teo, a finalist in Mrs World Singapore 2025, has shared how she rebuilt her life after leaving an abusive marriage with just S$600 in her bank account and a newborn baby.
In an emotional Instagram video posted over the weekend, Teo reflected on her journey as a single mother and entrepreneur, revealing that she divorced her ex-husband when her daughter was barely a month old.
“Going into single motherhood because I believed walking away was the right decision,” one caption in the video read.
She also revealed that she had experienced family violence during the marriage.
“But this is not a story about losing,” she added.
“This is a story about rebuilding.”
Worked 3 jobs while raising daughter alone
In the video, Teo shared that she had once “lost everything” and often cried herself to sleep in 2021.
However, she said her daughter became the reason she kept pushing forward.
“I worked really hard because I know I have a little girl depending on me,” she said.
Teo said she worked three jobs while surviving on only a few hours of sleep each day.
Over time, she said she slowly rebuilt her life from scratch.
She eventually bought her first car and home, started her own business and opened an office.
Teo also said she pursued a degree part-time while rebuilding her career and confidence.
“I rebuilt my confidence. I rebuilt myself,” she said.
Instagram video draws support online
The video quickly drew supportive comments online, with many praising Teo for her resilience and honesty.
“Steph, I’m so proud of who you have become! So bold and strong,” one commenter wrote.
Another said, “Only you know the struggles you had to go through but we cheer for your resilience, strong will and true grit.”
