As Strong As The Mother Next To Me: Jenna Hu

Meet Jenna Hu, Mom + Founder, Tiny Tiger

We are so grateful that Jenna shared her story with us…

“Hi, I’m Jenna, a small business owner and a dedicated mother. I’m ambitious, always striving to create the best future for my child while making a positive impact on everyone I meet. Whether it’s through my business or personal connections, I believe in growth, resilience, and uplifting those around me. I’m always looking for ways to improve, inspire, and leave a meaningful mark on the world.”

Our ‘As Strong as the Mother Next to Me’ weekly spotlight highlights and celebrates Moms in San Diego and across the globe who believe in building up and supporting moms.

We are excited to share Jenna’s story with you today!

How did you get started with your current role?

I got started in business because I’ve always been passionate about creating something meaningful—something that brings people together. I own Little Sakana Sushi in Mira Mesa, where we focus on providing an amazing dining experience, and Tiny Tiger, which is a passion project inspired by my daughter. My day-to-day is nonstop—I’m always on the go, managing operations, supporting my team, and thinking about ways to grow. But no matter how busy things get, I always make time for my family. Balancing business and motherhood isn’t easy, but I love what I do, and that passion keeps me going.

What does “As Strong as the Mother Next to Me” mean to you?

To me, “As Strong as the Mother Next to Me” is a powerful reminder that strength isn’t just about what we carry alone—it’s about the support, resilience, and inspiration we share with each other. As a mother and a business owner, I know firsthand how demanding life can be, but I also know that we thrive when we uplift and empower one another. Whether it’s in motherhood, entrepreneurship, or just navigating life’s challenges, our strength multiplies when we stand together. It’s about community, encouragement, and knowing that we’re never alone in this journey.

What strategies do you use to stay connected?

Staying connected with my support network is essential, especially during challenging times. I prioritize open communication, whether it’s checking in with family, friends, or fellow business owners. I make time for meaningful conversations, even if it’s just a quick call or a coffee catch-up. I also lean on social media and business networks to stay engaged and offer support in return. Most importantly, I remind myself that asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a strength. Surrounding myself with like-minded, uplifting people keeps me grounded, motivated, and ready to take on whatever comes my way.

How do you involve your children in your professional life, if at all?

I love involving my child in my business because I want them to grow up seeing the value of hard work, passion, and perseverance. Tiny Tiger is actually a passion project inspired by my daughter, so in many ways, she’s already a part of it. I make an effort to include her in small, age-appropriate ways—whether it’s letting her help with fun ideas, showing her how things run behind the scenes, or simply bringing her into my world so she can see what it means to build something with love and dedication. More than anything, I want her to know that she can dream big and create something meaningful, just like I did.

Can you share an example of a collaboration with another mom that was particularly successful or fulfilling?

One of the most fulfilling collaborations I’ve had was with an SD mom group, where we invited moms with young children to Tiny Tiger for a special shared experience. It was a great opportunity for the moms to connect with their little ones while also bonding with a group they were already connected to. Seeing the kids play, explore, and make memories while their moms found support and community was truly heartwarming. It reminded me how important it is to have a village and how powerful it can be when moms come together to uplift one another. It was such a meaningful experience, and I’d love to do more events like that in the future!

How do you define strength in motherhood?

I define strength in motherhood as the ability to show up every day with love, grace, and determination—no matter the challenges. It’s about balancing so many roles while still making time for our children, our dreams, and ourselves. Strength isn’t just about doing it all; it’s about knowing when to ask for help, learning from mistakes, and growing alongside our kids. It’s the quiet moments of patience, the sacrifices we make, and the unwavering commitment to giving our children the best version of ourselves. True strength in motherhood is found in both the big victories and the small, everyday moments of love and perseverance.

How do you celebrate small victories in motherhood and business?

I celebrate small victories in both motherhood and business by acknowledging and appreciating the progress, no matter how small. In business, it could be treating my team to a small reward, reflecting on a job well done, or simply taking a moment to appreciate how far I’ve come. In motherhood, it’s about soaking in the little moments—whether it’s a milestone my child reaches, a successful day of balancing work and family, or just feeling like I gave my best that day. Sometimes, celebrating means giving myself grace, taking a break, or sharing the win with loved ones. I believe small victories are what build the foundation for big successes, and recognizing them keeps me motivated and grateful.

How do you think societal perceptions of motherhood have changed over the years?

Societal perceptions of motherhood have evolved significantly over the years. There’s now a greater recognition that mothers are not just caregivers but also leaders, entrepreneurs, and individuals with their own ambitions and dreams. The expectation that moms should sacrifice their personal and professional goals for their families is shifting—more people are embracing the idea that we can be both present, loving parents and successful in our careers.

There’s also a stronger emphasis on mental health and self-care, encouraging moms to prioritize their well-being without guilt. While challenges like unrealistic standards on social media still exist, the conversation around motherhood is becoming more inclusive, recognizing that there’s no single “right” way to be a great mom. Instead, strength in motherhood is now seen in its many forms—whether it’s staying at home, building a business, or anything in between.

How do you balance self-care with taking care of your family and business?

Balancing self-care with family and business is definitely a challenge, but I’ve learned that I can’t pour from an empty cup. I make self-care a priority by incorporating small but intentional practices into my routine. One of the biggest things for me is carving out quiet moments in the morning before the day gets hectic—whether it’s enjoying a cup of coffee in peace, journaling, or setting intentions for the day.

I also prioritize movement, whether it’s a quick workout, a walk outside, or stretching to reset my energy. Scheduling self-care into my calendar, just like a business meeting, helps me stay accountable—whether that’s a massage, a solo lunch break, or even just 30 minutes to read or watch a show I love.

Most importantly, I’ve learned to delegate and ask for help when I need it. Whether it’s leaning on my team at work or my support system at home, I remind myself that taking care of me ultimately makes me a better mother, business owner, and person.

How did you build your community of moms around you? 

I built my community of moms by being intentional about connecting, supporting, and creating spaces where we could come together. It started with simply reaching out—whether through local mom groups, social media, or events where moms and their little ones could gather. Tiny Tiger has been a big part of this, serving as a space where moms can bond while their children play, making it easy to foster real connections in a relaxed environment.

I also prioritize collaboration, like the event we did with the SD mom group, where moms could share experiences and build friendships in a meaningful way. Beyond that, I make an effort to check in, support, and uplift other moms because I know how important it is to have a village. Motherhood can feel isolating at times, but when we intentionally build a strong, supportive network, it makes the journey so much more fulfilling.

How important is it to you to surround yourself with other moms professionally and personally?

Surrounding myself with other moms—both professionally and personally—is incredibly important to me. As a business owner and a mother, I understand the unique challenges that come with balancing both roles, and having a community of moms who truly get it makes all the difference.

Personally, it provides a support system where we can share experiences, advice, and encouragement without judgment. Motherhood can feel overwhelming at times, but knowing I have other moms to lean on makes it so much more fulfilling.

Professionally, connecting with fellow moms is just as valuable. Whether it’s collaborating on projects, sharing business insights, or simply uplifting each other’s ventures, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it is when moms support one another. It’s about building each other up, learning from one another, and proving that we can be amazing mothers and successful businesswomen. Having that community keeps me grounded, inspired, and motivated every day.

What piece of advice would you give another mom who is struggling with balancing motherhood and business?

My biggest piece of advice for a mom struggling with work-life balance or thinking about starting her own business is this: give yourself grace and embrace progress over perfection.

Balancing motherhood and business is never going to be perfectly even—it’s a constant juggle, and some days, one will need more of your attention than the other. And that’s okay. The key is to set realistic expectations, establish boundaries, and not be afraid to ask for help. Lean on your support system, whether it’s family, friends, or fellow moms who understand the journey.

If you’re thinking about starting a business, just start—don’t wait for the “perfect” time because it doesn’t exist. Start small, stay passionate, and remember why you’re doing it. Your children will grow up seeing your dedication and drive, and that’s an incredible lesson for them. You are capable of building something amazing while being an incredible mom, and you don’t have to do it alone. Surround yourself with a strong community, take breaks when you need to, and keep moving forward—one step at a time.

Do you have a non-profit or cause that you want us to know more about? And why are you so passionate about this?

I don’t have a non-profit yet, but I’m actively looking into it and would love to dive into something meaningful in the future. Giving back and creating a positive impact have always been important to me, whether through my businesses or personal efforts. I’m especially passionate about causes that support families, children, and community-building because I know firsthand how important it is to have a strong support system. I want to be part of something that not only uplifts others but also sets an example for my child—showing them the power of giving, kindness, and making a difference.

What challenges do you face as a mother and businesswoman?

As a mother and a business owner, one of the biggest challenges I face is finding the right balance between the two. There’s always a pull in both directions—when I’m focused on my business, I sometimes feel guilty for not spending enough time with my child, and when I prioritize family, I worry about what’s being left undone at work. It’s a constant juggle, and learning to be present in each role without guilt has been a journey.

Another challenge is time—there just never seems to be enough of it! Running a business means long hours, making big decisions, and constantly thinking about growth, but at the same time, I want to cherish every moment with my child. That’s why I’ve learned to be intentional with my time, set boundaries, and lean on my support system when needed.

There’s also the challenge of self-care. As moms, we often put ourselves last, but I’ve realized that I can’t be the best version of myself—either as a mother or a business owner—if I’m running on empty. So I’ve learned to prioritize small but meaningful moments of self-care, even if it’s just a quiet cup of coffee, a workout, or taking a breather when needed.

At the end of the day, the challenges are real, but so are the rewards. Seeing my child grow, knowing I’m building something meaningful, and setting an example of hard work and passion makes it all worth it.

Tell us about a challenging time in your business or in your role in motherhood and how you overcame it?

One of the most challenging times in my journey as both a business owner and a mother was learning how to navigate the demands of running my businesses while still being present for my child. There was a period when everything felt overwhelming—late nights, nonstop decision-making, and the constant feeling of guilt, wondering if I was giving enough to my family while still pushing my businesses forward.

I overcame this by first accepting that I couldn’t do everything alone. I learned to delegate more in my business, trust my team, and set better boundaries to protect my time with my child. I also had to shift my mindset—rather than feeling guilty, I started seeing my work as something that would inspire my child, showing them firsthand the value of hard work and passion.

Another key factor was building a support system. Connecting with other moms who understood the struggle made a huge difference. I realized I wasn’t alone, and that leaning on others—whether family, friends, or fellow entrepreneurs—wasn’t a weakness, but a strength.

Through it all, I’ve learned that challenges will always come, but with adaptability, support, and self-compassion, they can be overcome. Now, I make sure to celebrate the small wins, cherish the moments with my child, and remind myself that I’m doing my best—and that’s enough.

What are some of your favorite resources managing your business and/or home life that have saved you time?

Balancing business and home life is all about finding ways to stay organized and make the most of my time. I’ve learned that planning ahead, setting boundaries, and creating routines that work for my family are key. Meal prepping and simplifying daily tasks help take the pressure off, and I make sure to prioritize quality time with my child, even on the busiest days. I also lean on my support system—whether it’s family, friends, or other moms—because trying to do it all alone isn’t realistic. Most importantly, I remind myself that perfection isn’t the goal; some days will be chaotic, and that’s okay. It’s about making the best of each moment, staying flexible, and giving myself grace along the way.

Can you share a moment when another mom’s support made a significant difference in your life?

There was a time when I was feeling completely overwhelmed, juggling my business and motherhood, questioning if I was doing enough in both roles. A fellow mom, who had been through a similar season, reminded me that I wasn’t alone and that it was okay to ask for help. She didn’t just offer words of encouragement—she showed up, whether it was checking in, offering a listening ear, or even just reassuring me that I was doing better than I thought. That support made a huge difference because it reminded me that motherhood isn’t meant to be done alone. Sometimes, all it takes is another mom saying, “I see you, and you’re doing amazing,” to shift your whole perspective. That moment reinforced how powerful a strong mom community can be, and it’s a big reason why I’m so passionate about building that same support for others.

MOMination

We become better women, partners, leaders, and friends by empowering and lifting each other up. Thank you Jenna for MOMinating this women below who has inspired you.

Mary Ferrer & Esther Kwak

I’m MOMinating my best friends, Esther and Mary, because they are both incredible business owners who are raising little ones with so much love and dedication. Watching them balance entrepreneurship and motherhood with grace, determination, and resilience

We are thrilled to bring back our weekly spotlight that will highlight and celebrate Moms in San Diego and across the globe who believe in building up and supporting moms.

We hope that if we can debunk the idea that you have to take on this journey alone, as a community of moms, we will all walk away stronger, inspired, and raise stronger children and become better partners. We’d love to hear from you!