Jeanette Aw on juggling acting, baking and YouTube: 'Everything comes down to time management'
Joanne Soh
The Straits Times
Oct 30, 2025
Who: Local actress-baker Jeanette Aw was last seen on TV in March, when she reprised her famous Xueniang character from The Little Nyonya (2008) in the spin-off Emerald Hill - The Little Nyonya Story (2025).
Aw also runs patisserie Once Upon A Time, which she opened in 2021 in Hamilton Road. In 2024, she launched her sweet treats in Japan through three pop-ups in Nagoya, Osaka and Tokyo. The success of those pop-ups saw the 46-year-old returning to hold more pop-up booths in the three cities and in Kobe in January.
In February, the industrious multi-hyphenate ventured into the content-creation arena with her YouTube channel JA Unscripted, where she shares travelogues, baking adventures and personal stories.
Aw, the new brand ambassador for traditional Chinese medicine company Eu Yan Sang's range of bird's nest products, completed filming the drama Highway To Somewhere in September. The mystery series, premiering in March 2026, marks her return as a leading actress after six years.
"A perfect weekend is one where I can simply relax at home and unwind. My schedule tends to get quite hectic and most days are packed with tasks to attend to.
My week isn't divided into weekdays and weekends - it's more like 'busy' or 'not so busy'. Whenever I spot an open slot in my calendar, that's my cue for a good rest day.
My recent three-day work trip to Genting Highlands in September to film content for JA Unscripted turned out to be unexpectedly fun.
Between the theme-park rides, amazing food and great company, it was such a memorable experience. I didn't end up doing any shopping. It was about spending time with my team and exploring Genting Highlands together.
I think whether you're travelling for work or leisure, it's important to be present and enjoy the moment, instead of getting too caught up with your phone. The best memories always come from good conversations, shared laughter and genuine connections.
Working on my patisserie, producing content for my YouTube channel and returning to acting - everything comes down to time management.
My research and development for the patisserie runs throughout the year. I've mapped out the timeline in advance, so I always know what's next. In between baking and events, I carve out time to film content for JA Unscripted. When I know I'll be travelling for work, I make sure everything else is settled before I fly.
It's currently quite a stressful time because we'll be relocating Once Upon A Time after December. Apart from my ongoing engagements and commitments, I'm also managing the renovation timeline.
I'll also be away for an entire month in January 2026 for my Valentine's Day pop-up in Japan. It's incredibly exciting because I absolutely love the new space. I can't wait to see it all come together."
