Mrs Titilade Olatunde: The Glam-ma Who Traded Chef’s Knives for Ankara Fabrics and Found Her Greatest Joy
Meet Mrs. Titilade, our LagosMums Grandmum of the Month!
Born in the 1950s, she’s lived a life that took her from catering school in Germany to the fabric markets of Lagos. A chef who became a businesswoman, a mother who became a grandmother and now a great-grandmother, Mrs. Titilade has worn many hats across the decades. Fluent in German and English, she’s as comfortable sharing stories from her years abroad as she is laughing over family memories with her grandchildren.
In this feature, she shares what surprised her most about becoming a grandmother, the hilarious “fashion disaster” moment that still makes the family laugh, and why love is the one thing every home needs.
From German Kitchens to Lagos Markets
Mrs. Titilade Olatunde, recently celebrated as the LagosMums Grandmum of the month, began her journey in Germany, where she studied catering and home management. She worked as a chef at both the Salamanda Shoe Factory and the Singer Company in their staff kitchens, honing her skills in the culinary arts. Those years gave her fluency in both German and English, skills that would open many doors throughout her life.
But when she relocated to Nigeria in the 1980s, she made a surprising shift. Instead of continuing in catering, she ventured into Ankara fabric retailing, a business she dedicated herself to until retirement.
“Today, I wear the hat of a matriarch, enjoying every moment with my grandchildren, teaching them about life, and creating lasting memories,” she shares.
Being a Grandmum
Although Mrs. Titilade was already excited at being a grandmum, what she did not expect was how overwhelming and unconditional the love she would feel for her grandchildren.
“It’s a different kind of love than what I felt for my children. It’s more relaxed and filled with a certain kind of joy that comes with seeing your own children become parents.”
What she loves most about her grandchildren is watching their unique personalities emerge. “They are all so different, and it is wonderful to see them grow into their own.” She believes the best part of being a grandmother is the fact that she gets to cherish every moment her grand children and she can spoil them and give them back to their parents.
A Beautiful Tapestry of Generations
Mrs. Titilade is proud of her family. It’s a joy for her to see her children raising their own families, and now, a great-grandchild has been added to the mix.
“It is a blessing to have such a large and loving family, and we try to get together as often as we can to celebrate life’s milestones and create new memories.”
And then there are the stories that become family legend.
One time, her grandson, about four years old, was playing with a toy car and accidentally crashed it into her foot. He looked at her with the most serious face and said, “Grandma, I’m so sorry. I didn’t see you. Are you okay? Do you need a doctor?” His concern was so genuine and adorable, she couldn’t help but laugh.
But the story that really has everyone in stitches? Her granddaughter at two years old was asked what her mother’s occupation was in school. Her mum was a fashion designer, but the little one didn’t quite know how to say it.
“My granddaughter said, ‘my mum is a fashion disaster,'” Mrs. Titilade recalls, laughing. “I almost rolled off the floor when her teacher told me. She’s now 16 years old and we get to laugh over it anytime we remember.”
Parenting Then and Now
Watching her children raise their own kids, Mrs. Titilade sees both similarities and differences in parenting styles.
“We both believe in instilling strong values, but my children are more open to different forms of discipline and communication. They also have to navigate the complexities of modern technology, which was not a factor when I was raising them.”
She’s noticed that children today are more knowledgeable and exposed to so much more information, and are more connected than previous generations. Parenting has changed too, with more emphasis on open communication and mental health. She believes being a grandparent is much easier than being a parent.
“As a parent, you are responsible for providing for your children, raising them, and preparing them for the world. As a grandparent, your role is to love, support, and spoil your grandchildren. There is less pressure and more joy in the role.”
Preparing Children for Tomorrow
Mrs. Titilade believes that preparing your child for tomorrow means giving them a strong foundation of value, an excellent education and the confidence to follow their dreams.
“It is also essential to teach them resilience and the importance of hard work.” Especially when it comes to the new generation of children. It also involves being open-minded and willing to learn.
The Values That Matter Most
Some traditions and values remain non-negotiable for Mrs. Titilade: family gatherings, respect for elders, and a strong sense of community.
“I also believe in the importance of faith and giving back to the community. These are the values I have passed down to my children and grandchildren.”
How She wants to be remembered
Mrs. Titilade wants future generations to know that she was a woman of faith who loved her family.
“I want them to know that I was a hard worker who was always there to lend a helping hand. I also want them to know that I believed in them and that they could achieve anything they put their minds to.”
Balancing Work and Parenting
She acknowledged that balancing work and parenting is possible but not as easy as it sounds.
“It requires a strong support system, good communication with your partner, and a lot of patience. It is also important to remember that there is no perfect balance, and you just have to do the best you can.”
What Motherhood Taught Her
Motherhood taught Mrs. Titilade that she was capable of more than she ever thought possible. “It has taught me patience, resilience, and the true meaning of unconditional love.” And the motherhood myth she’d love to burst? “The myth that you have to be perfect to be a good mother. There is no such thing as a perfect mother. We all make mistakes, and that is okay.”
Staying Stylish and Healthy
As a Glam-ma, Mrs. Titilade stays stylish by wearing what makes her feel good. She has a daughter who is a fashion designer who helps her create designs, and she gets a little help from her granddaughters who have impeccable taste in styling.
She stays healthy by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and prioritizing her mental and emotional well-being.
For self-care, she keeps it simple: listening to music and reading. “I also love to take a walk and have quiet conversations with my grandchildren.”
Advice For Grandparents
As our Grandmum of the Month, Mrs. Titilade shares three things she’d advise other grandparents to ensure they enjoy the transition in the complex world we live in:
1. Embrace the change: Be open to new ideas and ways of doing things.
2. Stay connected: Make an effort to connect with your grandchildren on their level and learn about their world.
3. Find your joy: Remember that this is a time for you to enjoy and cherish your grandchildren, not to worry about the little things.
“Be patient, supportive, and to remember that your role is to love and guide, not to parent. It is important to respect the boundaries of your children and to let them raise their children in their own way.”
One piece of Advice
“Always put family first.”
One word for what every home needs?
*Love*
Why LagosMums Matters
“LagosMums is a platform that celebrates mothers and grandmothers and provides a space for us to share our stories and learn from each other.”
Mrs. Titilade’s journey from German kitchens to Lagos markets to the heart of a growing multi-generational family is a testament to a life well-lived. She reminds us that staying connected across generations requires openness, curiosity, and love. Dive into more Mum of the Month stories on LagosMums and be inspired by women who are nurturing families, building legacies, and shaping tomorrow’s generation.