Our Lagosmums mum of the month is Elizabeth Osho. Wife and Mum, Digital Strategist, Communications Expert, Entrepreneur, Author, and the Founder of SoMe Solutions.
Please tell us about yourself.
My name is Elizabeth Osho, I’m a mom, wife, and Entrepreneur – I founded and run a Public relations firm with visibility and clientele across Africa, England and The United States. This year will make it 8 years of marriage to my spouse. I live in Washington D.C with my husband Tosin, and 10-month-old son – Elijah
Can you share more about all the hats you wear?
I’m a girl’s girl! So a friend to many, and I’m big on community. I’m the boss at SoMe Solutions, a wife, and recently added mom to the list.
Share one unexpected thing about you.
Apparently, I have a mean girl look (not sure what that means, but I’ve heard it several times and I wear a firm and hard exterior. But if you can be bothered to stick around and take time to peel that multilayer – you’ll realize I’m a big softie!
How did you and your partner meet?
I was introduced to him by a mutual friend, we started chatting over WhatsApp – this happened in Christmas 2014. At the time I lived in Lagos – Nigeria and my husband lived in The United States.
Do you and your spouse have the same parenting style?
So, we are both fairly new to this, but 10 months in I can already tell we have different approaches. My husband is firmer and our 10-month-old realizes this. He will literally behave better with my husband and throw more tantrums and try to get away with things he knows he shouldn’t do – more with me. (But I’m still trying to figure out if this is usual)
Can you tell us one of the funniest things your child has done?
As he’s only 10 months, he’s still developing character – in the first few months wee-ing all over my hubby during early morning changes has been funny to me! 😄😁😁
What are some ways children & parenting are different from when you were growing up?
So, I’ve been hearing the term “gentle parenting” quite a bit recently – during our time there was no such thing as that!
Whilst I’m not of the school of thought that children don’t need a firm hand, one thing that I know for certain I want to instil with my family and our children, is an open-door policy where our kids can talk to us about anything!
LagosMums Mum of the Month- Elizabeth Osho Click To TweetHow are you raising your child to be ready for an ever-changing world?
I believe the trick is to be adaptable and realize there are no hard and fast rules! Of course, we have guiding principles, and morals to uphold but at the end of the day, we want a happy, respectful individual that is a joy to society and those he meets. So, I’m fast realizing one must be ready to be learning every day and keep yourself informed so you can give your family the best of you
LagosMums Mum of the Month- Elizabeth Osho Click To Tweet
What do you love the most about all the many expressions of your purpose/passion?
Things have changed considerably since I became a mom, and for now, I no longer move at the pace I once did. I am thankful for a team that has filled in the gaps. However, I’m thankful for the opportunity to still build, to be able to work from anywhere in the world, and for the opportunity to see the real tangible positive results of a lot of the impact-driven work! We do work, and create strategies that literally change lives!
What inspired you to start SoMe Solutions?
I realized I’m a people person; I do a good job of networking and keeping in touch. I’m a great communicator, and love to tell stories – so it was a no-brainer to end up in comms.
Share what you love most about your work as the Founder and Director of Marketing Solutions and Public Relations at SoMe Solutions.
I love to see the direct results and transformation we create with our clients when we craft buzz-worthy PR plans. No two days are the same with public relations – we deal with so many stakeholders from our clients to media, to influencers, and the creatives we work with; these include event planners, photographers, graphics, and videographers. To some, it may sound like a nightmare; but I love my work-related interactions and I learn so much from working with a large and wide variety of stakeholders.
Tell us about your new book.
Everybody has a story to tell! I tell so many people’s stories, and I see often the impact of that. I’ve always known I wanted to tell my story, but I’ve never quite been in the right head space. The end of last year was very calm for me, I could see very clearly and I thought it was a good time to tell my story.
The book offers up my learnings as well, not just what happened to me, but what I learned from each phase of my life. By reading this book women will discover some of the tactics Elizabeth used to overcome her adversity, how she stayed positive and found happiness in spite of the unpredictable.
How important is a support system for a mum? Who is in your tribe and what kind of support do you have?
It honestly takes a village, and the first few months took some adjustments! Nothing can quite prepare you for those sleepless nights! One of the best pieces of advice I got was to take it in turns on the night shift so you are both not constantly extremely tired! And it works! And I’ve been so blessed to not feel alone in this season, especially being abroad where living in Care or Nannies is not the norm. My husband is so awesome, such an amazing dad and supportive partner.
And I truly feel that we are in an amazing parenting partnership where our son comes first. We are both fully committed to this season of sacrifice and navigating parenting and he’s been a pillar of strength! I’m also blessed with awesome friends and family who give me support when needed – sometimes it can be to watch my son whilst I take a nap for the afternoon.
My husband is so awesome, such an amazing dad and supportive partner. And I truly feel that we are in an amazing parenting partnership where our son comes first. Click To TweetHow do you balance work and parenting? Is it possible to achieve this?
I’m honestly still in the process of figuring it out and I’m nowhere near creating a balance, but working towards things. What I know for a fact is that it’s a new season that needs new rules and it cannot be all systems go! Things are not the same anymore but we are adjusting to our new and beautiful norm.
What has motherhood taught you about yourself?
That I’m a homebody; I always used to think I needed to be outside! I just didn’t have enough things to keep me at home before! But now my arms are full at home and I enjoy our chilled-out mornings and nights. I don’t need to be EXTRA Busy and out and about. My world is at home!
Tell us about your fertility journey and what waiting was like for you.
It was intense – nothing prepares you for the anguish of needing something and praying so intensely for it and having to keep the faith year in and year out! 7 years is a long time, but I won’t give too much away – the book goes into much detail.
What is one myth about fertility you would like to bust?
That you must have done something or misused your body to cause yourself infertility! I heard wild statements like this during my waiting period from ignorant people. A pastor even told me I offended God and this was my punishment. I’m here to remind people, Our God is a good God.
What is one motherhood myth you would like to bust?
That you need to take advice from those that have been mothers before you cause they know better! Times change and because you’ve done something before me doesn’t necessarily mean you have a better grasp or understanding better than I do. Also, all babies are different, and you have to learn about your baby and do what works for you – what works for baby A, may not work for yours.
What would you say to someone waiting for a child?
When the time is right! God himself will perfect all things. So keep the faith. Also, there are lots of different ways to become a mother so be open.
Use one word to describe one thing that should not be missing from every home.
Love.
Share one self-care tip. How do you relax and spend time with yourself?
You cannot pour from an empty cup… ensure mentally, physically, and spiritually that you are taking care of yourself so you can show up as your best version.
Can you tell us how you stay stylish and your beauty routine?
I think I’m falling behind on style now, especially trying to dress to fit my new mummy tummy! But I just do me! I’ve never been one for designers or trends, I try to dress to suit my body and personal style which is smart and casual but comfortable! I’m a beauty junkie and often share my routine, I keep up with all the latest beauty trends!
What do you love about LagosMums?
I want to give a big shout-out to LagosMums for striving hard to ensure we get interesting and relevant content, I’ve been connected to the platform for over 7 years! And it’s a full circle moment for me to be featured because I remember meeting the founder Mrs. Yetty Williams when I just kicked off my PR agency – (in fact we ended up being tenants at her old start-up office, as she expanded to a bigger space).
I say full circle moment, because when I received the email to be featured – it dawned up that I’m actually a mum! Kudos to the team for remaining consistent and relevant and sharing resources that are tailored to the needs of every mom! I love the opportunities provided to connect with other mums and share experiences.
#Mumgoals Trivia
○ N1 Million or more sleep?
Sleep sleep sleep, I will even pay one million Naira if I’m promised 8 hours a night again
○ Would you prefer to go on a shopping spree or an all-expense-paid trip to your dream destination?
I’ll take the trip! I live for experiences, the memory stays for life
○ Homeschooling or a traditional school.
Traditional school now
○ A spa day or Eat out?
Can’t I do both ?? Haha 😀
It was lovely learning more from our mum of the month, Elizabeth. Thank you for sharing with us. You can connect with Elizabeth Osho here.
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