Our first Lagosmums mum of the month for the year 2022, is Esther Moyin Adegunle. Mum to two wonderful children, a wife, an International Development Professional, Economist, a Future African Leader, Writer and Author.
Please tell us about yourself
Esther is a purpose-driven lady who loves God and works towards giving him pleasure. I am a Lagos Mum of 2 royalties (queen and king), working in an international development company, an Economist, a Future African Leader, Writer and Author.
Can you share one unexpected thing about you?
I grew up with 3 brothers and many of my brothers’ friends, hence I was somewhat of a tomboy. To date, you cannot tell me there is a difference between a boy and a girl because my parents raised me to do all the things boys do and strive for excellence.
I grew up with 3 brothers and many of my brothers’ friends, hence was a somewhat tomboy. And to date, you cannot tell me there is a difference between a boy and a girl because my parents raised me to do all the things boys do and strive… Click To TweetCan you tell us all the hats you wear?
They are quite many, but I wear them proudly:
I am a mother of 2 (the Queen and a little king) and wife to a gentleman.
Next, I am also an International Development Professional and lead business development in my organization DAI. As an Economist, I write on economic matters with the aim of simplifying economic issues to the regular man.
I am an Author of 2 books; Driving in Lagos and Raising the Queen.
And, I am the Founder of an NGO (BeyondaDegree). I started this NGO 8 years ago and it focuses on helping students transit to life after school. We have trained over 500 students with some becoming facilitators in the foundation.
Tell Us About Your Beautiful Family.
A family of 4 royalties – 2 Queens (myself and our daughter) and 2 Kings (hubby and our little son). The family started about 7 years ago and every day we learn to love one another more.
Do you and your spouse have the same parenting style?
We have similar parenting styles. Our foundation is based on God’s word. We believe in correcting our children in love.
What did you learn through the course of the year 2021?
For most of 2021, I was pregnant and then had a newborn. I learnt the importance of having a strong support system. In this year, I was able to achieve a lot in different areas of my life because over the years, I have built (and still strengthening) my support system.
My support system is not just at the home front, it is in all areas. When it comes to Finance I am in two investment clubs; Spiritually, I have a prayer group where we pray weekly. On the Career front, I am a proud member of the 9 to 5 chick where every month we chat with amazing senior professionals and learn from their wealth of experience.
What are some of your goals and plans for 2022?
Some of my goals for 2022 are
– To be more intentional about parenting and developing the right values in our children.
– Publish at least one book
– Write more economic articles, at least once a month.
What do you love the most about your job and all the many expressions of your purpose and passion?
I love that my job and other expressions are impact driven and aligned with my purpose. I love that my organization manages projects that impact people’s livelihood, communities and builds a more liveable world.
Did you always know you were going to be an author?
Not before I had the Queen, our first child. I love to speak and present, so I always thought about being a global speaker. However, after I had the Queen, I started journaling my experience on my phone. The breastfeeding process, immunization, caring for her, conversations with her. Also, I journaled my experience Driving in Lagos. With these, I started a blog and eventually brought my journals together into two books. Hence, my books are relatable and easy to read. It’s truly amazing the gifts each of us has and how we can utilize them in different areas.
Can you share how the pandemic has affected you either professionally or personally? What is your one takeaway?
The pandemic! It still seems like yesterday when I jumped into a plane with my daughter to ensure we were together as a family. I am glad I did as that was March 2020, afterwards, planes did not move for about four months. For me, the pandemic has revealed how resilient we can be. In the pandemic, I had a major illness, lost a baby and had an operation. On the other hand, I was able to still accomplish major milestones in my career and being an author. The truth is God strengthens us for different seasons in our lives.
I was able to still accomplish major milestones in my career and being an author. The truth is God strengthens us for different seasons in our lives. Click To TweetHow are you raising your children to be ready for an ever-changing world?
This is essential and we try to incorporate it in her activities. Our daughter is learning to code as we understand the importance of having digital skills. Also, we are teaching her to adapt to different conditions.
Use one word to describe one thing that should not be missing from every home.
It’s got to be LOVE. Love covers all!
Share one self-care tip. How do you relax and spend time on yourself?
I love to take early morning walks just before daybreak. Sometimes, I run as well. It prepares me for my day. During the walks, I listen to songs, my favourites from the Mavericks’ albums.
I also love to visit the mall, it’s relaxing for me. I may buy one or two things or just simply window shop, it’s quite soothing for me.
Lastly, I enjoy designing on Canva, sometimes I design cards to share and celebrate people.
Can you tell us how you stay stylish and what’s your beauty routine as a mum?
I love colours so I mix them well in my outfits. Also, I am learning to use accessories like scarfs, brooches, and others to transform outfits from simple to unique! Being stylish for me also means being comfortable. Even when working from home, I wake up and still dress up every day, this helps me stay productive and ready for any meeting that requires showing my face.
Even when working from home, I wake up and still dress up every day, this helps me stay productive and ready for any meeting that requires showing my face. Click To TweetWhat do you love about LagosMums?
I love the useful and relatable content shared on the LagosMums Instagram page. They are resourceful and practical for mothers with children across different age groups.
If you had to choose between 1million Naira or more sleep?
N1 million naira, thank you.
Would you prefer to go on a shopping spree or an all-expense-paid trip to your dream destination?
An all-expense-paid trip to your dream destination, this will include my shopping money
Homeschooling or traditional school?
Traditional school.
A spa day or Eat Out?
Can I have both, please? ????
It was so lovely learning more from our mum of the month, Esther Moyin Adegunle. Thank you for sharing with us. You can connect with Esther Moyin Adegunle here.
Happy New Year!
Read Also: LagosMums Mum of the Month – Oluwakemi Sheba