Our Lagosmums mum of the month is Oluwakemi Sheba. Mum to two wonderful children, wife, a seasoned customer service professional of 15 years, service delivery expert, Linkedin Influencer, motivational advocate and Public Speaker.
Please tell us about yourself
My name is Oluwakemi Sheba, an Experienced Customer Service Professional, a Service Delivery Expert, an Inspirational Leader and a Motivational Advocate amongst others.
Can you share one unexpected thing about you?
I am a chronic sweet tooth
Can you tell us all the hats you wear?
I am a career-oriented person, an inspirational leader and a mom
Tell Us About Your Beautiful Family.
I am a mom of 2 beautiful children, Ayomide ( My joy has come) and Ayokunumi ( Joy fills my heart)
How did you meet your husband? And how long have you been married?
We met in church all those years ago and got married in 2003.
Have you been stigmatized at all and how did you deal with it?
Children in school for example can be mean…..A lot of times while growing up and even at times from some adults who are meant to know better, I faced a lot of ridicule, rejection and self-loathing and I had to deal with it by first believing in myself and knowing I was ENOUGH!
I faced a lot of ridicule, rejection and self-loathing and I had to deal with it by first believing in myself and knowing I was ENOUGH! Click To Tweet
Tell us about your journey to having a sense of self and identity?
A little into my teenage years, when I noticed that anytime I spoke or laughed, people made fun of me and used to run away from me especially younger children and I was always receiving strange stares as if I was a monster. As a child with facial palsy, I hated myself and felt I was ugly.
As a child, I was afraid to go out or speak in public and the aftermath of the accident, made me extra cautious about children being in cars, because of their restless nature.
My mom was my support system after God and she raised me to have my head and chin up and not allow whatever ANYBODY says to me, make me feel less of myself and that’s exactly what I have instilled in my kids, to love themselves and not allow anyone put them down.
How have you managed to be a strong survivor who uses her platform and voice to encourage others?
I have had to be VULNERABLE and I did it afraid. Putting myself out there as I did was a tough call for me and I didn’t expect the outcome I have now. I had to accept that I am beautiful even with my scars ( I do have a few of them )
What are some ways that children and parenting are different from when you were growing up and now?
When we were growing up in the 80s and from then, the VALUES instilled in us were impeccable. We were constantly reminded of the children of whom we were and that a good name is better than gold. Our parents did their best to raise us right, albeit with so much discipline and that I believe has helped us thus far. The upbringing these days leaves a lot to be desired, where the emphasis is on wealth and status and not MORALS. The family is the bedrock of any society and if that foundation is faulty or shaky then the society is sitting on a ticking time bomb. We can attest to that fact when we see what the society and leaders of the future look like today.
The upbringing these days leaves a lot to be desired, where the emphasis is on wealth and status and not MORALS. The family is the bedrock of any society and if that foundation is faulty or shaky then the society is sitting on a ticking… Click To TweetHow are you raising your children to be ready for an ever-changing world?
I have taught them that God is the start and end of everything, without Him, we can do nothing, I have taught them to embrace who they are and know the VALUES they stand for, I have taught them to be sensitive and kind to others and to also do better in ALL facets of their lives and strive to be better as persons.
What has motherhood taught you about yourself?
Motherhood has taught me that, I am responsible for others as well as myself, I cannot afford to live life recklessly, I have to be flexible and I have to be dependable. I am not alone, so I need to do better to set a shining example for my kids.
Can you tell us some of the funniest things your children have done?
My son hiding my cane all over the house and my daughter sleeping while standing.
How do you balance work and parenting? Is it possible to achieve this?
I balance this by knowing that home is home and work is work, a cross of any of the two negatively can have dire consequences. Of course, it is possible to balance, but sincerely not in equal proportions. The home front needs to be top shape, if not it will affect work adversely.
How important is a support system for a mum? Who is in your Tribe and what kind of support do you have?
A support system for a mum can never be overemphasized, or you can become overwhelmed. My mom, sisters and church folk have been my greatest support system
Use one word to describe one thing that should not be missing from every home.
LOVE.
What advice would you give to a mum who feels she is different?
No two people are the same, even twins. What works for A, might not work for B, so study yourself and your family and create patterns that work for you.
Share one self-care tip. How do you relax and spend time on yourself?
Exfoliating for smoother skin, I also relax by reading and hanging out with my bestie when the time permits
Can you tell us how you stay stylish and what’s your beauty routine as a mum?
Detoxing, exercising and combining clothes that I feel suit my personality.
What do you love about LagosMums?
That they are helping mothers and family women become better, love themselves more and take care of themselves.
1million Naira or more sleep?
N1m.
Would you prefer to go on a shopping spree or an all-expense-paid trip to your dream destination?
All expense paid trip.
Homeschooling or traditional school?
Traditional school.
A spa day or Eat Out?
Eat out.
What would you like to offer our community? E.g. products/services.
My services as an Inspirational leader, so moms know no matter what they are going through, there is yet hope.
It was so lovely learning more from our mum of the month, Oluwakemi Sheba. Thank you for sharing with us. You can connect with Oluwakemi here.