Our LagosMums mum of the month is Omowunmi Ijalana, a Momager to child models – The J3 Sisters, Teacher, wife and mum and we enjoyed talking with her. Read more about this amazing mum as she shares her experience as a “momager” and her motherhood journey so far.
Please tell us about yourself?
I am an easy going, fun loving Christian who puts God first and family second. By family I mean not only my immediate family/blood relative but friends turned family. I am also a mum to three lovely girls.
Share one unexpected thing about you?
Dancing! I think I can dance! (smile).
Can you share all the hats/roles that you wear?
Firstly, I am a daughter of the Most High God, a wife, a mother, a teacher of Christ to children and J3 Sisters’ Manager.
Tell us about your beautiful family?
We are very simple and God fearing people. My girls are extremely playful, witty and clingy! My hubby is very quiet and easy going. I love reading cooking and listening to good music.
What has surprised you the most about motherhood?
I love how one can love and put her children first before self.
What has motherhood taught you about yourself?
Patience! I am more patient and selfless.
How are you keeping your family safe during this period?
Most importantly, I make sure they follow the general guidelines in totality {washing of hands, use hand sanitizer, not using your fingers to touch your face etc}. I am also strict with cleanliness and daily reminder about the rules.
Face mask is compulsory when playing in the compound and no unnecessary familiarity with neighbors. No hugging mummy or daddy when they come back from any outing until further notice; it’s really painful though. I make sure they take enough vitamin c and fruits to build their immune system. With my family I can’t be over protective. Lastly I commit them to the Lord in prayers regularly.
Have you noticed any change in your parenting during this lockdown? If yes, how?
Definitely a yes. Basically before the lockdown, there were strict rules and regulations on ground, but right now I had to go low on my rules and make amends to understand the children more. Flexibility is the order of the day. I get to understand my children much more with each passing day. I’ve discovered their strength and weakness hereby dealing with them individually.
I have focused more on Soul feeding and Morals combined with real life dramas and stories to communicate issues to them. Also, I have taken time to build them spiritually by giving task/topics to study and teach individually. All these are working like magic. We get to cook together regularly, recipes and new ideas pop up from them and I am like “WOW”.
Can you tell us some of the funniest thing your children has said or done?
Oh yes, I think the modeling thing has got them using new fashion words like ” mum! you look all glammed up”. And using toothpaste and lemon to make facial scrubs hereby luring me to use it. Thanks to Google. [laughing]
What’s one thing you think your parents got absolutely right raising you that you would like to pass on as you bring up your own children?
Definitely, It has to be the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom; wisdom plus hard work and patience would get us through life and all its obstacles. Secondly, God hears us when we pray.
Share your professional journey so far?
Wow, I started with a PR company then moved to the banking sector and from there to business which translated to managing the girls (J3Sisters). This journey so far has been enlightening! It’s been a learning process for me and the girls. It has given me in particular the opportunity to learn more about other people and their cultures, values, food, music and other things that comes with interacting be it tolerance, acceptance, perception you name it. It’s been a beautiful and humbling experience for me and the girls. Everyone has been so great and supportive.
You are a manager to your three daughters who are models. How did you discover their talents?
I am blessed to be their manager. Suggestions came from close family and friends but then God used BMB, a photographer to bring my girls to limelight when she saw the raw talent in them and took prompt action by having a photo-shoot and urging me to open an Instagram account for the girls. That very picture went viral with Jare, my youngest daughter, dubbed “the most Beautiful Girl in the World 2018” by Yahoo Lifestyle making her the first African/Black child after several European girls. God was definitely the mastermind behind this, it was God ordained!
How are you able to find a balance between work and home front? Would you say it’s more of work-life balance or work-life integration?
I have always worked from home so I’m used to work-home balance though with a new twist now. It is a bit of both work-life balance and work-life integration. I have been able to balance work and home front; also I had to integrate certain new patterns due to the change of time and schedules.
For instance, during school hours I could get enough work done but now I have to work in between online classes for children, attending to my mails, sorting the feeding, supervising their task and having my own quiet time etc.
How important is a support system for a mum?
It is a Top-notch necessity for every mum. It’s important we support each other “let’s build together” also remember “your network determines your Net-worth”.
Who is in your tribe?
As regards my tribe, still building seriously on it, I am a patient person so I take my time to make decisions. I have a great and wonderful support system – can’t mention them all. They consist of wonderful Photographers, great Designers, amazing Hairstylist and Make-up artist, Agencies of great repute, Good Media/Blogs, My Pastor and praying team both home and abroad. I love and appreciate them all.
Use one word to describe one thing that should not be missing from every home?
LOVE!
Share one-care tip; how do you relax and spend time on yourself?
I think I have been asking myself this question lately, how can I relax and spend time alone? This will definitely answer this question. I have not been doing much of that.
As a yummy mummy, can you tell us how you stay stylish and your beauty routine?
For me, being stylish is being comfortable. Comfort is the key for me. When it comes to beauty routine, I make sure I live a healthy lifestyle though I am considering Yoga now. I am a natural bird.
What are the top three survival skills that LagosMums need?
For me;
- Time management
- Accounting skill
- Cooking skill
What advice do you have for Mums during this lockdown?
Trust me, no same pattern work for Mums. Kindly take it is easy on yourself. You are the best Mum and your Kids are the best in the world. Draw out a pattern that works for you and stick to it, get close to your children more than ever.
For teenage Mums, go down on those rules and regulations this is the period you can bond with your teenagers, they need you now. It is only when you know their challenges, you can work on it and teenagers confides in only those they trust.
For toddlers Mums, you are the best, your child is not stubborn or hard to deal with. She/he is only hyper-active. Above all, create a {Me}Time for yourself as much as you can. Stay Home, Stay Safe.
What do you love about LagosMums?
The love and support shown to Mums. It’s a great platform supporting Mums. I also love the tips being shared on parenting and the ability to ease tension with funny stories and video clips.
#MumGoals Trivia
N1million or more sleep?
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- 1 Million!
Go on a shopping spree or all expenses paid trip to your top destination?
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- All expense paid trip to my top destination!
Homeschooling or traditional school?
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- Traditional schools
A spa day or Eat out?
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- A Spa day!
Visit LagosMums Mum of the Month category to read from other mums who share their motherhood journey.
SEE ALSO: Tips for Achieving Work-Life Balance
