Our Lagosmums mum of the month is Oyetola Akande. Wife, Mum, daughter, sister, Boss, entrepreneur and philanthropist. Co-founder Samis Food Online Africa Food
Tell us about your beautiful family.
I’m married to my darling, Olusegun. We’re blessed with 3 boys and a daughter (including a set of twins)
How did you meet your husband and how long have you been married?
Amazingly, we met in church. We’re in our 17th year of marriage
Do you and your spouse have the same parenting style?
No, we don’t. His style is still quite traditional, and I take the modern approach. I take into account the children’s emotional and mental wellness.
What do you love the most about your work and all the many expressions of your purpose and passion?
I love the busyness of it all. It’s satisfying to know that I’m fulfilling purpose in my many facets, with my employees, with my children, with my foundation and with the other organisations I partner with.
Share with us what you love most about your work as the Co-founder of Samsil Online Africa Food
I’m proud of what we’ve been able to achieve. The vision that’s so large and ever unfolding, the amazing people we work with, the power to be able to determine how far you want to go, the impact we’re able to bring to people’s lives and most importantly, the everyday learning.
How important is a support system for a mum? Who is in your tribe and what kind of your support do you have?
Support is very important for a mum. With support from a spouse, parent, sibling, or community, one can do wonders. We’ve been blessed with steady support at home, from our families, friends and colleagues. I’m blessed to work with my husband, so he is my number one support. My parents and siblings have been very supportive, stepping in when needed. I’m extremely lucky to have the most amazing cluster of friends. We regularly have dinner dates and travel together. This has proven really essential, especially since I work with my husband
What are some ways that children and parenting are different from when you were growing up and now?
Oohhh… It’s worlds apart. We were raised by the whole village. The streets were safer then. There was a real sense of community. Now, it’s almost to each their own. On Parenting styles, I feel parents are more attentive to the individual needs of each child, whereas growing up it was more of a one size fits all approach.
How are you raising your children to be ready for an ever-changing world?
Firstly, by God’s Grace, the God’s way. Teach a child the way he will go, and he won’t depart from it when grown. Daily Prayers, devotion and affirmations. Secondly, the way we were raised, instilled good morals, and a sense of belonging, letting them know they’re loved and they’re very special. Building their confidence and self-esteem
How do you balance work and parenting? Is it possible to achieve this?
It isn’t easy and that’s a fact, especially with 4 children. But, it is very doable. M Williamson says “Our deepest fear is not that we’re inadequate, it’s that we’re powerful beyond measure”. You need to keep your vision alive and keep building. I have systems in place and empower people who can step in and steer the ship when a break is needed, both at home and at work. You really can’t do it all. Also always remembering I am my children’s first role model. It is very important to understand you get help where needed. If you’re lucky or you choose to be a parent, that’s a job you need to turn up for. Else, all the hard work may be for nothing
What inspired you to venture into Samis online Africa food?
Samis was borne out of a need that needed fulfilment. There was a need for an African food store outside of London. We saw the gap, we dropped our engineering careers and took the plunge. It was a risk and it’s paying off.
Can you share what surprised you the most about starting your own business? What would you advise a new entrepreneur just starting out
That I could be a businesswoman. I was and I still am an extremely shy person. The thought of doing business in a customer-facing capacity was mentally daunting. I never thought I could do it. And coming from an engineering background, I was happy with my chemical processes and calculations. I never thought in a million years I’d do business. If I can, trust me, anybody can. If you’re thinking of starting a business, just go for it. You’re a lot more capable than you think. I always say you’re one decision away from your next level. And sometimes, but not always, the driver you need is to put all your eggs in one basket.
What has motherhood taught you about yourself?
Motherhood has taught me patience, love, and also that the human being has infinite strength and mental ability. It has also taught me how expansive the heart is. Having a second child doesn’t mean that I have to share the love I have for the first child. I am still able to love that child as much as the first. In essence, it is very possible to love everybody on earth the same, but that’ll make us good, right? I have a child with special needs, our first child is with downs syndrome, also supported a child through cancer, (leukaemia). I have had 2 miscarriages and also an ectopic pregnancy that almost took my life. My twins were born prematurely at 27 weeks, and spent 10 weeks in Nicu, all the while building the SAMIS brand, and slaying through it all.
Use one word to describe one thing that should not be missing from every home.
One thing that should not be missing from every home is LOVE! We all gravitate towards love. They say ‘Home is where the heart is’
Share one self-care tip. How do you relax and spend time with yourself?
Don’t wait till you burn out. Schedule Spa days, and deliberately spend time away from the family. A routine for proper me time. Travelling somehow relaxes me. I guess it’s getting out of that work and family environment. I always have the next holiday booked.
Can you tell us how you stay stylish and your beauty routine?
Being a mom or a businesswoman isn’t an excuse not to slay. My style is subtle elegance. I love good brands and I regularly reward myself by upgrading my wardrobe with another classic item or the latest accessory. This also lifts my spirit and is a form of therapy. My beauty routine is quite simple and basic. I use a cleanser, vitamin C serum, sunscreen, and day and night creams. I’m loving Murad at the moment
What do you love about LagosMums?
Lagos mums have built an engaging community where mummies and daddies can draw inspiration and engage with other mums.
#Mumsgoal Trivia
○ N1 Million or more sleep?
I sleep well at the moment, so N1m.
○ Would you prefer to go on a shopping spree or an all-expense-paid trip to your dream destination?
Trip always
○ Homeschooling or traditional school
Traditional School
○ A spa day or Eat out?
I love food, but good food o. Good food over the spa any day
It was lovely learning more from our mum of the month, Oyetola. Thank you for sharing with us. You can connect with Oyetola Akande here.