This month in our LagosMums Mum of the Month series, we feature a spectacular woman, she’s the founder and editor in chief of Exquisite Magazine and a mother of two children. Please read on, enjoy and be inspired!
Please introduce yourself
My name is Tewa ONASANYA, I am a wife, mother, sister to many ladies and the founder and editor in chief of Exquisite magazine (EM). I love to help people to be a better version of themselves, to inspire people and motivate them through exquisite magazine (EM), the ELOY (exquisite ladies of the year awards) and EMAC, our cervical cancer awareness and prevention foundation. I am a mother of two great children, a girl (13) and a boy (10).
What do you love most about motherhood?
Everything, from knowing I was carrying a special seed in me to giving birth to them and now. Everything is exciting and fascinating at the same time. Parenthood or motherhood doesn’t come with a manuscript so basically winging it through and learning in the process. Another thing I love about motherhood is the unconditional love. That is priceless. I know for sure my kids love me to the moon and back and that alone makes everything alright.
What are the challenges?
Challenges….. hmmm, I suppose challenges could be knowing what to do at the right time to serve my kids right. From learning which food is best for their growth to which schools to attend; to hoping you are grooming the best children ever. I pray all the time and try my best to lead and train my children by example, so I guess that is one way I am overcoming the challenges of knowing what to do when.
I pray all the time and try my best to lead and train my children by example, so I guess that is one way I am overcoming the challenges of knowing what to do when.
What scares you most about being a mother?
Not fulfilling my role as a mother, the way God intended it to be, to groom emotionally intelligent children; who are great all-rounders.
Any funny moments as a mother?
Oh, lots and lots of them. My kids say the most unbelievable and funny things, one day my son asked me this, Mummy, if we have round abouts, why can’t we have square abouts?”. That made me laugh so much.
What has marriage taught you?
Be patient and communication is so key.
How do you balance work and family? Does the word “balance” exist?
I’m not sure it exists, but I try my best to give every facet of my life the attention it requires. So I try to dedicate my time as best as possible. My family is most important after God and after the family is my exquisite work.
What do you do and what inspires what you do?
I am the founder and editor in chief of Exquisite magazine, Organisers of the ELOY Awards and EMAC events for cervical cancer awareness. I am inspired by my kids, the hunger to be the best version of myself and inspiring others in the process. I am motivated and inspired by success, not just mine but everyone.
What prompted your shift from what you studied to running a successful magazine today?
Lol, I would say it’s my need to utilise the talent God blessed me with. I love writing and everything to do with fashion. I found a gap in the market and I wanted to do something about it, instead of complaining about it. I am quite fortunate to have realised early on in life what my passion is and what my life purpose is, I say fortunate because once I knew, I just ran with it and I’m still running with it to date.
[Tweet “I am quite fortunate to have realized early on in life what my passion is”]
How do you manage your business with all the many hats you wear?
Definitely God’s grace and a lot of planning and writing. I plan my week and day in advance, so I’m aligned with where I want to be and the direction I want to be in. I also read a lot. I read inspirational books and reading materials relevant to growing my brand and my personal development.
How do you stay focused and grounded?
Hmmm. Tough one, because even I don’t know. I take each day at a time and focus on what’s important at that moment at a time. I believe I don’t have to figure everything out in one day, my life is a journey and with each stage, I learn and grow. So I focus on one thing at a time with a lot of self-talk too. My me time is very important to me as I “recalibrate” during that time.
What is the biggest challenge to being a woman in business in Nigeria?
Access to finance and being looked at as fragile because of being a woman.
How do you relax?
I light a candle, listen to soft music and drink a cup of tea. I love going to the cinema as well and that really relaxes me, especially with my big box of popcorn. Sometimes I go swimming with the kids.
What is your philosophy of life?
Anything worth doing is worth doing well. Whatever you do, do with love.
What is your parenting style? Authoritative or permissive?
I would like to say both. I know when to apply either of them. I’m quite liberal as well, so sometimes the kids want to get one over me, but I remind them who’s boss. Lol
What are some skills you believe children today need to learn?
- Using what they are good at as a guide to what they are passionate about and focusing on how to make a difference.
- How to have a conversation with authority and advocate for themselves.
- To Positively contribute
These skills are different from ones I learned when I was much younger. I think it will be great if we let children speak up, advocate for themselves and learn through being inquisitive. They should be allowed to contribute in certain conversations to build their confidence and people skills.
I wasn’t groomed on how to find my passion using what I liked as a guide. When I was younger, I knew I wanted to make a difference in the world but I thought through being a medical doctor, not a writer or publisher. I didn’t know to see my writing skills as my key to unlocking my future potential. Hence I studied Pharmacology and worked in pharmaceutical industries for over seven years.
[Tweet “it will be great if we let children speak up”]
What are the three top survival skills LagosMums need?
Patience, Love and creativity. Sometimes you have to formulate creative ways to keep their focus and creative ways to get them to eat some stuff.
What makes LagosMums unique?
Her confidence in the fact that she is doing her best and her best will pay off.
Enjoy the other features with mums of the month.
