Our Lagosmums mum of the month is Toyin Lolu-Ogunmade. Mum to two wonderful children, wife, CEO Precious Conceptions, Nigeria’s foremost holistic fertility management & concierge company and a published author
Please tell us about yourself
My name is Toyin Lolu-Ogunmade. I am God’s child, loved and valued by the heavenly Father, passionate about helping women have their much desired children.
Can you share one unexpected thing about you?
Hmm, I am very shy.
Can you tell us all the hats you wear?
Daughter, wife, mom, sister, owner and CEO Precious Conceptions, Nigeria’s foremost holistic fertility management & concierge company, a published author and missionary by calling.
Tell Us About Your Beautiful Family.
I have been married for 22 years and mom to a set of girl-boy twins, age 9+, whom we had through the help of an Indian surrogate mother. [Read about the Surrogacy Journey]
Do you and your spouse have the same parenting style?
Well, yes and no. I am more accommodating and inclusive. He is a bit more authoritative and won’t hesitate to smack. But we agree on almost all principles so it makes it easy to raise the children when he isn’t around.
What do you love the most about your job? How did you get started?
I started Precious Conceptions after my 13-year wait to become a mom. This is because I decided no woman should lack information about treatment options available to them, so they could get help on time. I also decided to break the silence and stigma around infertility and surrogacy.
I decided to break the silence and stigma around infertility and surrogacy. - Toyin Lolu-Ogunmade Click To Tweet
Did you always know you will run a business in this sector?
No, but I have always yearned to work in the medical field and to support women.
Can you share how the pandemic has affected you either personally or professionally?
It caused me to introspect in my business and deliver value online. Personally, I have learnt to value time and be deliberate about what I spend time doing.
How are you raising your children to be ready for an ever-changing world?
I allow them to ask me a million questions, push them to think, listen to the news, and generally get them to share their thoughts, ideas and not shut them down.
What has motherhood taught you about yourself?
That I don’t know it all. That it’s okay to be a novice and learn on the job. That I have more patience than I think I have. That I should take better care of myself because the young ones need me to be alive for a long time. I had my children at age 40 so I am constantly reminded of a 40-year gap between me and them, and I try so much to keep fit and be healthy.
Can you tell us some of the funniest things your children have done?
My daughter locked her dad and me in the kitchen when she was less than 2 years. We had both finished dinner and taken our plates into the kitchen. My daughter shut the door and locked us in. It is funny now but it was frightful then seeing she was about 18 months and the kitchen door she locked is an iron door. We found a way around it and we came out ????.
My son is a clown so he always comes up with one thing or the other almost on a daily basis. The one that stands out though is when they were about 14 months. He loves to sing and would start singing. And if you don’t join in, he would yell “tiiiiinnng!” (that was his own version of sing).
How do you balance work and parenting? Is it possible to achieve this?
Ah, that’s a tall order! It can be tough really. In the early days, I had mummy time with each of them, separately. They are twins so they are always jealous when I spend time with either. So I told them mommy time will be my time with each of them separately. As they grew older, I would tell them when I have to work longer and then compensate later. Sometimes, they come to my office and say I miss you mom and I stop working just to play with them. Sometimes I work late into the night so I spend time with them during the day.
On work and life; Sometimes, they come to my office and say I miss you mom and I stop working just to play with them. Click To Tweet
What are your top 3 tips for business owners to run successful businesses?
I am still learning (smiles) but the top priorities for me will be:
- Be authentic. No one else can be YOU.
- Don’t lose your soul as you grow your business.
- Remember to enjoy what you do, and keep improving on your knowledge, and train others so you maintain your standards.
How important is a support system for a mum? Who is in your Tribe and what kind of support do you have?
This is much needed especially if you have to combine being a full-time mom with some other regular form of employment. I have never had live-in help. But I have had to employ a daytime nanny when they were younger as well as daytime housekeepers that helped with cleaning the house. Also, I have had my mom and sister also help. My mom and my sister are my strong support system apart from my husband.
Use one word to describe one thing that should not be missing from every home.
Laughter.
Share one self-care tip. How do you relax and spend time on yourself?
I have a me-time. When I do absolutely nothing but be by myself, doing whatever I want. It could be a movie or massage or reading a book or just gist with a friend. When it’s my me time, I shut out everyone else. My family has come to recognize it and allow me to enjoy my time.
Can you tell us how you stay stylish and what’s your beauty routine?
I wash my face with a face wash at least 3 times a day, wear make-up only when necessary, I have used the same make-up and body cream for years. I also walk a lot. And I wear what I am comfortable in.
What do you love about LagosMums?
It is a fun yet highly resourceful community, with lots of opportunities for women to grow their businesses and to learn useful parenting tips. The information shared is rich, purposeful and highly rewarding.
#MumGoals Trivia
1million Naira or more sleep?
Both! (laughs)
Would you prefer to go on a shopping spree or an all-expense-paid trip to your dream destination?
All expense paid trip please, thank you!
Homeschooling or traditional school?
Traditional school.
A spa day or Eat Out?
Eat out.
It was so lovely learning more from our mum of the month, Toyin Lolu-Ogunmade. Thank you for sharing with us.
Read Also: LagosMums Mum of the Month – Elaine Shobanjo
