Witty, wise, and refreshingly real, Tokunbo Babor-Egeregor is our Mum of the Month for July. She embodies every woman in our community who dreams out of the box while juggling parenthood with the love of her life. Â
This isn’t your typical ‘how-she-does-it-all’ exposé. It’s a journey through faith, fashion, and the art of finding yourself in the beautiful chaos of living.
Can you tell us a little more about yourself?Â
My name is Tokunbo Babor-Egeregor. I grew up in Ibadan (Bodija and UI) where I had my early childhood education at Bodija International School with my siblings. I attended secondary school at Idia College, Benin City, while my tertiary education was at the University of Benin, Benin City, where I graduated with a BSc and MSc in Biochemistry.
I taught briefly after my MSc before joining a media organization in Lagos. Afterward, I started my business, Lophix Boutique, in Ikeja. I’m still running this business despite challenges. I currently have two stores in Opebi and Lekki.
I’m married to my all-time sweetheart, Babor. We’ve been married for 26 years and have been blessed with twin sons. We worship at This Present House, which has been our home church for the past 26 years. We live in Lagos.
Can you share more about all the hats you wear?
I’m a wife, mother, mentor, pastor, counselor, and serial entrepreneur.
Share one unexpected thing about you.
I love… I can’t think of anything now.Â
Alright, tell us about your beautiful family then.
We’re a family of four. My husband is also a serial entrepreneur who has his hands in the Power sector, Manufacturing and Oil and Gas sectors and a Pastor at This Present House. My sons are in university, and we’re looking forward to their graduation.
How did you meet your husband and how long have you been married?
We met in church. He had been posted to plant a church in my neighborhood in Maryland. One Sunday, while driving to church, I saw this new parish banner and decided to visit. I loved the camaraderie of the young people there and decided to stay. Maybe the Holy Spirit arrested me unknowingly because this brother had been praying. From day one, he knew what he wanted and said as much to me. We got married four months later. Here we are today, 26 years later and still loving each other.
Do you and your spouse have the same parenting style?
No, we don’t, but I think we complement each other. We’re very hands-on with the boys. He was and still is very much a part of their lives. As babies, he fed them, changed diapers, and did 90% of school runs. I handled all the extracurricular activities like soccer practice, swimming, music school, and Saturday Bible school. I think I used to be the tough parent.
Are there moments you remember some the funniest things your children have done?
When they were about two years old, I was in the kitchen, and both of them brought out all the pots from the cupboard space under the sink and crawled in there. They insisted on having dinner there. It was hilarious.
Another instance was when I had a land site inspection. I rushed them to school without dressing up. When we got to their school, one of my sons looked at me and said, “Mummy, don’t worry. I can find my way to my class.” I was taken aback. My friend in the car gently pointed out that my son’s look showed he didn’t like how I was dressed. He was just a kid, about 7 or 8 years old.
The very next day, I took my time, dressed up, and took them to school. I sat in the car, making no attempt to get out. He said, “Mum, let’s go.” I reminded him that he told me not to follow him yesterday. He replied that yesterday and today were different. I got out of the car and followed him to his class. He just wanted his classmates to see me. A few days later, I ran into his teacher who told me my son said his mum is a model. Lesson learned: your children talk about you a lot, so I needed to keep up that image and dress like one.
Tell us, what do you love most about what you do?
What I love most about my work is the freedom to travel around the world and discover new trends and places. With the current trend in ethnic fabrics, the fashion industry is getting quite exciting again. It’s Nigeria to the world now.
As a serial entrepreneur, I am always open to business opportunities in real estate, farming, and the retail space.
As a mompreneur, what advice would you give to other mothers trying to balance business and family?
Mompreneurs must have the support of their husbands. Make sure your schedule prioritizes your children. At this stage in their life, they really will not have much time for themselves. But they need to understand that it’s for a season, and the season goes by quickly. For me, my circle of friends was just Family, Church, and Work in that order. I was there for my children and able to create my own work schedule.
How important was your support system in managing your business and family responsibilities?
I had a fantastic support system from my husband and my mum, so I could travel out regularly. Without that, especially if my husband was not on the same page with me, it would have been difficult. I always wait to put my boys to sleep before leaving for the airport. Once they get a whiff of me traveling, one starts running a temperature and the other picks it up a day or two later, and that’s the end of that trip.
How do you approach raising children in today’s digital age ?
Parenting has changed. The kind of questions our children ask now never occurred to us to ask. I think the World Wide Web has exposed them to so much. To raise God-loving children, we must raise them in God’s way. Your children’s view of God will be directly related to their view of their parents (and most specifically their fathers). When children see parents as patient, loving, and kind, they will view God as being the same. With empowerment from the Holy Spirit, aim to be the visible representative of the invisible God. You’re not a perfect parent, but you should be purposeful.
What strategies do you recommend for achieving a good work-life balance as a working parent?
Work-life balance refers to how much time, energy, and space you devote to your career compared to the rest of your daily life. A good work-life balance is essential for your well-being and productivity, but being a working parent can make it challenging to juggle your professional and personal goals. Be efficient with your time. Set boundaries. To balance work and family life as a parent, you must set boundaries on both ends of the spectrum. Leave work at the office. Take effective breaks. Know what to prioritize. Ask for help. Pre-plan and set up a calendar. Make time for yourself.
What motivated you to start your own business, and what were the key factors in your decision?
I decided to make the move because I had a passion for fashion and a desire for independence, to be my own boss. Also, opportunity identification was key at that point in time. The idea of creating something from the ground up was consuming. The financial independence that came with it was also a factor.
Do you remember what you wanted to be when you were a child?
As a child, I wanted to be a lawyer because I was told I talk too much. Then a doctor because I was good at science.
In moments of self-doubt, how do you build yourself back up?
As a Christian, in moments of self-doubt, I go back to the manual: the Bible. I remind myself of what God says I am. Then I backtrack to see where I missed it, with the help of the Holy Spirit.
What are the top challenges faced by entrepreneurs in Nigeria, and how can they be overcome?
Financial risk – startup funds (inadequate capital)
Cash flow to run until business picks up
Hiring good employees
Motivating employees
Poor government policies
Finding the right location
Getting the right products
Marketing and sales
Managing your finances
Managing your time
Overcoming your insecurities
Staying relevant and competitive
Planning for inevitable issues that can impact your business, e.g., Covid, FX fluctuations
How do you define success as an entrepreneur?
Success is having a balanced, fulfilling, and harmonious personal life, positively impacting and mentoring others while pursuing a career that aligns with my passions. Living a Christ-centered life and using my God-given gifts to bless others and grow the Kingdom.
What’s your best advice for aspiring entrepreneurs launching a business like Lophix in today’s market?
As Founder of Lophix, I advise you to prayerfully follow all I have listed above. Commit all to God. The Bible says, “In all your getting, get wisdom.”
Can you share a pivotal moment when you prioritized family over business, and how did it impact your  career?
The biggest sacrifice I made in my career was when I was pregnant. I didn’t step into my shop for over a year. For my children, I will drop everything to be there for them.
How has motherhood shaped your resilience as an entrepreneur, and what unexpected lessons have you learned?
Motherhood never ends. One season just rolls into another. I never knew that I could be this resilient.
What’s your go-to method for unwinding after a busy day?
My favorite pastime after work is chatting with my hubby before he falls asleep.
In your opinion, what’s the one crucial element every home needs to thrive, and how does it relate to entrepreneurship?
A home is a place that provides shelter, security, and a sense of belonging. It can be a haven from the outside world or a launching pad for adventures. Homes come in all shapes and sizes, but they all share the ability to nurture and inspire those who live within them. Love is the key.
Walk us through your entrepreneurial journey
1) Identifying entrepreneurial opportunities: I found a niche in the market space I loved and went for it. I learned on the job and discovered I had natural marketing skills.
2) Planning and preparing the venture: This included getting a space in Alade Market, Opebi Road, getting products through friends, and interviewing and hiring sales girls.
3) Resourcing the venture and taking action: I wish I had pictures of my first store. It was so scanty. All I had left to shop was £900. I bought goods for £900. For the first year, I plowed back every kobo. Every kobo went back into the business so I could buy more goods, and that’s how I grew the business. Humble beginnings.
What’s your top self-care tip for busy entrepreneurs, and how do you make time for it?
I love getting a regular massage. I spend time with the girls. We could go have a spa date, watch movies, have lunch, and a good laugh.
Quickly burst a myth vs. reality in motherhood?
The myth is that birth is a moment of instant love and connection to the child(ren). In reality, each woman’s journey is different. It takes time to develop a connection and relationship with our babies, as it does with anyone else. It’s a challenging and rewarding experience. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, frustrated, and exhausted, especially with a twin birth. Eventually, it happens, and it’s just beautiful.
Can you share your simple yet effective beauty and health routine for entrepreneurs on the go?
My beauty routine is quite simple. I stay healthy by taking a minimum of 10,000 steps a day. I swim too.
What’s your advice for building a strong support network as a mompreneur?
Get a good support network of friends. Make sure you plan a fun time out together. Pray together (you must pray regularly for your children), and play together.
Before you head to our trivia, what would you say you love most about LagosMums?
It offers a relatable and supportive space for moms to connect and share experiences. They provide a platform for honest conversations about the joys and challenges of motherhood, from pregnancy and childbirth to toddlerhood, preteens, teenage years, and education opportunities. The focus on specific topics like budgeting, childcare, travel, and schooling is valuable. It offers relatable content, honest advice, practical tips, a sense of community, and support and encouragement for all. Whether you’re a first-time new mum or a seasoned pro, LagosMums helps you navigate through it all. Every experience is different.
Are you ready for our Trivia?
- 1 Million naira or more sleep?
1M - Shopping spree or all-expense-paid holiday?
All-expense-paid holiday, please. - Homeschooling or Traditional school?
Traditional school
- A Spa Day or Eat out?
Spa Day
Tokunbo reminded us that balancing business and family life as a mompreneur is nothing easy, but this doesn’t make it impossible. From her stories we can all agree that with the right support system, priorities, and self-care strategies, it is possible.Â
Dear reader, remember that every step you take is a part of your unique journey. Â
Don’t forget to Stay connected with a support network with parents like yourself, and never forget the importance of self-care.Â