Meet Vivian Anumnu, a working mum, whose superpower is creating safe spaces for mums across the world to find solace and rest. In a conversation with LagosMums, she shares personal bits of her life that prepared her to hold the positions in her life both at work and home.
LagosMums: Can you please tell us about yourself?
- Response –I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to share a bit about myself with you. my name is Vivian Anumnu, I’m a working mum, a seasoned HR Professional with eight years of industry experience. While my professional journey has been incredibly rewarding, my passion extends beyond the office & boardroom. I am deeply committed to empowering women to live their most fulfilled lives. This drive led me to establish ‘Mumscorner,’ (@mumscorner) a haven in the digital landscape where mothers can find solace, support, and solidarity and solicit advice in their motherhood & life journey. I am married and a proud mother of two beautiful daughters, family is at the heart of everything I do.
Can you tell us more about all the hats or jobs you’re doing?
Balancing multiple roles has been quite an adventure for me. As a working mom, my days are filled with the joyous demands & sometimes chaos of parenting, from school runs to after-school homework and everything in between. Being a full-time career mom adds another layer of complexity, as I navigate meetings, deadlines, and projects while ensuring my family’s needs are met. Amidst the hustle, I still try to find the time for creative expression through content creation on my motherhood platform mumscorner. I cherish the opportunity to connect with fellow moms and women worldwide. Additionally, I own a women’s ready-to-wear brand Viony Label which allows me to channel my passion for fashion into tangible creations, empowering women to feel confident and stylish in their everyday lives. Juggling these diverse roles is no small feat, but it’s a journey I wouldn’t trade for anything.”
Intriguing, can you share one unexpected thing about you that most people don’t know?
One unexpected aspect about me is my fascination with detective and crime-solving movies, as well as heist films. While my friends usually assume I’m drawn to romance movies, there’s something about the thrill of solving mysteries and the adrenaline rush of high-stakes heists that captivates me.
Your beautiful family? Please tell us about that part of your life
Our family is truly our greatest joy and blessing. After experiencing challenges with conception, my husband and I were overjoyed to welcome our two precious daughters into our lives. Though the journey to becoming parents was filled with its ups and downs, the love and laughter our daughters bring into our home make every moment we waited worthwhile. We are both career-driven individuals, we strive to balance the demands of work with the joys of parenting. Relocating to Lagos last year (2023) presented us with new opportunities and adventures, with its fair share of adjustments to the vibrant hustle and bustle of city life. Despite the long traffic wahala in this city! we cherish every moment spent together as a family, creating lasting memories and embracing the beauty of parenting.
Our readers enjoy a good love story, so can you tell us how you met your husband, and how long you’ve been married?
I have been married for 9 years now, and I met my husband at a youth fellowship while at University. Let’s just say bro was praying and watching (hahhah)
Would you say you and your spouse have the same parenting style?
In many ways, my husband and I complement each other perfectly when it comes to parenting. He approaches situations with a gentle and quiet demeanour, fostering empathy and compassion, while I take on the role of providing structure and discipline. While our approaches may differ, we both share the same goal of raising kind, confident and resilient children. Together, we’ve found that our combined styles create a harmonious balance that allows our children to thrive.”
You’d agree children can be hilarious, so can you recount a moment your children cracked you up?
Kids!! Always cracking me up. My first daughter whenever she feels like she isn’t getting her way with me, grabs the phone & starts to call my mom. Next thing you hear, Grandma, your daughter is not being nice. Hahaha, I always roll on the floor with laughter when she reports me like that to my mom.
Awesome, let’s talk about work, and being an HR manager, what do you love most about it?
What I love most about my role as an HR Manager is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives. Whether it’s facilitating professional development opportunities, resolving workplace conflicts, or implementing policies that promote a positive work culture, I take pride in being able to support and empower employees to reach their full potential. Building strong relationships with colleagues and witnessing their growth and success is incredibly rewarding and fuels my passion for HR
What would you say is the biggest thing being an HR Manager has taught you, and how do you thrive?
Throughout my journey as an HR Manager, I’ve learned that effective communication is paramount. Building strong relationships with employees, managers, and stakeholders requires active listening, empathy, and clarity in communication. By fostering open dialogue and transparent communication channels, I’m able to address challenges proactively, resolve conflicts constructively, and cultivate a culture of trust and collaboration within the organization. Embracing communication as a cornerstone of my role has allowed me to thrive in navigating the complexities of human resources management.
Tell us more about how important a support system is for a mum and your tribe, what kind of support do you have?
Having a strong support system is paramount for any mom!! and I’m grateful to have an incredible tribe by my side. My mom, siblings, and my husband serve as pillars of strength and support, offering love and practical assistance whenever I need it. My mom practically cared for my kids while I went back to work and I am always truly grateful to her. My siblings at some point were like my free nannies! Their unwavering presence in my life is a source of comfort and reassurance. With their support, I feel empowered to embrace the challenges of motherhood with grace and resilience, knowing that I’m never alone on this journey
In your opinion, what are ways that children and parenting are different from when you were growing up and now?
One notable difference in parenting today compared to when I was growing up is the influence of technology. With the rise of smartphones, social media, and digital devices, children today are growing up in a digital age unlike anything my generation experienced. Parenting in the digital era comes with new challenges, such as managing screen time, navigating online safety concerns, and addressing the impact of social media on children’s mental health and self-esteem. As parents, we must adapt to these changes by staying informed, setting clear boundaries, and fostering open communication with our children about the opportunities and risks of technology
So would you say you’re doing anything particular to raise your children to be ready for an ever-changing world?
In preparing my children for the rapid pace of change in today’s world, I focus on cultivating essential life skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability. I encourage them to embrace innovation, curiosity, and lifelong learning, and I provide opportunities for them to explore diverse interests and pursue their passions. By instilling in them a strong sense of resilience, self-awareness, and empathy, I believe they’ll be equipped to thrive in an ever-changing world and contribute positively to society
To be 100% honest, do you think it’s possible to balance work and parenting, like can you be a working mum and win?
Balancing work and parenting is an ongoing juggling act, but I’ve learned that it’s possible to find a rhythm that works for me and my family. As a working mum, prioritize self-care and boundaries and ensure that I carve out dedicated time for both work and quality time with my children. Flexibility is key, and I’ve found that having open communication with my employer and a supportive network of family and friends helps me navigate the challenges of balancing competing priorities. To be sincere there are still days when one aspect takes precedence over the other.
Speaking of flexibility, tell us why HR? Was it a more balanced career choice?
What inspired me to pursue a career as an HR Manager was a deep-seated belief in the importance of creating structures and frameworks that enable individuals and organizations to thrive. I’ve always been fascinated by the intersection of people and processes, and the role of HR in shaping workplace culture, fostering employee engagement, and driving business success. As I honed my skills and gained experience in various HR roles, I discovered a passion for developing and implementing strategies that optimize talent management, performance evaluation, and organizational effectiveness. Becoming an HR Manager was a natural progression for me, allowing me to leverage my passion for creating structures and systems that empower individuals to reach their full potential and contribute to the success of the organization.
Being a working mum can be challenging, are there some you feel are more common?
Working mums who work traditional 9 am to 5 pm careers often face a unique set of challenges due to the demands of balancing work and family responsibilities. Some of these challenges include:
Childcare: Finding reliable and affordable childcare arrangements that align with traditional work hours can be a significant challenge for working moms. Arranging drop-offs, and pickups, and managing sick days or school holidays can add stress and complexity to our daily routines.
Work-life balance: Juggling the demands of work and family life can be overwhelming, leaving little time for self-care or even leisure activities. Moms may struggle to find time for themselves amidst the demands of their careers and caring for their families, leading to feelings of burnout and exhaustion.
Guilt and emotional strain: Many working mums experience guilt and emotional strain stemming from the perception of not spending enough time with their children or feeling torn between work and family obligations. Balancing career aspirations with the desire to be present for their children’s milestones and moments can create internal conflict and stress.
Parents always talk about parenthood teaching them new things about themselves, would you agree and in what ways?
Motherhood has been a profound journey of self-discovery for me, especially as a working mum It’s taught me resilience in the face of challenges, patience amidst chaos, and the ability to love unconditionally. Through the highs and lows, I’ve learned that I’m stronger and more capable than I ever imagined.”
If there was one thing you believe is missing from most homes in the world today, what would it be in one word
LAUGHTER
Tell us, after a long day or week as a working mum, how do you relax and spend time with yourself?
I love to watch movies, that is how I unwind after a day or week of work
We love bursting motherhood myths, so help us burst one motherhood myth!
The Myth is that “Good mothers sacrifice their own needs for their children.”
But in reality, While it’s natural to prioritize your children’s well-being, neglecting your own needs can lead to burnout and resentment. Self-care is essential for being a happy and healthy parent, and taking time for yourself doesn’t make you selfish—it makes you better equipped to care for your family.
We see you’re a stylish mom, so can you share how you stay stylish and your beauty routine?
Staying stylish as a mum, especially a working mum is about embracing an easy beauty routine and practical fashion choices that complement my lifestyle. My beauty regimen is simple, focusing on skincare basics and minimal makeup for a fresh and radiant look. When it comes to fashion, I am big on comfort, so I prioritize pieces that are both stylish and comfortable to wear throughout the day. I find inspiration from other stylish moms too on social media, appreciating their knack for effortlessly pairing trendy pieces with practicality. By incorporating their ideas into my wardrobe, I’m able to stay fashion-forward while navigating the demands of motherhood
Pretend we’re at a LagosMums conference now, what advice would you give to other mums?
To all the amazing working mums out there balancing career aspirations with the demands of motherhood, my advice is to practice effective time management and boundary setting. Set realistic goals for both your career and family life, and establish boundaries to protect your time and energy. Learn to prioritize tasks and delegate responsibilities when possible, allowing you to focus on what truly matters most at the moment. I truly hope that we are all able to find balance and fulfilment in both our professional and personal roles.
Thank you for indulging us today, is there anything you particularly love about Lagos Mums?
Oh, I love the great community that you have created at LagosMums, it’s amazing how you have created a digital community that helps mothers navigate parenting in this digital age. It is like being a part of the E-village that helps you raise your child right.
Can we play a quick trivia?
Yes, shoot!
N1 Million or more sleep?
N1 Million
Would you prefer to go on a shopping spree or an all-expense-paid trip to your dream destination?
Paid Trip
Homeschooling or traditional school?
Traditional school
A spa day or an Eat-out day?
Eat out
Thank you so much for reading this month’s mum of the Month feature, on working mums and if you would like to catch up or stay in touch with some of our other features, kindly visit our website, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.