Excellence comes through different layers of struggles, commitment, and determination. One mama is closing the gap between maintaining a solid work environment and family balance. We had the opportunity to grace one of Nigeria's finest entrepreneurs in the nutrition industry. Abimbola Balogun is clearly proof that mama, you can have it all. Let's get into it!

 

BM: Please introduce yourself 

Hi there! My name is Mrs. Abimbola Balogun, and I'm a proud native of Kwara State, Nigeria. I am the Co-founder of Sofresh, Nigeria's leading healthy food chain. Alongside being a lawyer and HR practitioner, I am also a consultant and life coach passionate about helping people discover, nurture, and maximize their potential in their personal and career goals. Outside work, I am happily married to my wonderful husband and a proud mother of 3 children.

 

BM: What does motherhood mean to you?

Motherhood holds a significant meaning to me. I see it as a divine assignment. It means that I am a caregiver, a nurturer of life, a teacher, a life coach, a lover, a guide and a growth enabler. It also means responsibly discharging my duties to my children and supporting their growth.

 

BM: How has the journey of parenting been so far?

The parenting journey for me has been a process of evolution, but thankfully, I am not on this journey alone, which has made it much easier for me. The journey has stretched me, pushing me to become more than possible. Parenting has enriched my perspectives on life. I have experienced emotional maturity in responding to different events, completely transforming me. Truly, the journey of parenting has been a life-changing experience for me.

 

 

BM: You have a busy life, from being an HR consultant to co-founding one of Nigeria’s largest nutrition chains in Nigeria. How do you merge this with being a mother?

Allow me to reflect on how it all began. I became a mother in 2008. I was already running my law office and on my journey to becoming a certified HR practitioner when my husband and I started Sofresh in 2010. The journey has been challenging and amazing, filled with sacrifices and a constant focus on prioritising my family. I also find ways to make time for every area of my life that makes me whole and complete, especially my spiritual life.

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 My husband has been my solid companion and support system. I have also enjoyed timely support from my family, but the most important strategy that works for me is that I have goals for each area. I pace myself across all the different expressions of my life and stay flexible as things unfold. Juggling motherhood with other areas of my life has also been quite enjoyable because I know my purpose and express it differently.

 

 I see myself as a vessel through which other lives are empowered and enriched beyond my immediate children. This realization has shaped how I live my life.

 

Life happens in phases, and it is essential to structure my life, ask for help when needed, and shift my focus away from things that do not matter. There have been times when I have taken time off work or given my kids to my husband to take them out so that I can rest. Ultimately, I aim to impact as many lives as possible and be a great mum to my kids.

 

 

BM: Would you say you were prepared for motherhood, or you went with the flow? 

My preparation for motherhood began with observing my mother nurture my siblings and me in a loving environment. Looking back, I realize our life experiences equip us for the future. Watching my mother take care of us and other people’s children provided me with basic knowledge of child care and home management.

 

However, it is one thing to observe and learn from others, but it's another thing to experience it for yourself and find a rhythm that works. For instance, with my first child, who is now a teenager, there is a sizeable difference in how I handled him as a toddler compared to how I handled his two-year-old baby sister. I am much more mature, calmer, patient, knowledgeable, and self-aware, and I self-regulate when necessary. 

 

BM: What would you describe as your stronghold in parenting? 

The ultimate parenting author is God, who has provided us with the perfect template to work with through his words. Prayers, self-reflection and practising mindfulness, have also helped me a lot. Having a happy marriage and home has also been my greatest blessing.

 

BM: Did you experience any shockers in your motherhood journey?

The first shock for me was childbirth and labour pain. It was not a funny experience. The most recent shock I experienced was giving birth to my little girl after a 10-year gap. Despite having had children before, my excitement was as if I had never given birth. 

 

The biggest shock I experienced was when I realized how influential my words and actions are in shaping my children's lives. As mothers, we share a special bond with our children that we must protect, and every word we say and how we say it can significantly impact their development. I now understand how powerful I am to my children, and I am mindful of my words and how I share feedback with them.

 

The bond between a mother and child is extraordinary.

 

 

BM: What advice would you give your younger self on motherhood and parenting?

If I could advise my younger self, it would be to be calmer, more understanding and regulate my reactions to match my children's age. I would encourage myself to nurture their strengths early and support them as they express themselves. 

 

BM: What is your advice for other mothers trying to navigate their busy lives and motherhood?

My advice to every mother is that you need to realize you are here for a purpose and discover that purpose. As a mother, you have a unique assignment for your child, and they depend on you for love, care, and direction. However, being a parent is just one aspect of your identity; there are many other layers to explore, and the world expects great things from you. 

 

Your journey may differ from mine, so assessing your life, determining what's possible, and putting structures in place to help you achieve your goals are important.

 

Give yourself time to learn, ask for help when needed, and avoid comparing yourself to others. Take each day, flow with your context, and live your dreams. Also, remember to reach God daily for strength, guidance and directions.

 

You can reach Mrs. Abimbola on Instagram for more of her life and business coaching tips and classes. Don't forget to buy a drink at any SoFresh outlet near you!