In this edition of our ‘Moms Doing It Afraid’ series, we feature Tolu Omorogbe, a dynamic entrepreneur whose journey spans law, business development, and the creative arts. From navigating the corporate world to launching Scents by Mo and Noel Store NG, Tolu shares a candid look into how she has woven her diverse experiences into building flourishing businesses, while balancing the role of a mother. Her story is one of resilience, passion, and commitment—a journey marked by personal loss and a courageous leap into the unknown. Join us as Tolu reveals the lessons she has learned, the values that guide her, and her insights for moms contemplating a similar path.
Could you share a bit about yourself and your journey from the corporate world to
entrepreneurship? What were the key moments or influences that guided this transition,
and how did your role as a mother impact this decision?
My journey into corporate was a little bumpy but fun. I started my legal journey from Olabisi Onabanjo University Ago Iwoye where I got a Diploma in Law, I got my LLB in Law from the University of Greenwich London, then came back to Nigeria for Nigerian Law School Abuja. My first job after NYSC wasn’t even as a lawyer, I interviewed for a Legal / Company Secretarial role in VIADAZ FD (Now VFD BANK). I didn’t make the cut, but I got an interesting call back after a few days and got offered a role for an entirely different role in a startup company owned by the company (Business Development). This role was one of the most exciting and eye-opening projects I ever took.
Looking back, this role opened me up to a version of me that my Legal journey may never have exposed me to. It also made me realize I had a little more in me than being a lawyer. When I left, I moved on to work as a lawyer, started businesses and built a brand.
I don’t believe being a mum has ever impacted my business or career decisions, it has only given me more reason to want to be more. My kids look at me and I know they are proud. We are each other’s motivation, I am so proud of them, and it is a joy to see them proud of me.
What was the deeper motivation behind launching Scents by Mo and Noel Store NG? How do you weave your family values into your business strategy, and what impact does this have on both your personal and professional life?
I lost my dad in August, and by the end of that month, I launched Scents By Mo. It was quite an interesting journey. I had been nursing and researching the idea for over a year because I love to smell good and why not make money out of something I love, but I kept stalling.
Scents by Mo helped me cope with my grief, it gave me a safe place to invest some of my savings so I don’t overspend during the burial. Scents By Mo was my getaway from grief that has grown and thrived into a flourishing business. I am extremely grateful for it specifically for the consistent client base, consistent referrals and our OUD-loving clients in the diaspora.
On the flip side, Noel Store NG is a business born purely out of passion! I Love Christmas! I found the perfect business partner in my sister, we both share the same love for Christmas. Being a seasonal business it is not as demanding as my other business but October to December is crunch time. My work life is designed to accommodate my businesses, projects and brand and I am extremely grateful for this.
These businesses have impacted my life positively. Giving me a space to thrive as a businesswoman, providing extra income for myself and my family, and a getaway from grief that eventually blossomed into love. My family values are Love, Empathy and Commitment. I think the prominent one that can be found in my business is commitment. Doing business in Nigeria can be tiring and it requires commitment. Sometimes you want to give up, but you can’t and you choose to stay committed every day.
Given your multifaceted background in legal, business development, PR, engineering, and entertainment, how do you integrate these diverse experiences into your current entrepreneurial endeavors? How have these experiences reshaped your approach to both business and parenting?
Every Facet of my work and self-development journey has been extremely valuable to my businesses. I don’t stop learning. I take a lot of self-development courses. Early this year (2024) I got a Data Analysis Certification.
In every one of these industries that I have worked in Legal and Business Development capacity, courses and certifications come into play in my businesses. These same rules apply to parenting i.e. Learning and Evolving. Children grow every day, as a parent if you stop growing, so will your children.
The Millennial Mum Show started on DSTV and now thrives on YouTube. What was the driving force behind this evolution, and how has this shift in platform influenced your message and connection with your audience?
The main rationale for the transition was reach, impact and playback.
These three things are important for a Millennial Mum. Your typical Millennial Mum may or may not have a dedicated day and time set out to catch a show in between parenting, career, self-care business, children, family and so much more.
When I think about a Millennial Mum it’s from a wider perspective and not just a Nigerian Millennial Mum. I think of a mum in diaspora, a mum with a special needs child, a single mum, a widow, a mum in waiting, a new mum juggling work-life balance and so much more. All these mums need the playback option and that’s what TMMS gave them by moving to YouTube.
Now we have Moms scheduled dates days after we have posted an episode to catch up on the episode or weekend binge and we are grateful for that.
Stepping away from a traditional 9-5 career to focus on entrepreneurship and family is a significant shift. What were some of the internal and external struggles you encountered during this transition, and how did you transform these challenges into opportunities for growth?
In no particular order, some of the struggles I can highlight are:
A constant source of income: This is the biggest aspect to manage, I still work as a legal consultant and get income, but salary has a different ring to it. As a consultant, you can earn way more than your salary in a month but it’s not consistent.
Mindset change:Managing expectations: What you were able to do while working 9-5 may not be achievable. I used to give myself treats like wigs, bags, shoes, an insane amount of skincare etc. Those were still achievable but not in the frequency I used to get them.
Budgeting: Learn to budget. It would help you manage your expectations and understand your finances. Excel or your phone note is your friend. Know what you can afford every week, monthly and quarterly.
Mindset Change &Acceptance: The mindset change comes with understanding the purpose of the current shift and continuously aligning with it. Accept your decision and decide on the next step. It’s okay to have a phase of being a SAHM. Don’t be in denial, don’t shy away from your season especially when you see other mums in their own 9-5 season and flourishing.
For moms who are contemplating a career shift or entrepreneurial venture, what profound insights or lessons from your journey can guide them in balancing their aspirations with their family responsibilities?
Every woman’s journey is different but I can only offer an insight into my journey, they can learn or take a cue from it.
Transitioning into Entrepreneurship is not a walk in the park and I have to say that having a solid support system financially is one of the reasons I haven’t finished my business capital.
Secondly I didn’t totally live 9-5 I still work in legal capacity as a consultant and that is an extra source of income on the side.
Can you share an experience or achievement from The Millennial Mum Show or your businesses that profoundly impacted you and shifted your perspective on success and fulfillment?
I met a woman who sells plantain around my area who recognised me when The Millennial Mum Show was on TV. It meant a lot to me, and it’s a reminder of the impact the show is out to make on different women.
What mental and emotional strategies do you use to stay grounded and motivated while managing the demands of motherhood and your various roles? How do these strategies influence your overall sense of balance and well-being?
I do my best to stay healthy, eat well, and exercise (Walks and Dance and Aerobics). I pray and listen to many positive podcasts. I like to fuel my mind with positivity. There is a lot of negativity in the media and I consume a lot of it on social media consciously or unconsciously, if you don’t tune it down you will be emotionally overwhelmed. Motherhood requires your well-being to be at its optimal most times.
Reflecting on your personal growth, what are the most transformative lessons you’ve learned that could serve as a beacon for other moms striving to achieve their own dreams
and ambitions?
Find yourself, know yourself, find peace, and heal if you need to. It might seem so cliche but some women don’t know what they want, they don’t know what makes them happy they just wake up every day doing the rat race or roller coaster. Some of us find ourselves early and some of us a little later. Pay no attention to when you did, just be glad you did when you do, it makes it easier to achieve your dreams. Know who you are, what you want, what you won’t take and you stay committed to making it work. It’s my go-to hack and I hope it works for you too. Love and Light.
Tolu Omorogbe’s journey serves as a testament to the power of self-discovery, adaptability, and staying true to one’s core values. As she continues to evolve and expand her businesses, Tolu inspires countless moms who are ‘doing it afraid’-taking brave steps toward their dreams, even when the road is uncertain. Her advice to moms is simple yet profound: know who you are, embrace your unique path, and stay committed to growth. We hope her story inspires you to pursue your aspirations with confidence and resilience.
To connect with Tolu and join her vibrant community, follow her mom community on Instagram at @themillennialmumshow and catch her on YouTube The Millennial Mum.
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Tolu’s story is such an inspiration! She’s is truly an epitome of a mom doing it afraid!