Wife/Mother/Entrepreneur: Self-Aware. Generous. Loyal.
Tope's smile makes ME smile. All of her sisters, mom & dad (The Chief...Yes, a real
one) have smiles that make you feel all mushy, gushy inside. Tope has trusted me
with her tresses and lovely face as a MUA & stylist on many occasions.
“Explore away. I’m learning everyday that we humans are multidimensional beings (I have the millennials/Gen Z to thank for that). We can have multiple purposes at once or one purpose for a season." - Tope Akinmade Mudabai
Today is her birthday and I pray that it is the best one, yet!!! Keep smiling and shining! The world is watching! Tope is celebrating life and love with her hubby & little one and LBDSAW is here for it ALL! (2024 Website Refresh - Interview Added to The Blog: Original Post: August 17, 2021)
We asked her our Signature Spotlight questions and here is what she had to say:
LBDSAW: Choose 3 words to describe yourself.
TOPE: Self-Aware. Generous. Loyal.
LBDSAW: How would you describe your personal style?
TOPE: Timeless and Comfortable. You won’t catch me in anything super tight and I don’t do trends.
LBDSAW: If you are a salad lover, tell us what you'd have in your Signature Salad.
TOPE: I always like a hint of sweetness in my salads. So dried mangos, raisins, cranberries etc. I also like the complexity of blue cheese.
LBDSAW: If you are a wine lover, do you prefer red or white?
TOPE: Dry white with some ice cubes.
LBDSAW: If you were to create a signature cocktail, what would be in it (with or without alcohol works)?
TOPE: I like anything with a Gin base. Gin and Tonic is my go-to cocktail. If it’s fit for the Queen, it's fit for me. Sprinkle in some lemon or berries.
LBDSAW: Where is your favorite place to dine?
TOPE: Italy. What’s not to love about fresh pasta and wine 24/7. And I love that they serve half bottles.
LBDSAW: What travel destination has been your favorite?
TOPE: Italy again. The country just has so many parts to explore.
LBDSAW: Where haven't you been that you'd like to explore?
TOPE: Any of the pacific islands. The flight time just scares me.
LBDSAW: What makes you feel the happiest? (Not a person)
TOPE: At the risk of sounding bougie, LOL…. the honest truth is that fine dining makes me happy. A well-prepared meal paired with a nice wine and great customer service can leave me on a high for days.
LBDSAW: What do you enjoy most about being a Wife/Mother/Entrepreneur?
TOPE: Wife: I love having a confidant. Someone who is on your team. I literally take work and other life issues to my husband to help solve. He helps give perspective. You know how we ladies can get. Emotions running high and everything. He breaks things down and helps me SEE. He’s also my number one encourager. Mother: Gosh. Those warm tight hugs from a little being who is hopelessly in love with you. PRICELESS. Entrepreneur: I love the problem-solving aspects of it as well as the experiential learning. You sometimes have to teach yourself new skills or learn on the fly. In the country we operate, a lot of the agencies try their luck with various levies on businesses. You have to be a quick thinker, a good researcher and also have a healthy dose of assertiveness to make your case on whether or not a levy applies to you. LOL
LBDSAW: What advice would you give to someone pursuing their passion & purpose?
TOPE: Explore away. I’m learning everyday that we humans are multidimensional beings (I have the millennials/Gen Z to thank for that). We can have multiple purposes at once or one purpose for a season. The key is to be sensitive to the signs and times of your purpose. Secondly, if its truly your God-given purpose, the resources to execute will come. I’m not saying it would be easy. But once you start to walk toward it and in it, you will notice a trend of overcoming obstacles. When my husband and I look back at our businesses we have a lot of “I can’t believe we did that” or “how the hell did we get through that” moments.
LBDSAW: What's next for you?
TOPE: I’m a new and first-time mum. So right now I always have to remember to pace myself and live more in the moment. The pandemic has also taught many of us that its actually ok to slow down a bit and still be productive. My hope is to continue to strive for balance (family, friends, work, business etc.) and most importantly not feel guilty where I fall short.
LBDSAW: How can folks follow your journey?
TOPE: They can follow IG: @gofitnessng and @akabangalagos
LBDSAW: Thanks, Tope! We'll be following! - MRM
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