Witty, fabulous and engaging are just a few words that best describe our August Cover Personality, Kelechi Morah. Popularly known, as Kelechik on Instagram, this mum-of-one is an interviewer’s delight. In this chat with the FABMUMNG team, Kelechik proves that she is more than just a pretty face. Please read and be inspired.
Kindly tell us a bit about yourself?
I am a wife, mother and an entrepreneur. I am in my early 30s (shhhh I hope I still look 16; I am getting old) I have lived most of my life in Lagos although I was born in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. I attended Command Secondary School and the University of Lagos where I graduated in 2007 with a 2.1 in History and Strategic studies. I worked for a bit, before I was posted to Abuja for my NYSC in 2008. I have gone on to bag two masters degree from the same university. Yes, I have been told I love book too much lol ). I was in the early stages of starting a PhD when I got pregnant and decided to start a family instead. Hopefully, I would complete my PHD soon. That’s basically all about me in a nutshell.
What do you do for a living?
I am first a housewife (yes that’s work too) but on a serious note, I am a career woman, a fashion entrepreneur and a brand influencer. I recently launched my Ready-to-wear, label called Zuriel Afrique. We focus on easy breezy chic pieces for the every day woman.
Please take us through an average day in your life?
When I wake up in the morning, the first thing I do is pray with my family. Since my son hasn’t started school yet and he isn’t in crèche, he is with me all the time. Amazingly, I don’t have a house-help so I am on my own. This means that I have to get breakfast ready for the family, get my son ready to go out with me and then afterwards, I follow up with the business of the day. If he were going to be a bother at my meetings, his dad would have to step in and look after him for some time. We have an arrangement that works for us at the moment. My business of the day could be meetings with prospective clients, speaking engagements, photo shoots or fabric sourcing for my brand as well as following up with my workers.
You are a wife, mother and a fabmumpreneur. How do you juggle these three roles almost seamlessly?
It is not easy… It’s real work. But when you have a supportive partner and God by your side it would be less stressful.
Tell us about your journey to becoming a leading Nigerian Instagram brand influencer?
Well, where do I even begin? It’s amazing the opportunities social media has brought my way. You can choose to use social media to your advantage and build a brand out if it. It’s just grace and favor. When I joined Instagram in 2014, I didn’t join with the intention of being a brand influencer. Instagram to me, was just like any other app you know; where one could post pictures for fun. Now, it has morphed into a business where I make money from on a daily base, and inspire so many people to do better. So, I would just say it’s the grace from God.
When I joined Instagram in 2014, I didn’t join with the intention of being a brand influencer. Instagram to me, was just like any other app you know; where one could post pictures for fun. Now, it has morphed into a business where I make money from on a daily base, and inspire so many people to do better.
Being and remaining a top brand influencer is clearly not easy. What challenges do you face and how do you handle them?
Well, I would just say the constant effort to keep putting out good content that would appeal to my target audience.
As a brand influencer you definitely spend a lot of time on Instagram. How do you manage your time effectively as a mum, wife and Fabmumpreneur?
TIMING and proper planning is key. I always make sure my family comes first. Before I even consider spending a long time online, everything I want done must be in place. Of course Instagram is a mobile app, so I can breeze in and out on my phone at any time. But I make sure it doesn’t prevent me from doing what’s important for me and my family.
TIMING and proper planning is key. I always make sure my family comes first. Before I even consider spending a long time online, everything I want done must be in place. Of course its (Instagram) a mobile app I can breeze in and out on my phone but I make sure it doesn’t prevent me from doing what’s important for me and my family.
In what ways does your husband complement your roles as a wife and a Fabmumpreneur?
My husband is very supportive. I remember when I joined Instagram in 2014 he took most of my pictures lol …well not anymore as the pictures are now professionally taken and the workload has increased. But aside from that, he helps me a lot with the baby when I have errands to run or photo-shoots to do.
What are some of the things motherhood has taught you and how has motherhood changed you?
Motherhood has taught me unconditional love. Wow I love my son so much and could do anything for him. Well I am not as selfish as I was in the past as every thing I do now basically revolves around my son and that is definitely a huge change in my daily lifestyle.
What do you consider to be the most fulfilling thing about what you do? I feel fulfilled about what I do when I get positive feedbacks about how I have inspired a young lady out there to do better and be more independent. Its amazing you know…. knowing that people consider you a role model. It’s fulfilling when someone turns out better due to something you have said or done.
How do you relax? Do you get to spend me-time?
Truth be told …I don’t get to relax. Its sad but true. Like I mentioned earlier, I don’t have a house help for personal reasons. But, if I were to have a me time I would probably travel to Seychelles and relax and sip a glass of champagne lol (I like enjoyment so we need to make plenty money)
Is your husband a hands-on-father when it comes to raising the children?
Yes my husband is a dotting husband, father and am amazing man. God bless him.
What support system do you have and how are you able to strike a healthy work-life balance as a mum?
I have God, my husband and my family. Amazing combination. Lifesavers…they are always there for me when I need them.
Social media especially Instagram is said to be filled with a lot of fake personalities. How do you ensure that many people do not view you as ‘fake’?
Firstly, you can’t really control someone else’s opinion of you. No matter how humble you think you are someone would still nitpick your humility. ”Why is this one always forming humble” LoL unfortunately that’s the world we live in. So, I stay true to myself. I don’t put out a fake representation of myself. People forget that people know who they are in real life…I would not put up what isn’t true or real on my page. People say Instagram is just an app…Yes it is. But I am not oblivious of the impact this app and the content I put out has on my followers. ‘Always stay true to who you are’, that’s my motto.
No matter how humble you think you are someone would still nitpick your humility. ”Why is this one always forming humble” LoL unfortunately that’s the world we live in. So, I stay true to myself. I don’t put out a fake representation of myself. People forget that people know who they are in real life…I would not put up what isn’t true or real on my page. People say Instagram is just an app…Yes it is. But I am not oblivious of the impact this app and the content I put out has on my followers. ‘Always stay true to who you are’, that’s my motto.
How do you maintain your privacy as a public figure?
Hmmm I just try as much as possible not to put up too much personal stuffs online.
What does it take to be a top brand influencer like you are?
Firstly create your own niche…. it could be food, fashion, fitness, etc. what are you known for? You can’t be all over the place. You also have to have passion for it because without passion you would easily get tired. Then consistency is key. Strive to put out great and captivating content that would keep your audience glued to your page. PRAY …it would all fall into place.
How do you measure success as mum?
Seeing my child grow into a successful healthy young boy who fears the lord is enough success for me as a mother. A mum who can contribute her own quota to her family is a true definition of success.
What does style mean to you and how do you love your dress?
Style to me is personal. I do not follow trends. What is good for A might not be good for B. I basically love to wear what makes me happy. When I put on an outfit and I smile am good to go.
How will you describe your parenting style?
My son is still little for now so I would say am still growing into it. But one thing I am certain about is that I am going to try my best to bring up my kids in an environment where they would feel free to talk to me about anything and also be very disciplined.
Who is a fabulous mum in your opinion?
A fabulous mum is one who can balance her family life, career, and business life in such a way that none would suffer. God has given women the gift of multitasking. Women are superheroes; God bless us all
If you could advise a new mum and a new bride, what advice would you give?
Women, (bride to be or a mum) are the pillars of any home. You need to be prayerful. Prayer is the direct link between God and us. Pray for your husband, your kids, your family, I cannot overemphasise its importance. Also bear in mind that marriage isn’t always Sweet… Yes! There will be good days and bad days. In fact, at times you and your partner would have one serious fight so much so that you would have a brief thinking episode wondering why you got married in the first place lol…That my darlings is marriage. Learn to forgive. Put pride aside. Don’t go to everyone and anyone for advise, be wise. And above all let God be your guide.
Bear in mind that marriage isn’t always Sweet… Yes! There will be good days and bad days. In fact, at times you and your partner would have one serious fight so much so that you would have a brief thinking episode wondering why you got married in the first place lol…That my darlings is marriage. Learn to forgive. Put pride aside. Don’t go to everyone and anyone for advise, be wise. And above all let God be your guide.
Kelechi can be contacted at [email protected]
That’s not all mums. If you enjoyed this interview, be sure to read our interview with Toyin Onigbanjo of Augustsecrets here and other exciting interviews here , here and here.
Please send us an email at [email protected] if you have any suggestions or if you would loved to be featured.
