Beautiful Atim Ukoh popularly known as Afrolems, is an African food blogger with a specialisation in Nigerian Food. Also the eldest daughter of Mrs. Iquo Ukoh, in this interview, she speaks on the amazing bond she shares with her mum.
How best can you describe the bond you share with your mum?
I think of my mum as my best friend and mentor. Growing up, because I looked more like my dad, I thought I had more in common with him. With age and maturity my mum and I have realised we have a lot more in common character-wise. We view the world from very similar lenses with our differences still intact.
Growing up, what virtues did your mum instill in you?
1.One of the main values my mum instilled in me was the importance of maintaining great work ethic in whatsoever I did. Anyone that knows her knows that as long as she has committed to a task, she lives and breathes it even if she is sick.
2.She also taught us several life skills. She always says function as though you will never get help, change a light bulb, iron clothes, change your tyres etc. This was a very useful advice for me especially because I went on to live in Canada by all myself for several years.
3.She also taught me to remain humble no matter what status I attain in the society. In addition, she told me to be relatable at all levels and never assume that I am better than anyone because of the difference in social class.
What does it feel like to play in the same industry (food blogging) as your mum?
It has been an interesting experience seeing that I started before her and I also helped her set-up her blog. I draw inspiration from her work but I maintain my own originality. My experiences are not hers and vice versa so we come at food from very different angles.
With age and maturity my mum and I have realised we have a lot more in common character-wise. We view the world from very similar lenses with our differences still in tact.
In what ways do you complement each other food-blogging wise?
My mum helps me with fact checking when I want to publish a recipe. She also helps sometimes with my aesthetic planning while I help her with the execution on digital media. I help plan her digital strategy; how best she can position herself online.
How does it feel to have such an accomplished woman as a mum?
I am always proud of her accomplishments and I keep edging her to continue achieving, as it is really inspiring not just to her family but other people.
Do you think you can fit into her shoes?
In all fairness, my mum had a path she was supposed to walk in and she has and is still doing a great job on her journey. My journey is very different and I have been achieving on my own journey. There is no need to fit in her shoes as I have my own shoes.
One of the main values my mum instilled in me was the importance of maintaining great work ethic in whatsoever I did.
Can you describe your mum in three words?
Creative, goofy, diligent
Who is the stricter parent; mum or dad?
Mum
What is the most profound lesson your mum has taught you?
As long as you are diligent in your work, you will go beyond where your mind can ever fathom.
If you missed our interview with Atim’s mum, do click here to read it
