1. Tell us a little bit about yourself

Amina:

My name is Amina. I’m a mother of three and a community outreach programme supervisor. Over the years, I’ve worked with communities through NGO programmes, helping people and building strong organisational and communication skills along the way.

Recently, I’ve been developing myself as a virtual assistant because I want to create better opportunities for myself and my children.

One thing you’ll quickly learn about me is that I believe it’s never too late to learn, grow, or pursue your dreams.

2. For many of us, motherhood came with surprises we never saw coming. What was it like when you first became a mum? How did it change your life?

Amina:

Motherhood surprised me even before I officially became a mum.

My first pregnancy ended in a missed abortion, and I had to undergo an evacuation procedure. It was one of the most painful experiences I had ever been through, both physically and emotionally. At the time, I never imagined that my journey into motherhood would begin that way.

When I became pregnant again, I was hopeful. But another unexpected challenge came when I gave birth to my first son at just 29 weeks. He was so tiny and fragile, and as a first-time mum, I was terrified. Caring for a premature baby was nothing like I had imagined, and it became one of the most challenging seasons of my life.

During that pregnancy, I also developed high blood pressure. It continued through my later pregnancies and even after delivery. Although it usually returned to normal with proper management, it became another reality of motherhood that I hadn’t expected.

Those early experiences changed me in ways I couldn’t have imagined. I had to leave work for a while so I could give my son the care he needed, and life suddenly looked very different from what I had planned.

Looking back now, I can see that those seasons shaped me. They taught me patience, sacrifice, and the quiet strength to keep going, even when the path ahead felt uncertain.

3. How has motherhood affected your career, business, or personal goals?

Amina:

Motherhood has changed my career more times than I ever expected.

Looking back, I can’t think of a time I had a baby without having to pause something important, whether it was work, learning a new skill, or pursuing a personal goal.

After my first son was born, I left my teaching job so I could focus on caring for him. Later, I enrolled in fashion designing because I wanted to learn something new. But when my second child arrived just one year and nine months later, I had to put that dream on hold too. At that stage, my children needed me, so I started small businesses to help support my family until I was able to return to work.

My third pregnancy came while I was pursuing my Master’s degree. Balancing lectures, assignments, pregnancy, and two young children was exhausting. Then my daughter arrived during my examination period, leaving me with very little time to rest or sleep.

There were moments when I felt overwhelmed, but every season taught me something. Motherhood made me more resilient, more adaptable, and more determined. It showed me that sometimes your dreams may be delayed, but they don’t have to disappear.

4. Tell us about what you do today

Amina:

Today, I work as a community outreach supervisor while also building digital skills to have a more flexible job that matches my routine as a mom.

Balancing work, learning, and raising three children isn’t always easy, so I’ve learned to make the most of the time I have. Sometimes that means studying or working in small pockets of time instead of waiting for the perfect moment.

What keeps me going is remembering why I started. Everything I’m building today is about creating a better future for my children and for myself.

That purpose keeps me moving forward, even on the difficult days.

5. Looking back, what do you wish someone had told you before you became a mum?

Amina:

Looking back, I wish someone had encouraged me to pursue more of my dreams and career goals before becoming a mum.

Building a career and raising children at the same time isn’t easy. Motherhood often comes with sacrifices that many people don’t talk about, and I wasn’t prepared for how challenging and overwhelming it could be.

At the same time, it has brought me so much joy and purpose. Despite everything, I’m grateful to God for the children He has blessed me with, and I wouldn’t trade them for anything.

6. What advice would you give another mum who is trying to build a career, business, or dream while raising children?

Amina:

Be patient with yourself, and keep going.

You don’t have to achieve everything at once. Take small steps every day, celebrate your progress, and don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s.

There will be challenges, but don’t give up on your dreams. Motherhood and ambition can exist together, even if the journey looks different from what you imagined.

7. If you could describe motherhood in three words, what would they be and why?

Resilience. Motherhood has taught me to keep going, even through health challenges, sleepless nights, and the constant balancing act of family, education, and work.

Strength. It revealed a strength in me that I never knew I had. It pushed me to overcome obstacles, make sacrifices, and keep showing up for my children, even when life felt overwhelming.

Love. At the heart of motherhood is unconditional love. It’s the reason I keep striving to give my children the best life I can.

8. Other things you want to share?

One thing motherhood has taught me is that it’s okay not to have everything figured out at once. Many of us put pressure on ourselves to be perfect, but perfection isn’t realistic. We’re all learning as we go.

I also want other mums to know that taking care of yourself isn’t selfish. A healthy and happy mum is better able to care for her family.

Give yourself grace, celebrate the small wins, and remember that you’re doing better than you think.

Give yourself grace, celebrate the small wins, and remember that you’re doing better than you think.