Tomi rotimi

Hello Monday. Be nice.

A big break can change the trajectory of your business and even your life. It can raise your profile and increase your capacity to earn more. But after the 3 minutes of fame is up and the ovation ceases, you are left to the business of sustaining success. And this ain't sexy; it's routine, thankless,It's not celebrated, and you will have to revert back to the task of doing ordinary things well consistently. I relearn this lesson every year, maybe even multiple times. But for whatever reason, it hit me differently this month.
I spent a big part of the last 3 years exploring new markets for . Trying to get people who knew nothing about me to buy into my brand was hard. When I walked into spaces where the only thing that could speak for me was the quality of my work, I realized quickly how important all the skills I had gained in the last 20 years were. And I was grateful that I took the long road.

The shortcuts are tempting – even if you can afford them, don't pay. This thing you are waking up to do every day is your ticket to the big leagues. You're creating content, managing inventory, attending to customers with empathy and respect, doing good work, and honoring the team the Lord has blessed you with. These seemingly mundane tasks are building a reputation that will precede you,open doors for you, and keep them ajar. It does take time, and for the lessons business and life have to teach, it should. So whenever you get intimidated by the hype on the gram or you are tempted to pack it all in, whenever your humanity kicks in and you loose trust in the process, remember this post, remember me.

I hope this helps someone.

They numbered 22 at my last count. I was intentional about taking chances in 2023 and doing things I was uncomfortable with for my business. Some of the chances I took were bigger than others; some made sense and, in retrospect, were no-brainers, but others were way out of my comfort zone and cost me anxiety and sleepless nights. I think by number 12, I was becoming cynical. I had taken chances that outright bombed and even made me feel foolish. I had paid for opportunities in forex that I barely had and trusted people that hadn't earned it, and the results were predictably bad. But I didn't die. I wasn't bankrupt. I learned lessons that led me back into the ring a little wiser, stronger, and cockier.

So cocky that I raised the stakes, and by my 18th risk, I had stopped counting. Some of my initial attempts had come full circle and moved from the "what was I thinking" box to the "that turned out alright" pile. Don't get me wrong; some of the chances I took trigger feelings of regret now, and as a serial optimist, I don't use that word lightly. But out of the 22 attempts, 4 of them delivered the kind of results that I couldn't have imagined. The kind of results that have increased my risk appetite. Because of those four, all the other errors and near misses were worth it. In 2024, I intend to increase my failure rate by increasing my attempts. Because if I could get another 4 big wins.....

Dear creative entrepreneur, you're leaving money on the table, and it's all your fault. You churn out ideas by the minute, intuitively knowing how to execute – it's like a superpower, but it's also your Achilles' heel.

Every product or service you design is a creative asset that, if you invest the time and energy to go deeper, can open you to a universe of endless possibilities and wealth. But no, you touch the tip of the iceberg, and like a restless creative squirrel, you're on to the next idea. I don't blame you; ideating is like a drug. The buzz from birthing something from nothing and getting people to pay for it is like nothing else you'll ever experience. The buzz is your kryptonite, and you're a ju**ie.

Okay, I was harsh with that ju**ie part, but I know my people. I'm a creative in rehabilitation myself. It took spiritual intervention to change my perspective, altering my trajectory and eventually completely changing my business model and the way I now do everything.

I share more on this in my "Life Changing Lessons from 2023" podcast series. I delve into my personal experience and how 2023 reinforced this principle. Please click the link in my bio to listen.

Back at work!!!

I don't know what it was about this new year, but it felt like we all transitioned into 2024 without the usual dramatics and fanfare. Maybe it's just me and the people in my universe, but we all kinda kept it moving like January 1st was just another date on the calendar. I've never been a new year resolution kinda girl. I am more reflective on my birthday than new years, but I miss the usual hype, and I hope it doesn't signal the beginning of a "new year, don't care" trend. Because we should care and making it to 2024, issa big deal.

Anyhoo...

I learnt so much in 2023 and I shared those lessons in a 2 part series on my podcast . I am so proud that inspite of how crazy the last couple of years have been for me,some how, I'm still recording. We've hit over 40,000 listens and I am humbled by that. If you listen to my podcast, thankyou. If you don't, click the link in my bio and feel free to binge.

Thank you so much for the honor. I am humbled and grateful for the recognition by your community.

So I just autographed 5 copies of my book. A lovely gentleman is getting them for 5 female entrepreneurs in his life. I thought it was such a thoughtful gift and I am honored that he thought to bless these ladies with my story. In the last few months, I have sold more copies of to my and tribe than I ever anticipated. I have designed collections inspired by characters in the book and they have all become bestsellers.Then there is the feedback from women who come back to reminisce on scenes from the book that they remember from the early years. So much has happened since I published this book and it's one of my proudest achievements of the year.

If you are thinking of a gift to add to a hamper, to gift to an entrepreneur, a creative in fashion, a reader/booklover, a young woman juggling life and its obligations, or maybe a fan of my brand or me, this would make an excellent choice. You can get the book by clicking the link in my bio, visiting or . I will be happy to autograph as many as you want me to.

For my international tribe, both my books are available on Amazon. Please get a copy and gift one too.
This is a gift they will never forget.

Someone paid me a compliment today. She was a total stranger. She didn't have to interrupt the conversation she was having with her friend to look me in the eye, smile, and say, "Excuse me, madam, you look really lovely." I was already having a good day, spending time with my daughter and enjoying our endless banters. But this compliment came out of left field, from someone I had never met, with no agenda, and it touched my soul. I thanked her warmly, being intentional about reciprocating the energy. But she didn't care; she turned back to her friend and continued her conversation unbeknownst to her that she had put a pep in my step and a smile on my face that would keep me buzzing at least for the rest of the day.

Words are powerful, and I found out today that kind words from a stranger are even more so.

You are going to make mistakes. It is part of the divine plan. You can try to avoid them, and within reason, you should, but you are going to make them anyway. Then you are going to feel foolish for making them. You will look back, and in hindsight, these mistakes were avoidable, but your stubborn self stepped right into that one, eyes wide shut. Next step, you are going to learn a lesson or two, you are going to shake off the shame, recover from the trauma, forgive the betrayal, and survive. It's a rollercoaster ride, this entrepreneurial minini; the trials and errors are the only ways you can build muscle, so you have to be open to trying and make room for errors.

So I just failed miserably at something. I'm just about done licking my wounds, and now I'm limping into my next experiment. When Jesus makes a suggestion, I am done asking for guarantees. I know better....this could well be destined for failure; it could be a well-orchestrated error that is part of a series of events that will eventually work together for my good. That part though....the "eventually working together" part, that is for sure.

I hope this helps someone.

Super thankful for another year.

.rotimi

I am back!!!

Thankful for life and the many things money can't buy but I have in abundance.

I have so much to share but these days, the thought of posting on social overwhelms me. I am enjoying just being. Learning to be still, to be intentional about pacing myself, to streamline, declutter, focus and work smarter. The books I am reading are challenging me to do less, earn more, dream big, start small, keep it simple but yet attempt hard things. Jesus talks to me through His still small voice, but often confirms through authors. It's a funny unnerving spot to be but amidst all of it, I am kinda sorta luvin it....kinda. If only I knew what "it" is 😂😂😂.

I'm good though. Real good.

Happy birthday my darling sweet beautiful mother. Thankful for the gift of your life, your friendship and all you have instilled in us. Love you dearly mama ♥️

We move!!!

Today was shoot day!!! I love shoot days!! It's when the sketches come to life and all the negative voices in my head are silenced!!! Shooting designs inspired by the women in my book SUM OF MANY PARTS is even more rewarding. This is the third character from the book I'm designing for but in Morayos case she is getting a collection. The Tosan and Dolly Duster have gone ahead to become international bestsellers and now it's Morayos turn to shine!!!!

I had fun designing for Morayo, her character is colorful and so is her closet. It's also a beautiful thing to experience both of my passions this way. I'm a fashion designer and author so this makes sebse right.

Anyhoo, please come in tomorrow to see what's in Morayo's Closet. Dolly and Tosan will also be on full display.
Swipe left to see me in "shoot day" mode. The third slide is what this post is really about.

I am beyond excited but you have to swipe left to find out.
🌟

Step into my world where literature and fashion intertwine! Remember those unforgettable characters from "SUM OF MANY PARTS"? Now, get ready to see them come to life in an exclusive fashion collection. Introducing Morayo's Closet - a fusion of vibrant personalities and stunning designs.

👗 Discover the "Tosan" dress, our bestselling "Dolly" Duster, and now, immerse yourself in Morayo's essence as we unveil her unique pieces. Think strong, vibrant, and wonderfully quirky – just like Morayo herself.

💎 And that's not all! We've partnered with Cornucopia to bring you elegant jewelry that perfectly complements this one-of-a-kind collection.

📖 Plus, get your hands on autographed copies of "SUM OF MANY PARTS." Meet the author, hear exclusive excerpts, and gain style and business insights.

Save the Date:
🗓️ Saturday, Sep 2, 2023
🕛 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM
📍 42b Fola Osibo, Lekki Phase 1

📸

See you there,
Rotimi

Have you worked out today?

This is not about a weight loss journey. The benefits of exercise are so much more than dress sizes. I know you can google the benefits of walking, running or lifting weights but if that won't convince you, maybe my personal journey will help.

After years of trying a variety of exercises, my day to day routine now consists of long brisk walks and HIIT. I've done the same High intensity interval training routine for three years. I have a pilates and skipping routine I throw in to mix things up but those two are my "rice and stew". These excercises not only ensure that I am fit and strong but it's what they to my mood and mind that keeps me hooked. I mean it when I tell you my best ideas in design and strategy have come during a run and just last week I got one particular idea that delivered a monster breakthrough. I also love how working out challenges me physically. Pushing the limits of what I think my body can do is a reminder that I can explore more in other areas of my life too and I do, and just like I didn't collapse after a full circuit of push ups, I am experiencing success in areas I thought were beyond me.

My favorite impact is the example my children see everyday. From everything I have learnt, I know my healthy habits are teaching them, subconsciously, the importance of selfcare and normalising excercise and wellness. I love it when my children come to my space to borrow a mat, a dumbbell or ankle socks. I love that they don't need to worry if we need to walk up several flights of stairs or long distances. They know I won't get out of breath panting. I love that for them.

Anyhoo. Today's walk was good for my soul. made it a spiritual experience. Some fresh new design ideas came through too, so this walk was also good for business. Lol.

My skin is glowing. Yes there is some filter action going on in this picture but peeps, my skin is glowing for realz. That's not all, I'm sleeping like a baby and I've been waking up strong every day for the past week no earlier than 5am!!! That's HOOOGE for a girl that has struggled to get 4hours of shut eye in the past 4months. I'm not done counting my blessings....the type money can't buy, my creative juices are flowing again, I'm back to strength training and two days ago, my son looked at me and said "I love you" for no reason. You are spoiling me Jesus!!!

The whole counting blessings thing is now my new flex. I like a good vent about the economy and exchange rate every now and then but I got my eyes and focus on bigger things. The kind of things that really make my life rich, like family, health, faith, friends and a beautiful mind. I am blessed beyond measure and so are you.

Since my last "episode" at the doctors, I have recommitted myself to doing more of the things I love. My life is still super busy but I have made my wellness a priority. We all know the right things to do but sometimes we need reminders. So I am rereading some of my favorite books to get me back in the good zone.Today I would like to share some of them with you.
The first and last ones should be in everyone's library. I mean if you haven't read Atomic Habits by James clear, can we even be friends? 😂😂😂😂. Jokes apart, if the quality of our lives are dependent on the quality of our habits, then we must make studying habit formation a priority.

is possible my favorite book on wellness because it's such an easy and practical read. I remember when I read it the first time, I was so inspired and had so many light bulb moments, that I immediately messaged the author and even paid for one of her online challenges. ( That is not out of character for me though😅). Since then, along with , by Jen Senciro it has become one of my yearly reads.

Today, I am counting my steps, drinking more water and guarding my joy at all cost. I hope you are too.

Sometimes you have to be intentional about counting your wins. You have to take a break from the noise in the market and in your head and go back to the basics, the things you know for sure. Simple things like drinking water, treating people with kindness, gratitude and showing up consistently for the things that matter.

I have to admit that the last month has been tough for me. Everything signaled the need for a slowing down, but I didn't know how. It's all fun and games until you find yourself being wheeled into the hospital and the doctor prescribes nothing but a good night sleep, something that had eluded me for sometime. I am glad to say I have learnt my lesson and I am pacing myself. I am rereading some of my favorite self help books to relearn some of those wellness principles. I am back to not sweating the small stuff and letting those I delegate to make their mistakes, I am prioritising my sanity and not indulging the selfish whims of the people I love, I am becoming more astute at saying NO without guilt or apology and finally and possibly more importantly, I am failing in love again with the woman in the mirror, counting her blessings and spoiling her a little because nobody deserves it more.

How are you my friends?♥️

It's been a looooong few days but I am sooooo thankful.

Celebrating my phenomenal sister and friend today!!!!!! Happy birthday my darling Yewande . You are a fire cracker, a rarebreed, one in a million and an exceptional human. It's been such a pleasure and previlege doing life with you and watching you revv in your 40s with gusto!!!! The world ain't ready mama but we are grateful to Jesus for the gift of you. Love you deeply ❤️

Both my books are now restocked . Have you gotten your copies? I am planning a book reading soon. This is me putting it out there so I actually do it this time.

Happy wedding anniversary to my favorite couple. Thank for your amazing journey ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

It's been 8years since I decided to take my health seriously. 8 years since I started being intentional about excercise. My weight has yo-yoed but the habits have stuck. Making healthy living a part of my identity is one of my proudest achievements but there is not finish line. My mind and body are still shifting as age makes new demands. I love it. I love the fact that my knees are stronger in my forties than they were in my mid thirties. I love that I can run ( slowly) and enjoy it now but my younger self couldn't. It's been quite a ride and I'm thankful.

I walked into a glass frame yesterday. Nothing was damaged except the glasses I had on and my bruised ego from looking like a klutz in public. Ironically the store I was trying to walk into sold glasses but even though they stocked some really cute frames, I was so put off by the sales girls insensitivity that I walked out without buying a pair. What got me upset was not just her claim that nobody else had ever walked into the glass ( I guess we need actual bodily harm to prove the point) but that she could not put a poster or "mind the glass" sign on the frame because her boss needed to approve. Eeesh!!! My heart sank. The thought of a child running into the frame, or an elderly person hitting their head as hard as I had hit mine got me practically pleading with her to stick one poster on the frame but instead she patronised me and insisted that I was overreacting.

So who was at fault here?

The business owner? I don't know her but I hope her sales girl is not reacting from years of being micro managed.

The sales girl? For being insensitive and not proactive.

Or maybe me? for not just walking away and minding my business.

Dear business owner, we are still in the people business. You have to empower your team to make some decisions on your behalf, within reason ofcourse.

I'm making decisions for my future self. If you are a creative entrepreneur then you know that this must be a skill you sharpen constantly. My business and I are profiting from creative assets from years ago. I am benefiting from habits that took me years to imbibe, even the books I read 4years ago have shaped my subconscious mind and my identity. Let me not even start with relationships, as my core circle shrinks, I am more and more grateful for investments I made in friendships and family decades ago. But I still have many years to live🙏. I can't be distracted by all the short term distruptions and forget the impact of my decisions today. I am constantly resisting the urge to be reactive and operate in survival mode because my future literally depends on it.

One huge lesson I have learnt in the last 5years is that the quality of my decisions are down to the quality of knowledge and information I have access to. Intuition is great but mine is sometimes influenced by my ignorance and fears. It blows my mind how my convictions change once I know better.What I thought "the Lord said" were only ideas created by my fears and lack of knowledge,information or exposure. No wonder Jesus is so big on wisdom and pushing us to experience new things.

So before you say no to that opportunity or say yes because of a niggling feeling, be sure you are not just taking a shortcut and you have done your homework.

Long time no post.

It's been an interesting few years for me. I knew at the beginning that I would have to make some sacrifices but I don't think I was really prepared for it. Jesus told me not to be too worried about my readiness, what he needed was my commitment and willingness and that I had. The readiness was going to be a journey and he promised to deliver bespoke grace for the cause and that He did in truck loads. As that season draws to an end, I look back and my heart is full of thanks. It has been the most challenging season but the most rewarding. The lessons I have learnt will serve me for the rest of my life and because I love to share my learnings, I will start a series soon on those lessons, both here and on my podcast.

The first lesson I want to share today is " don't apologize for focus". Focus required me to invest my time and energy on ONE thing. In doing that, some others would have to suffer a little. Focus is not an excuse to neglect other areas of your life but for me it meant being more strategic and intentional about how to keep them working. The wisdom and strategy comes from Jesus but the work starts before the season begins. I started planning for this season two years before it started and I reaped the rewards but even then......somethings just had to go, and though it hurt, I am not sorry.
....to be continued.

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JUST BECAUSE WE ARE A PEOPLE OF HONOUR IN THE WARROOM.
ONCE IN A YEAR WE CELEBRATE PHENOMENAL WOMEN, TRAILBLAZERS, PACESETTERS, PATHFINDERS,AND QUEENS IN EVERY RIGHT OF THE WORD.

WOMEN WE KNOW, WE SEE, WE ADMIRE, WE LOVE..
WOMEN WE WANT TO BECOME.

WOMEN THAT INSPIRE US AND ROLE MODEL TO SO MANY YOUNG WOMEN OUT THERE.

WE CALL THEM POWER HOUSES, FORCES TO BE RECKONED WITH...
KINGDOM GIANTS.
WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE.

THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO FOR THE KINGDOM MA. .rotimi

WE HONOUR AND CELEBRATE YOU MA.

NHN THE WARROOM has been hosting these meetings for the last 6 years and since the maiden edition in 2018, every meeting has been unique and backed with tremendous testimonies and reports that show the value it delivers.

Among the awesome line of programs included in this 8th edition package,is our AWARD/GALA NIGHT where we would be celebrating Kingdom Citizens who are inspiring and impacting our world especially the women.

WHY?

CELEBRATING OTHERS SUCCESS,
motivates you to strive for your own personal success

Watching someone else give it their all and make or exceed their goals is energizing and inspiring.

There are times when we get disgruntled or disenchanted because we have been trying and working for what seems like a long time. Yet we still haven’t accomplished our dream.
When someone else reaches their target, it should fill us with hope and possibility.

Their success stands as a testament to us that we too can fulfill our dreams. If they can do it, then we can too!

The more we celebrate success and take on that positive stance, the more determined we will become.
This will help us shake off doubt and unbelief as it fills us with the spirit of perseverance. It will then result in nudging us to take concrete and constructive steps towards achieving our personal victory.

Philippians 2:3-4 GNB
“Don’t do anything from selfish ambition or from a cheap desire to boast, but be humble toward one another, always considering others better than yourselves. And look out for one another’s interests, not just for your own.”

CAN'T WAIT TO CELEBRATE YOU MA!