Meet a Houston Mom | Meet Chigi Ohanele, MSN. ANP-C. and Founder of Chigi’s World | West University Moms

Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in Houston?

I’m originally from Nigeria which is where I was born. I was raised also in Nigeria and The Netherlands. My family and I moved to the United States almost 17 years ago and Maryland became our new home state. My husband and I relocated to Houston about 5 years ago.

 

Child(ren) and Age(s)?

I have a beautiful son, he’s 1 year old (13 months)

 

One thing people would be surprised to know about you…

I’m actually an introvert and very shy. I get anxious and uncomfortable about being in the spotlight but I’ve pushed myself to step out of my comfort zone, to do all the things I’m passionate about like blogging, speaking, hosting events etc.

 

Favorite local activities to do in Houston?

Lol…I love Brunching. I enjoy going to new restaurants, trying new foods, and just connecting with wonderful people over food.

 

Do you have a favorite family-friendly restaurant in the area?

Yes! Saltgrass has been our go-to spot for the past few years.

 

What local places do you go to for pampering and/or mom’s night out?

I go to Hiatus Spa or Chic Nail Spa for self-care. I also love to pamper myself with a staycation at a local hotel, brunch, or dinner at a restaurant with some friends, or going to the Ipic Theatre with my husband for dinner and a movie.

 

Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? 

I’m passionate about a lot of things, but I’ve slowed it down since I became a mom. I’m a Nurse Practitioner who works as an Independent Contractor. I’m also a Holistic Health & Wellness Coach focused on helping women elevate their mindset to create sustainable habits to reduce stress, improve health, be more joyful, elevate productivity and grow financially.

I’m also the Content Creator behind Chigi’s World – IG is @chigisworld and Founder of The Modern Woman’s Network. I use storytelling to share our experiences to change the narrative that women can’t have it all because I believe we can. We as women can be in good health, have a happy family and maintain a great work-life balance. I use my platform to share resources and curate events to connect, educate and empower like-minded women so they too can succeed in their different roles personally and professionally. I also work with a few non-profit organizations in different capacities and have hosted multiple fashion, business and networking events with local businesses.

I recently became a board member of Sparkles of Life, Inc. which is a local non-profit that supports families struggling with infertility and it’s been an honor to serve other families who are experiencing what I went through for almost 6 years before my son was conceived via Invitro Fertilization (IVF).

 

How has the Houston community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?

This is such a great question. I think moving to Houston with my husband when I did was huge. I had just survived a life or death situation. A few months before moving I had an allergic reaction to a medication that put me in the hospital. It was such a scary experience because multiple organs were affected, I was fighting for my life and due to complications, I had to have surgery months later once my body was strong enough to handle it. Going through this put so much into perspective for me because I was reminded how life can change or even end instantly. It was also in that season I decided to start stepping out of my comfort zone, start taking more risks and do more things that brought me joy and made me feel fulfilled. So, we moved to Houston for better opportunities and to start the next chapter of my life as a Creative Entrepreneur. The community here in Houston has helped me connect with so many people from diverse backgrounds and has inspired me on my journey to be my best self.

 

What is the best advice for juggling mommyhood and running a business (or volunteering, working etc.)?

You can do it all but you have to first have clarity on what “having it all” means to you and not what someone else or society says you should be. Then you have to use all your knowledge, skills, experiences and resources to get what you want. You can’t do everything at the same time but by asking for help and using the resources you have; you can juggle it all. Also having healthy boundaries matters because it will help you prioritize, say “No”, delegate and most importantly it will help you practice daily self-care which is essential to your overall health and wellness. You have to pamper and love on yourself to refuel your body, renew your mind, revive your spirit and rejuvenate your soul so you can be your best self, grow more love within you and be able to spread more love to others.

 

What would you tell the old “You” before you had kids?

You are worthy, you are deserving, you are so loved and supported. You do not have to be perfect, just show up and be your most authentic and best self. Do not rush the process, start from where you are and use what you have to serve. Also, no matter what you go through, just have faith because God can use anyone and any situation to bless you. Just live your life to the fullest.

 

Funniest shortcut/routine for helping you through parenthood?

My husband and I can get very animated to get my son’s attention when he’s distracted or getting fussy. We also give him safe non-toys he loves (e.g. Remote Control, Water Bottle, Throw Pillows) to keep him calm when all else fails. We’ve also figured out his favorite TV show which is Word Party on Netflix. They use play and music to teach kids different things from letters to numbers, words, manners and much more. You can see him light up when he’s watching it and also gets very hyped up when he tries to dance along or imitate them playing.

 

What is your Quarantine survival tip?

For me, it’s been waking up to practice my daily self-care before my husband and son wake up. I use the time to pray, meditate, do my devotional, say my affirmations, do a visualization activity, journal, sometimes exercise, read or listen to a podcast or inspirational teachings or music. Doing these things get me in the right mindset and elevates my spirit, so I’m better able to tackle my success list, manage my family and get work done. I encourage everyone to practice daily self-care no matter what it is. It’s such a great way to maintain your mental health.  

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