Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in Houston?
I am originally from Nigeria. My family moved to Cincinnati, Ohio when I was 14. My husband and I have lived in Houston for 9yrs.
Child(ren) and Age(s)?
We have 4 children, my daughters are 14 and 7 and my sons are 6 and 4.
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
That I lived in 4 different countries in 2018/2019.
Favorite local activities to do in Houston?
My family and I spend a ridiculous amount of time at Club Westside. It’s the perfect place for me to get work done, work out, have access to quality childcare, and a variety of options for family time. We just love it!
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? Please share!
Yes! I am the owner and founder of Gifted by Essy. A concierge gifting service that helps people in romantic relationships plan special events for their partners and curate gifts for special occasions. I focus on identifying love languages and their importance in relationships. By helping clients understand how their significant other best receives love, I create unique, meaningful and custom gifts that range from tangible items to unforgettable acts or experiences.
My goal is to help couples better express their love for each other. From date nights to “just because” gifts, from birthdays to anniversaries and even.. “I’m sorry” gifts. We do the work, you take the credit! My clients love that they can just show up to the date instead of always being the ones to plan it or that they can focus on work and family obligations and still make sure their partner feels cherished. My passion is working to promote thriving and healthy romantic relationships. I want everyone in a romantic relationship to thrive. Sometimes we become complacent even though we mean well. We get comfortable and if we are being honest, we get busy with work, kids and other obligations. That’s where I come in.
I offer different services from reminders, gift ideas, and all-inclusive planning and execution of the gift and or experience. We also help with engagement planning. The website is www.giftedbyessy.com. We are also on Instagram and Facebook @giftedbyessy.
How has the Houston community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
When I moved to Houston, I had just found out that IVF was my only option for conceiving, I was devasted. I had two acquaintances who lived here when we arrived. Since then, my Houston community has been like family. My community supported me as I looked for and found work. They were there when we started the foster/adoption process. They were there when I got sick from complications during egg retrieval and was in the hospital for three weeks. They were there for the months after through the rehabilitation phase. Meals, phone calls, visits and messages received helped me through that season.
My community held it down when our then foster babies came home, the pregnancy and the birth of our youngest son. They were there when we left for a year to live abroad and with open arms they welcomed us back. Our community changed with the pandemic but nevertheless, our Houston community has been a blessing to me and my family. I strive to be welcoming to new people as they move to Houston because the city and the people have been great to me.
What is the best advice for juggling mommyhood and running a business (or volunteering, working, etc)?
Two I advise I try to live by:
- Give yourself and your children grace. You are doing the best you can with what you have.
- Delegate! Delegate! Delegate!
What would you tell the old “You” before you had kids?
They WILL eat McDonald’s and YOU will be just fine. ☺
Funniest shortcut/routine for helping you through parenthood?
If you have an Alexa and when your young child is throwing a tantrum (and you have tried everything you’ve read in all the parenting books, seen on tiktok or read in a mom group,) ask Alexa to play “fart sounds”. I guarantee your kid will be laughing or confused within 10 seconds. Works every time in our house. ☺
