The Inspired Mom ~ Candy Agu at 40!



My first guest on the Inspired Mom series is the delectable Candy Agu. Wife to a serving State Commissioner and mother to two adorable dudes, 13 and 10 respectively, Candy is the face and muscle behind the award-winning party souvenirs and corporate gifts outfit Party In A Box Limited. She’s especially first on this series because today, March 15, is her birthday. This early-twenties-looking lady is 40 years old today! WOW!!

Hazel: How does it feel being 40?
CA: One word ~ Fabulous! I’m eagerly looking forward to the next 40 years of my life, by God’s grace. In fact, my best years have just begun.
Hazel: Did you have any specific goals you set out to achieve before you clocked 40 and how much of these set goals would you say you’ve achieved?

CA: I wouldn’t exactly call them specific goals. I just knew i wanted to be successful, within my own rights, at a certain age. Having said that, i am truly grateful to God for the life i have. I am in a place of peace and cannot ask for anything better. 
Hazel: I know you have a background in IT having worked in a decent number of reputable IT firms. However, you took on the entrepreneurial world with Party In A Box and not only have you done really well, you’ve carved a niche for yourself. What pushes you to excel more than you already have?

CA: My drive stems really from that need to be a success. Not just as a business owner but as a wife, and as a mother. That and wanting to be able to leave a legacy for my kids pushes me to challenge myself to achieve more, daily!
 
Hazel: While it is important to excel in any chosen career, it pales in comparison to being a mother to your kids. The twenty-first century mom juggles both. What were your challenges being a career mom and how did you overcome them?

CA: Took a lot of getting used to when the kids arrived. It was tough initially, not getting enough sleep; prepping the kids for school and still having to make it to work on time; open days at school missed a few times and the guilty feeling afterwards. Endless list. However, understanding that my family comes first made it easier for me to put things in perspective.
 

Hazel: You always look so well put together. What would you say your fashion style is?

CA: Keyword, timeless. I lean mostly towards timeless pieces and not necessarily what’s in vogue.
Hazel: Looking this amazing at 40 cannot be all genes. What is your daily beauty routine?

CA: Facial scrubs and cleansing solutions. The day doesn’t start or end without them. I try to get in as much exercise as i can into my day by playing golf at least 3x a week. I also try to eat healthy now. It’s struggle sometimes but i’ve come to realize that my body metabolism isn’t as agile as it used to be *wink* so diet it is. Finally, the spa. Spa rat that i am, i try to get in a session at least once a month.
Hazel: Favourite food?

CA: Boli. Yes, boli. I love Chinese meals too.
Hazel: Shoes, bags or jewelleries?

CA: Shoes! And jewelleries!
Hazel: One item in your handbag you absolutely cannot function without?

CA: Nothing. I try not to be too dependent on anything.
Hazel: Any advice for career moms out there?

CA: Try to find what works for your family dynamics, bearing in mind that family is most important. It might be rough but it usually is worth it. Don’t hesitate to ask for help, from your husband, from your parents, from your extended family. Also, have a support group in terms of friends who are about the same age, with kids at about the same age, passing through identical challenges that you are experiencing. Lunch dates once a month would give you an avenue to voice out frustrations, laugh over mistakes and generally shake off pressure. I still do this.
Finally, i would really love to say a big thanks to this man i’ve been PROPERLY IN LOVE with, my husband Chijioke. The past 21 years has been truly amazing and i am looking forward to the next 40 years!



 
Awwwwww. Isn’t that super sweet? Thank you Candy for hanging with us here. Join me in wishing this fab lady a happy birthday and the very best of the years to come! I hope i look this good when i'm 40!

XOXO...

10 comments:

Myne said...

She looks amazing, and her family super cute :)

I am inspired by her drive, and wish her all the best.

Unknown said...

My Gosh! This woman looks amazing. I'm inspired by her achievements and by how good she looks while doing it *taking copius notes*

Anonymous said...


Thank God for 40 fabulous years! Happy birthday Snr Candy! You look truly yummy and look how big your boys are. I'm especially happy your business is thriving. I remember you talking about it at the reunion we held at Ana's years ago. I'm inspired. 40 beckons on one yo...

Toinlicious said...

40??? She looks fabulous!!!!

Unknown said...

Happy birthday to you and many more wonderful years, looking at you and I'm like 'gosh I can't wait till I'm forty'!!! And to end my comment I just have to say it 'march babes rock!!!!'

Okeoghene said...

Did anyone see those arms? This is fit and fabulous at 40

Hazel said...

Thanks very one for commenting

Candy Agu said...

Hi, thanks so much for your good wishes. I truly appreciate all your kind words. God bless and keep you all. Candy

Candy Agu said...

Hi, thanks for your good wishes. I truly appreciate your kind words. God bless and keep you all. Candy Agu

Candy Agu said...

Hi, thanks for your good wishes. I truly appreciate your kind words. God bless and keep you all. Candy Agu