Foremost event planner and public relations practitioner, Funke Kuti, relieves fond childhood memories and the enviable bond that exists between her and her mum
As a mother with a very demanding career, do you feel fulfilled?
Fortunately, my son is grown and currently at the university. I don’t have to babysit him so much anymore. As regards my career, I will say I’m fulfilled because I am very passionate about and love what I do. Whenever I organise events, I get to meet a lot of people. It can also be a tad stressful, but energising, rewarding, and fulfilling, all at the same time. Nothing compares to the thrill I get when I see an event, which has taken months to plan, come to fruition. I am always challenged to learn and do more because life is a continuous learning curve.
What exactly do you do at your company?
I run FK Management, which is an events management and PR firm. My team and I offer a complete event management package from strategy to implementation for corporate, top-notch campaigns and parties. Because planning an event can be quite an overwhelming process, the expertise of the FKM team guarantees that a client’s vision or theme is realised.
How often do you create time to visit with your mother?
In the past, I used to visit her maybe once in two weeks but I endeavour to speak to her everyday. However, it has suddenly dawned on me that because life is too short and work can also be very demanding, I must learn to spend quality time with my loved ones – especially a parent. As such, I make sure I see her at least once a week so we can bond, gist, and just have a mother and daughter time.
How well do you get along with her?
We have a great relationship. Yes, we have our differences, occasionally, but we resolve them almost immediately. At the end of the day, she is my mother and I always take a step back because the Bible says, “Honour thy mother and father.” So, I will never disrespect her no matter what.
Have you shared any of the lessons your mum taught you with your son?
I learnt a lot from my mother and I have equally shared these lessons with my son. I have taught him the values of hard work, respect for himself and others around him. I also charge him to be humble in all circumstances, remain generous and show love to people as best as he can. Above all, I have taught him to have a positive attitude towards life.
Did your mum influence your choice of a career?
Not directly, but my sisters and I go to her for advice a lot of the time. She is a serial-entrepreneur with vast knowledge and skills in various areas and she fully supports all our career choices. I am an event management consultant, my sister, Kemi, is a marketing/branding expert, Oyinda is an interior designer, while Bade is a lawyer. We all tap into her wealth of knowledge even though our careers are very different. So, I guess I can say she influenced me indirectly in my career.
Was she open to discussing the opposite sex while you were growing up?
At first, I was afraid to talk to her but now she is my most trusted confidant and we talk about everything under the sun.
What do you love most about her?
I admire her strength because she has handled so many challenges. She taught me to be strong in the face of adversity. I definitely got my strength from her and it is a priceless value. She pushes my sisters and I to be the best in everything we do and make good use of any opportunity that comes our way. She has answers to any situation I may find myself in. She has overcome many obstacles in life with a smile on her face and that is what I admire most about her.
What are you most grateful to her for?
I am grateful to her for raising us not to settle for less than we are worth and also instilling discipline and the ethics of hard work in us. My siblings and I nicknamed her ‘Margaret Thatcher,’ when we were younger because she was quite strict. She was one of those mothers that spoke with their eyes and not their mouths and God help you, if you didn’t get the message whenever she spoke with her eyes. Her ‘Eba’ spoon was never too far away and her hands were like quick thunder. You won’t even see it coming but will only feel the after-effect!
But, as we grew up, we realised that her discipline moulded us into the strong, polite, hardworking, humble women that we are today. She made sure we had everything we needed without becoming spoilt brats. I’m grateful that she sacrificed and worked so hard for us. She also taught me the importance of humility. She was and still is always there when we need her and I am very grateful for that.
Do you receive favours on account of her name?
Most definitely! My mum is what I would describe as a ‘popular jingle!’ She has friends and acquaintances from all spheres of the business world. I can hardly go anywhere without having one ‘aunt’ or ‘uncle’ stopping to ask if I am Laila’s daughter. They tend to become much nicer and are always even more helpful when I say that I am her daughter.
Would you want to step into her shoes someday?
My mother’s shoes are very big! If I could be half the woman that she is, I will consider myself a success. She has a lot of qualities I admire and strive to emulate but I won’t want to be exactly like her. We are unique individuals. I am, however, very grateful for all the virtues she has taught me which have made me who I am. I may be like her in some facets of my life but can never be completely like her.
How do you spend your time with her?
We go on regular spa dates, go to the movies, have lunch or dinner, and of course, shop together! Above all, she is my gist partner
Do you take after her in terms of fashion?
Absolutely! My mum has always been a fashionista. I was completely in awe of her fashion sense when I was much younger. Her shoe and bag collection were out of this world! Her make-up, hair, clothes and accessories were always so tastefully put together. We all definitely take after her.
How do you unwind?
I unwind after a hectic day by watching movies and listening to music. Another stress reliever is hanging out with my sisters and friends. In my genes, is the love of dance – I move to music with abandon and of course, I love to sleep!
What are your beauty secrets?
I have a very simple routine. I drink a lot of water and eat a lot of vegetable-based meals and fruits. I try as much as possible to have a facial once a month, and wash off all the make-up from my face every night before going to bed. To crown it all , I laugh and smile a lot.
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