We had the good fortune of connecting with Anuoluwapo Somoye and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Anuoluwapo, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Since starting my business in 2020 my understanding and view on balance has changed. Balance is a very tricky word to use when talking about work and your personal life. The definition of balance is “a condition in which different elements are equal or in the correct proportions.” When you try to balance your work life and personal life, you are consistently having to put the same amount of time in both. For instance, a person that works 7-8 hours would have to apply that same amount of time to their personal life. Therefore, if I’m a person that has a bunch of different tasks to accomplish such as running my business, going to work, spend time with family, and enjoying myself. By the definition of balance, I am supposed to apply the same amount of time to all my tasks, even though some things need more time than others. So, when people ask me how I balance my personal life and work life I tell them “I don’t.” I just live my life in harmony. When you are living in harmony you can work more flexible and efficient, because you are not having to consistency jug different tasks. The example that I like to use when explaining to people how to live your life harmony is music. If an artist was to balance or make all the sounds in a song equal. The song would sound like a bunch of noise because of the instruments and vocals would all be the same level. However, when musicals don’t have their instruments, note, and vocals competing to be heard. Their music sound like music and not noise. This is because they know how much energy and time needs to be applied in one area. That’s how I live my life, I believe you shouldn’t balance but live your personal and work life in harmony, because some things require more time than other.
What should our readers know about your business?
Back on Apparel is not just a business but a Lifestyle. The reason that I made it to where I am today, is that I used all my failures as learning experiences and understanding my main goal by having faith in God. Most people will fail once and quit their business, but I put faith in God and understood that all failures are learning experiences on what not to do next time. So, I used the failures and understanding my main goal as fuel to be consistent, which grew my business to where it is today.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would not be where I am today if not for first in foremost the man above. I strongly believe that without God and the faith that I have in him. I WOULD BE NOTHING. I would like to thank my mom and dad as well, because the impact that they had on my life cannot be measured. To my best friends Rossy, Blair, and Q I love y’all from the bottom of my heart. Thank you all for being there for me and thank you for the support. Also, shoutout to Barididum, FatPat, Remi, and JoJo y’all are the most supportive, encouraging, and selfless group of friends anybody can ask for. Lastly, shoutout to my little brother Tomi. If it wasn’t for you, I would have never thought of starting a clothing brand. Thank you lil bro and remember “200”. Again, thank you to all my fans, customers, and supporters for everything. The journey is far from over, It’s Just Beginning.
Website: https://backonapparel.com
Instagram: @anusomoye
Twitter: @anusomoye