I was Born With a Silver Spoon But I Didn’t Grow Up with it

Bisi Akin Akintayo, a Director of Lagos-based G-text Group conglomerate, c whose services cut across digital marketing m and real estate, means different things t to different people. To some, she is a motivat motivational speaker and serial entrepreneur; and to other others, Bisi is a business coach and author. She is today living her childhood dream of being one of Niger Nigeria’s biggest philanthropists, particularly impacting impactin positively on the lives of children of the poo poor. With her foundation, Bisi has impacted on the li lives of hundreds of children across the country. S She shares the dream of her Infinity Foundation Foundatio and life experiences with Bayo Adeoye and Ayodeji Ayode Ake. Excerpts

WI’m originally from Ibadan, Oyo State. I’m married to Stephen Akintayo and blessed with th three kids, two boys and a girl. g I w work with G-Text and I also run an online importation business. I’m also involved in ggivingg giving back t to the society, helping housewives, students who can’t afford to fen fend for themselves, and fathers whos whose monthly earnings are not enou enough to sustain their families. I lov love meeting people but I don’t li like going out. I am more of an indoor person, but I meet people ppeoplep on social media. I’m a down to earth person. Truly I’m humble but I don’t take nonsense.

How was w growing up like? Well, growing ggr up was actually y fun. My dad was rich. He was a custom officer in charge of one of the borders. bo But later, as the years y progressed, he resigned resig and dabbled into business which at the end, didn’t work out for him. I didn’t grow up with my mom, not because she wasn’t a good mom. I remember growing up with my step mom. There were days there won’t be food on the table. It happened when my dad forgot to give us money. So, what I did most times was to go and hide some foods stuff for the dry days. When I look back and see poor people on the street, I feel for them. At least I had school bags, uniforms, shoes and a father who was paying my fees. When I see people lacking, my heart aches and I always feel I should reach out to them. When I see poor children on the street; I always wish I have the money to take good care of them. I feel we don’t need to wait for the government.

Can you say you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth?

Yes I was born with a silver spoon but I didn’t grow up with the silver spoon. Growing up in a polygamous family was not a good experience. But then, different cars take me to school and my friends envy me.

Where did you spend your formative years?

Here in Lagos, Badagry to be precise.

There were days there won’t be food on the table. ta It happened when my dad forgot to give us money. So, what I did most times was to go and hide some foods stuff for the dry days. When I look back and see poor people on the street, I feel for them