By Francisca Sinjae
Mariam Timmer is no stranger to the spotlight. As a seasoned PR expert, entrepreneur, and cast member of The Real Housewives of Lagos, she seamlessly balances multiple roles, from businesswoman to motherhood, and then a media personality. With over 16 years of experience in public relations, Timmer has built a thriving career in branding and corporate consulting, all while expanding her ventures into beauty and oil & gas.
But beyond her professional accolades, she represents a new era of women boldly owning their narratives. From
reshaping perceptions of female friendships to opening up about deeply personal struggles like fertility, Timmer is using her platform to spark conversations that matter. Whether through her PR agency, Six Sixteen, or her beauty brand, Lure, she continues to inspire confidence and empowerment.
In this exclusive interview, she shares insights on navigating the complexities of reality TV, the power of
female collaboration, and how she’s turning personal challenges into a source of strength for others.
Q: Give us a brief profile of who you are and what you do.
A: My name is Mariam Timmer. I’m a PR expert with 16 years of experience, an entrepreneur, and a cast member of The Real Housewives of Lagos. I own Six Sixteen Agency, a PR firm, and Lure Beauty, an organic skincare brand. I also run Jomanag, an oil and gas company specializing in procurement, offshore and onshore consulting, and content curation for corporate brands.
Q: How would you describe the relationship between women? Do you think social media and societal
changes has improved or strained these connections?
A: Women are making impressive strides, breaking barriers in industries where they were once limited. Many years ago, women were primarily seen as homemakers, but now they are CEOs, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders. Social media plays a role in both showcasing and shaping these changes.
While some narratives still portray women only as wives or mothers, we are seeing more women take control of their narratives, building careers and making an impact. For example, Edo State just appointed its first-ever female Commissioner of Police, a milestone that reflects the changing dynamics. Women are filling up spaces once reserved for men, and that excites me for the next generation.
Q: In The Real Housewives franchise, viewers see both genuine friendships and conflicts. How do you manage to maintain authentic relationships with your co-stars?
A: I stay true to myself. I’m naturally playful and happy, and I believe in bringing positive energy wherever I go. This season, we’ve seen a shift where some of us have managed to build genuine friendships outside of
the show.
Unlike previous seasons filled with animosity, Season Three has allowed some of us to connect beyond the drama. I have built real friendships with Sophia and Caroline, and I still maintain a strong bond with Iyabo, whom I was friends with even before the show. However, I believe in standing my ground and if you come for me, I will respond. But at the end of the day, I see The Real Housewives of Lagos as a job, and I do my best to deliver an
entertaining show.
Q: The franchise has been both praised and criticized for how it portrays women’s relationships. Do you think The Real Housewives of Lagos reinforces or challenges these perceptions?
A: Every cast member brings their own storyline, which differentiates them from the overall perception of the show.
In Season One, my focus was on my family. In Season Two, I shared my fertility journey to create awareness about different paths to parenthood, such as IVF, adoption, and surrogacy. Many people do not realize that these
are valid options, and I wanted to help change that.
This season, I’ve highlighted another aspect of my life which is balancing work and family while being in a long-distance marriage. I believe that no matter the drama on the show, we must ensure it does not overshadow our
personal stories and the message we want to share.
Q: What made you decide to join The Real Housewives of Lagos? How has the experience been so far?
A: Reality TV was not initially part of my plan. A few years ago, a friend in Los Angeles encouraged me to audition for The Real Housewives of Atlanta. Though I didn’t get selected, it planted the idea in my mind.
Later, I learned about The Real Housewives of Lagos and reached out to a few contacts. At first, they told me casting was already complete, so I moved on. But a few months later, I got a call, and within days, I was offered
a contract. The experience has been an exciting journey of growth and selfexpression.
Q: Behind the scenes, do the women support each other in personal and professional endeavours despite the drama?
A: Absolutely. While there is competition, I believe in empowering other women. I have used my PR connections to help some of the ladies get media features, and I am always willing to share opportunities.
For instance, Iyabo once helped me secure a hosting job, and I’ve supported other cast members with their business branding. I believe in collaboration over rivalry because there is enough success to go around.
Q: How has being on the show affected your personal relationships, especially with friends and family?
A: My family has not been affected because I prioritize them, but my friendships have been more challenging.
Filming takes a lot of time. One episode takes a month to shoot, and an entire season can take up to four months. During this period, I have little time for friends, which has strained some relationships. However, I try to
communicate in advance and make time when I can.
Q: Women are encouraged to support each other, yet competition sometimes gets in the way. How do you think women can balance ambition with genuine collaboration?
A: It all comes down to confidence and mindset. I believe what is meant for you will come to you, so there is no need for jealousy. I celebrate other women’s success because I know my time will come too.
I support my castmates whenever I can. For example, I recently helped Caroline design her business logo and branding materials. It takes nothing from me to uplift another woman, and I believe that giving genuinely leads
to receiving the same energy in return.
Q: What have you learned about female friendships from your experiences on the show?
A: Not everyone is for you. Some people smile in your face but do not have good intentions. Over the seasons, I have learned to be cautious and trust actions over words.
I refer to myself as The Underdog because people often underestimate me, but I believe in proving myself through my actions. I have also learned that friendships on reality TV do not always translate into real life, and that’s okay.
Q: How has the show empowered you and your co-stars to grow individually and collectively?
A: The show has given me a platform to share my story and impact people’s lives. I have received messages from people who were inspired by my journey, including offers from women willing to be surrogates for me after
hearing about my fertility struggles.
Beyond the show, I also give back to my community. Every year, I support a school for visually and hearing-impaired children, reminding me how important it is to appreciate life’s blessings. The Real Housewives of Lagos has shown me that our voices and stories matter, and I intend to use my platform for good.
