Steven Bartlett, the British entrepreneur and media personality, has shared a deeply personal reflection on how his upbringing — shaped by a Nigerian immigrant mother — influenced his values, ambition and approach to work.

Bartlett was born in 1992 in Gaborone, Botswana, to an English father and a Nigerian mother. He moved to the United Kingdom with his family at the age of two and grew up in Plymouth, where his early years were defined by long working hours, financial pressure and a strong sense of responsibility within the household.

In a recent Facebook post, Bartlett recalled how both of his parents worked late into the night. His father held a full-time job during the day and regularly joined his mother in a small restaurant kitchen after hours, working into the early morning. As a child, Bartlett says, he often went to bed before they returned home and woke up after they had already left for work.

His mother’s journey as an immigrant in the UK was particularly demanding. Having left school at the age of seven and lacking formal education, she later went on to open a corner shop in their local community. Running the business required constant attention, and Bartlett remembers that she often slept in a back room of the shop to protect it from vandalism and theft.

At the time, these experiences were difficult for him to process. Looking back, however, he describes them as defining moments that shaped his understanding of resilience, perseverance and responsibility.

Despite the long hours and physical strain, Bartlett says his parents never described their work as hardship. Instead, they approached it with a sense of gratitude, viewing employment as an opportunity rather than a burden. That mindset, he explains, left a lasting impression and continues to guide his professional life.

Bartlett also reflected on the example set by his father, who consistently supported his mother’s business alongside his own employment. He credits this partnership with shaping his belief in teamwork, shared responsibility and mutual support — values he now carries into his own career.

As an adult, Bartlett recognises the contrast between his parents’ focus on survival and his own ability to pursue fulfilment and purpose. He describes that freedom as a privilege made possible by their sacrifices, particularly those of his Nigerian mother, whose determination laid the foundation for his success.

The story has resonated with many across the African and Nigerian diaspora, offering insight into the often-unseen realities of immigrant families in the UK and the generational impact of their resilience.