Life As A Baker In Nigeria.

Can you tell us about yourself?

My name is Mrs. Olabisi Oluwashade, and I’m in my mid-50s. I spent my formative years in the UK, where I completed high school, before returning to Nigeria for university. I studied French at the University of Ibadan. I’m happily married with three wonderful children. For fun, I enjoy going to the beach, exploring different restaurants, reading, and, of course, baking! I am a certified confectioner. Most importantly, I am a firm believer of Christ.

What inspired you to start your bakery?

What inspired me to start the bakery business was divine inspiration honestly. After that, I went for proper training, started taking orders and opened the bakery. I started with baking celebration cakes and now my primary focus is bread.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when starting your bakery?

One of the challenges I faced when starting the bakery was securing a suitable location. Additionally, the power supply was insufficient to run our equipment initially, so we had to rely on a diesel-powered generator, which increased operational costs. Another difficulty we faced was the high expense of branded nylon for our bread. Also, finding dedicated staffs was an issue at some point.

How has the economy affected your bakery business in this year 2024?

This year, the Nigerian economy had an effect on the bakery due to constant price hikes. As a result, we had to downsize by closing one of our branches in order to maintain the quality of our products at the main branch. We're now focused on delivering better products while positioning ourselves to scale up.

What has been your most rewarding experience as a bakery owner?

Just hearing customers express satisfaction with our products and services, and getting positive feedbacks from customers which makes us know that we are touching lives. Additionally, having the opportunity to give back through donations is incredibly fulfilling.

How do you manage day-to-day operations at your bakery?

We have a structured system in place, ensuring that each staff member knows their daily responsibilities. When we receive large orders, I bring in a freelancer to assist the baker with the extra workload.

How do you balance running a bakery with your personal life?

Balancing the bakery with my personal life can be challenging at times, but over the years, I've learned to manage my time more effectively. I follow an early morning routine that ensures everyone is settled into their roles and afterwards, I have my own "me-time". My children also assisted me during the early years of the bakery and right now, my oldest daughter is very active at the bakery.

Where do you see your bakery in the next five years?

In the next five years, I see my bakery as a complete factory setting fully automated and reaching people all over the country and even beyond the shores of Nigeria.