Teepearl Cakes and Events recently opened its cake studio in readiness to forge ahead in its quest to provide effective service delivery to its growing customers. Odidi Ayomide, an Ijesa born entrepreneur in this interview with Tropic Reporters Correspondent, Adejola Adeyemi Crown spoke about her newly found business-love due to the unavailability of jobs and other things. Excerpts…
Care to tell us about yourself?
I am Odidi Ayomide Temiloluwa from Ilesa in Osun State, Nigeria. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics and Communication from Osun State University.
How long have you been in business and how did you decide to start a business?
Well, I have been in business since 2014 due to the lack of employment and overwhelming jobs positions and opportunities in Nigeria. I started dropshipping then now into full time Baking
Where’s your business located?
As an Omoluabi and someone that loves to grow local economy I decided to locate my cake business in Ilesa, Osun State with the intention to project my hometown to the world through my numerous activities thereby expanding my scope beyond the length and width of Osun State.
Did you have any business experience before you started Teepearl?
Growing up there was not business experience at all from my parents because my parents passion for education. My Mum is a teacher, while my Dad was a retired Officer, so no experience at all. It was all education all along. It was the economy situation of Nigeria that forced the experience out of me and led me to learning a skill that’ll help me be job creator and employer of labour. So I was literarily a newbie although I have always lived baking. So I went to learn the nitty-gritty of the job to further widen my interest and for finesse.
How has government policy initiative influenced your business?
In a developed society, Governments’ makes provision for its citizens through different empowerment Initiatives to bridge the gaps in the labour market, formulate policies that’ll ensure conducive environments for businesses to thrive most importantly Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). In the real sense of it, i dont think government’s policy really have enough positive impact on the masses.
As a start-up, how were you able to sort start-up fund?
Laugh! As a start-up company and an entrepreneur, it’s not really easier to get funds if not through the help of friends and that’s why I use to say “Don’t ever burn bridges, you don’t know who might be your angel in years to come”.
What does your typical day look like?
You know as an entrepreneur that’s trying to get her fit well grounded all hands must be on deck to rise above the numerous challenges and also to meet up with customers demands and everyday orders. So my typical day use to be very hectic, I rest when body calls for it. (Smiles)
What has surprised you about business ownership?
Owning a business is of the great challenges in life most especially at the beginning, so many people look down on such business at first, but later want you to be their forever plug. That’s the power of prayer, consistency and hard-work.
Have you made any mistakes that other business owners can learn from?
I have learned that as a business start-up, it is always wrong to start a new business with a loan. I have made some mistakes and God has helped me to triumph over the draining challenges.
Have you had any successes that other business owners can be encouraged by?
Yes, I’ll possibly share this in a nearest future during my expository business sharing class to motivate and encourage new business starter.
Do you have any advice for youths and graduates thinking about going into this business?
Baking and event planning is a lucrative business. You will never regret u did. They should endeavor to train from the right person and be determined to succeed ❤️.
I will also enjoin youths to embrace Entrepreneurship skills and knowledge for a better future because the number of Government jobs out there can no longer be enough for the growing number of University graduates.
Where did you get the name “Teepearl”?
(Smile) I got the prefix “TEE” from my name Temiloluwa and Pearls means a person of great rarity and worth.
Do you have any thoughts about branding?
Yes, branding makes your work much more presentable and attractive to customers inregardless of Competitions.
What effect does social media have on your baking profession?
It’s a big avenue for me to market what am selling, a great platform to showcase my creativity to the world. 60% of my customers are from social media.
How do you unwind during your free moment?
I listen to music and take a nap.
