Chief baker @Awesome Cakes & Stuffs, Yetunde advises new comers to get knowledge first - ITREALMS

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Former banker and now chief baker at Awesome Cakes & Stuffs, Mrs. Yetunde Ogaga, told ITREALMS' GBEMO OMOTOSO that getting good basic knowledge, upgrading oneself, re-learn and being patient with the process is quality for growth for new comers.

Excerpts:

What is Awesome Cakes and stuffs known for?

We are an outfit that is into engagement, wedding, celebration cakes, cupcakes, desserts, sweet treats, and top notch pastries that make  you and your guests crave for more.

How many years have you been in the Industry?

Waoh! since 2008 but professionally since 2015.

What inspires you into cakes and pastries?

The inspiration is purely based on passion. It started when I was in primary school and each time I see a foreign magazine with pictures of cakes, treats etc, I stay glued and start fantasizing...lol.

If given the opportunity, which other skills or profession would you opts for?

Based on my experience in the banking sector for a considerable number of years, it's either banking or law; as an advocate to be an activist fighting basically for the down-trodden, abused and violated women or children.

Your educational background?

I'm a graduate of Banking & Finance. I hold B.Sc from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State. Associate Member, Nigerian Institute of Management, Lagos. Also, other professional certification in cake making and decoration. 

Looking at the cake industry now with the time you ventured into the industry, how would you describe the innovations?

Cake industry has boomed; It has improved tremendously with breathtaking and daring designs with great techniques.

How do you stay abreast in cake designs?

I keep in tuned by learning, re-learn likewise upgrade through various media.

How can the level of cooperation or co-existence among Nigerian bakers improve?

With a positive perceptions, Baker A not seeing Baker B as a competitor but partners in progress, teamwork and healthy relationship.

What is your best cake recipe and why?

Chocolate cake because it's yummy!

With the high cost of baking ingredients, has it occurred to you to quit and why?

Quit is not an option.... "when the going gets tough, the tough gets going." There is definitely no problem without solution.

Do you have a mentor and what is it like having one?

I have seasoned mentors, having a mentor makes life easier for a mentee because a mentor guides you on a path they have already trodden thereby making it easier for a mentee's success.

Your best working tools as a baker?

Smiles... my giant wooden rolling pin; it makes working with fondant very easy.

How do you manage a difficult customer?

Extreme patience and calmness.

Your daily routine?

Wake-up time, morning devotion, family "tinz", work, family "tinz" then rest. Once, I feel I've reached my limits, I step back, rest and give out jobs to my trusted colleagues to ease the stress.

How would you describe yourself from others perceptions?

Easygoing, loving, disciplined and highly reserved person.

What is your advice for new comers in the cake industry?

'Rome wasn't built in a day' so get a good basic knowledge, upgrade, re-learn and be patient with the process.

How do you spend leisure time?

As time and occasion permits, it could be visiting and going out to social functions and nuclear family bonding time.

Describe your experience as a banker and now a baker entrepreneur?

As a Banker, it was work, work, work and little time for self and family, leaves home at dawn and come back at dusk, Honestly, it was really financially rewarding. However, as a Baker, I've time for myself, time management, more healthier and have time for my family, home but still a bit of extension of the banking experience.

Your hobbies?

Baking, reading and merriments.

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