Step into the world of Cakesbydebbie, a confectionery company that’s making waves in Lagos, Nigeria. Deborah’s journey began with a degree in mass communication from Ajayi Crowther University Oyo. While working in the banking sector for 12 years, she nurtured her baking skills as a side hustle. However, in the second quarter of 2023, she made the bold decision to leave the banking world behind and fully dedicate herself to her confectionery business.
Cakesbydebbie is more than just a bakery; it’s a labour of love that stems from Deborah’s upbringing. She learned the art of baking from her mother and developed a deep passion for the craft. This passion is evident in every delectable creation that comes out of her kitchen.
One of the key principles that sets Cakesbydebbie apart is its commitment to solving customers’ challenges promptly. Whether it’s a production issue or any other concern, Deborah and her team go above and beyond to find solutions. They offer options such as introducing new products, providing refunds, or a combination of both, ensuring that their customers’ satisfaction is always the top priority.
With a strong foundation in baking and a dedication to customer satisfaction, Deborah Paseda and Cakesbydebbie are redefining the confectionery landscape in Lagos. Join the sweet journey and indulge in their delightful interview.
Tell us about Yourself
My name is Deborah Paseda and I am the founder and creative director of Cakesbydebbie a confectionery company in Lagos Nigeria. I am a graduate of mass communication from Ajayi Crowther University Oyo. I was in the banking sector for 12 years while running the business as a side hustle but in the second quarter of 2023, I decided to leave banking and face the business fully.
What does your business do and how it started
Like I mentioned earlier my business started 12 years ago as a side hustle. I learnt baking from my mom and picked up my love for the craft from there.
How do you solve your customer’s challenge?
We try to solve customers challenges promptly especially when it’s a production issue by offering a new product or a refund or both as the case maybe.
Who are your ideal customers?
I’ll say my ideal clients are clients who know what they want. Come to us with a budget, we tell them what their budget can get them and we seal the deal without any hassle.
Can you describe your typical day?
My typical day starts at 6 am with prayers, school runs, going to the gym just became part of my routine and of course, heading to the bakeshop. The first thing I do is to ensure all orders for that day have been sent out already or picked up and then we review orders for the next day. We run a pre-order cake system for the bake shop.
How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life?
I try to find the balance between being an entrepreneur and being married. It can be challenging sometimes cos everyone wants your attention at the same time but I literally practice breathing in and out and take it one step at a time.
What is your greatest fear?
My greatest fear is failure.
How do you define success?
Success for me will be reaching a certain financial stability and achievement in my profession which is always delivering on quality products and services. Above all success for me is being surrounded by my family.
What is your favourite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
My favourite part of being an entrepreneur is being in control of my time. Coming from a 9-5 where you had no control of timing. It helps me structure my day better for optimal productivity.
If you had the chance to start your career over again, what would you do differently?
What I’d do differently is attend more professional classes earlier when I started out in business. For the longest time, all I knew were recipes and techniques I learnt from my mum but as a baker or cake artist, you need to keep reinventing yourself to remain relevant in the industry.
What would you say are the top skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
My top skills will be marketing and sales, knowing how to structure your business to run effectively with or without your physical presence and perseverance. some days may be high and some low but better days are always ahead.
Who has been your greatest inspiration?
My mum is my greatest inspiration. She combined baking, catering and lecturing back then. I don’t know how she did it. She’s my hero.
What advice would you give to people who want to become entrepreneurs?
I’ll tell people that it’s a very tough road but fulfilling. You have to be strong-willed. You have to research the industry before you get into it. Never be in a hurry to open a shop, if you can have an online store pls do so until the business can afford a store. Be focused and never let the naysayers get to you.
What business-related book has inspired you the most?
How to Sell to Nigerians by Akin Alabi
If you were to write a book about yourself, what would you name it?
The title of the book will be “The Banker and Baker” – how I combined a 9-5 job with an active side hustle.
Please share the contact details you wish to be made public.
Our numbers are 08170590800 and WhatsApp 07061159882
And that wraps up our interview with Deborah Paseda. We are impressed by her growth and look forward to capturing her growth in the confectionary world.
