My grandmother inspired me to become a baker —Atolly’s cakes

How did you develop interest in confectioneries?

Growing up, I watched my grandmother bake and it always looked like magic when she mixed the ingredients, I was always amazed and hoped that one day, I would get the chance to bake my own cake. Finally, the day I was hoping for came, it was my grandfather’s birthday and my grandmother said I would be the one to make my grandfather’s birthday cake under her supervision which I did and everyone gave good comments about the cake. I felt very happy and fulfilled.

When I got back to school, I joined the home economics class immediately and I was blessed to have a good teacher who taught me how to make different pastries and she always took time to answer all my questions because I was too inquisitive. She later took interest in me and gave me a good foundation and that was how my interest in confectionery started.

Tell us about some of your challenges in the industry

God has been good. The confectionary industry is a tough one and you have to be on top of your game. One of the many challenges that we face is that customers don’t want to know that good confectionery is not cheap and ingredients come at a premium price, they prefer to go for lesser price not minding if it’s healthy or not.

• Boosting economy with cocoa production

How have you been able to overcome all these challenges?

Firstly, customer satisfaction is of topmost importance to us as an outfit and we have been able to overcome many of the challenges by reinventing new systems on how to exceed our customers’ expectations. Also, we go out for trainings and seminars so as to be on top of any situation and know what’s trending in the industry and that has made us one of the most sought after bakers in Ibadan.

Tell us about your outfit

Atolly’s cakes world has been in business for over 10 years and we bless God for where we are and where he’s taking us to. However, as an outfit, we have overcome melt downs and different challenges the industry has thrown our way. Also, we hold in high regard, the feedbacks from our clients and we are open to learning new things.

Do you also train?

Yes, we do, we train for NGOs. So far, so good the response has been good.

What is your best confectionery?

For me, it’s chocolate cake.  Most people that I know love it and it’s easy to make.

Why?

Most people love chocolate. It also has health benefits because its made from cocoa.  Dark chocolate is very good.