Owolabi Mercy is one of Nigeria’s energetic and hardworking young entrepreneurs. She is a baker, caterer, mixologist and chief executive officer (CEO) of Florry Cakes and More. Her business is to bake and cook exquisite meals for events.
Although she is a graduate of Yaba College of Technology, also known as YABATECH, she started her business on a part-time basis in August 2012 while undergoing her National Diploma (ND) programme, baking cakes and snacks for her colleagues and those around her. Six years down the line, she has been able to expand her business to event management, catering and making of drinks such as Chapman and Punch.
She started this business with N15, 000, which she proudly explains was entirely her savings. She says, “I am proud to have started my business with the sum of N15, 000 which I saved on my own.”
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Mercy was encouraged to start this business owing to her passion for cooking, baking and planning of events, which she always enjoys doing.
“Right from my childhood, my favourite place has always been the kitchen. I have always loved baking, cooking and planning events too.
“While growing up, I took it upon myself to always decorate the house during festive seasons and I am grateful that my family encouraged me all the way, which helped me when I wanted to start my business. Now, I am so grateful because I do not have to look for a job anymore.”
Owolabi says that she is able to remain different from other bakers by using only the best ingredients, establishing a friendly relationship with her clients, with a conscious, continuous effort of self-development, all of which have proved to work well.
Speaking on some of the major challenges confronting her business, she complains about poor electricity supply, high cost of ingredients and transport problems, especially in terms of deliveries. She states that although she has been able to manage these issues, there is still a need for the government to intervene and help ease the business environment, especially for start-ups.
“I usually get my ingredients in Lagos major markets. I get them from wholesalers, and some other times I buy in groups with other bakers from wholesalers. Doing this reduces the cost price, and I always ensure that my ingredients are sourced from first-class producers.”
The entrepreneur believes her products are always unique because of the way she uses special ingredients.
“I also operate under a very clean environment to avoid the risk of making harmful products, given that my goods are consumables.”
When asked about plans to expand her business, the entrepreneur states that she has strong plans in this respect.
“Over the last six years, I have been encouraged by the business so far. My clients’ database has grown tremendously, so has my profit margin. I have learnt lessons, and all these have encouraged me greatly. I am working on becoming a strong lady in the catering and event management world, and even establish my own restaurant,” she says.
“Although I have been able to acquire certificates from trainings and seminars, I am still hunting for more certificates and trainings to gain more knowledge and expertise that will help my business grow.”
The entrepreneur has an employee, but is working on growing her business to bring in more workers. She is also trying to get an official place for her business.
“I am sure I will achieve all these in due time, though it will require extra funds and resources. But, hopefully, I can achieve it through financial aids from the government, consumer organisations or financial institutions.”
Speaking on the effect of the economic downturn, she says that human beings have the ability to adapt to any situation, meaning that businesses still fare well in such period, though not as fast as before.
“My role models are business moguls that started small but have gone far today,” she says.
“I try to emulate them while working with my values, which include being hardworking, remaining committed and consistent with high level of patience and tolerance,” she tells Start-Up Digest.
She urges the government to ease the business environment, especially for small and medium scale enterprises. Owolabi also wants the authorities to make policies that will aid start-ups, while calling on the government to provide stable electricity and necessary infrastructure for effective and easy production and mobility.
On advice to other entrepreneurs, she says, “Remain hard working, make a conscious effort to develop yourself regularly, ensure you grow your people-network and always believe in yourself.”
Faminu Gbemi
