Finding Purpose in the Chaos

Starting a business was never part of my plan. In fact, the very idea felt overwhelming-something for people braver, smarter, and more experienced than me. But sometimes, life has a way of pushing you toward unexpected paths, and for me, that journey began in the chaos of a global pandemic.

Losing My Way

In early 2020, I was working a full time job as a cleaning staff in a bank. It wasn't my dream career, but it paid the bills and offered some security. When the pandemic hit, everything changed. Within months, I felt the job wasn’t for me as at then jamb was also frustrating me. So i quit the job and started looking for another job but i couldn’t get any.

At first, I was devastated. Days turned into weeks, and I found myself feeling lost and unmotivated. That's when I began to notice something unexpected people around me were turning their hobbies and passions into side hustles. It planted a tiny seed of an idea: Could I do the same?

A Spark of Inspiration

I had always loved baking and being able to play with different flavors , using natural fruits for my flavors even tried using curry leaves for a cake flavor and it came it very nice . For years, I’ve been trying these recipes at home using my parents, siblings and friends as judges. Even making them and keeping them in out in people’s shops to be sold at a very cheap price. What if I could bring these scrumptious perfections to a broader audience?

I started researching e-commerce platforms, watching tutorials, and devouring articles about online businesses.

It was terrifying-I had no formal experience, no guarantee of success, and very little money to invest. But I realized that I couldn't wait for the "perfect moment." I decided to take a leap of faith.

Building from Scratch

The early days were a whirlwind. I spent countless hours building my website, designing a logo, and learning how to market my products online. Mistakes were inevitable there were moments when I over-ordered inventory, underpriced items, or failed to calculate shipping costs correctly.

But with each misstep, I learned something valuable. More importantly, I began to rediscover a sense of purpose. Creating a business wasn't just about selling products; it was about telling a story, supporting other small creators, and connecting with customers in a meaningful way

The Turning Point

One day, I received a call from a customer who had ordered a birthday cake before."Thank you for making my day" she said . "This cake is a reminder to slow down and enjoy life's little moments." After that call her voice was still echoing in my head. It wasn't just a cake it was a moment of joy in someone's life. That's when I realized my business wasn't just about transactions; it was about impact. Every item i had an order i had the potential to brighten someone's day or bring a small business owner closer to their dreams.

Lessons Learned

Running a business has been one of the hardest and most rewarding experiences of my life. Here are a few lessons I've learned along the way:

1. Start Before You're Ready: If you wait for the "perfect" time, you'll wait forever. Take small steps and trust that you'll learn as you go.

2. Build a Community: Your business is nothing without the people who support it-whether that's your customers, collaborators, or friends cheering you on.

3. Celebrate the Wins: It's easy to focus on what's not working, but don't forget to acknowledge the milestones, no matter how small.

Where i am now

Today, my baking business is thriving in ways I never imagined. It's still a work in progress, and there are plenty of challenges ahead, but I'm proud of how far I've come. What started as an uncertain leap of faith has become a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and connection.

If there's one thing I've learned, it's that life rarely goes according to plan-and that's okay. Sometimes, the most unexpected detours lead to the most beautiful destinations.