5 Minutes with Award Winning CEO Sweet Indulgence, Olamide Smith

It is not easy running a business, or starting one for that matter. At connectnigeria.com, we love businesses, and we love to hear success stories. One of our main goals is to help them succeed; it is in our DNA. Our company was introduced to Olamide Smith of Sweet Indulgence by a member of our team. Let’s just say that the meeting was sweet; her company name, Sweet Indulgence, indeed pays her homage. Recently, we got to learn about her desire and passion -cakes- as she shared a few minutes of her time with us:

I’m a graduate of Microbiology, with a Master’s in Business Administration. I am also a Certified Oracle Database Administrator. I attended a couple of culinary schools home and abroad, starting with Mix and Bake, Cake and Candy and then abroad, Wilton School of Cake Decorating, Le Cordon Bleu (United Kingdom) where I learnt the art of French pastry. 2. When did you start this business? I started part-time in 2003, transitioned to full time 2010/2011. 3. Why did you decide to do this? I consider myself to be a creative and very imaginative person, and I also love good food. Baking combines the elements of creativity and taste. 4. What were your biggest challenges starting out? Well, I got discouraged by a couple of people who felt I was overqualified for kitchen works and had better prospects doing a white collar job, but thank God for my family and friends who believed in me; my sisters especially. 5. What have been the high points of your journey so far? When I took up the Make Me Beauty Salon cake and we had to complete the structure in less than 48 hours, we spent all night and it wasn’t something we had done in the past but we thank God we were able to accomplish the task and it was ready as at when needed. 6. Do you have a favourite cake you have ever baked? None in particular because it keeps changing *smiles* Though I like the ship cake, the structure we designed for Make Me Beauty Salon , the two tier gateau cake , the newspaper on brief case cake, the Polo Ralph Lauren, and many more… 7. How does baking make you feel?  Wow! I am happy when I bake and happier when a customer loves it. 8. What is your long-term vision for Sweet Indulgence? In the next couple of years, by God’s grace I see Sweet Indulgence having a larger customer base, and also taking creativity and taste to a whole new level. 9. Who are your mentors? My dad is my mentor. I also have great regard for other cake makers like The Cake Boss, Cakes by Tosan, Cafe Concerto, Cake and Candy, Exotique Cakes, Absolute Elegance, Yellow Velvet Cakes and Licious Desserts 8. If you could go back to the beginning, what would you do differently? Nothing I can think of really. 9. In your opinion, what qualities are a must for a successful entrepreneur? I believe the qualities of a successful entrepreneur are to be goal oriented, focused, determined and always have a competitive advantage- not forgetting the God Factor. 10. What is your philosophy of life? With God all things are possible. 11. How do you relax, and spend your leisure time? I watch movies. 12. What’s your advice to would-be entrepreneurs? I would advise them to stay focused and determined. Also start whatever business with the mindset that failure is not an option. 13. How does the award you won recently make you feel? I’m excited! All glory to God and many thanks to the Wed Magazine team, Sweet Indulgence team, customers, friends and family.