Uchubilo Amaka is the C.E.O cakes by Havillah, the beautiful mother of three who has a degree in Lingusitic from Nnamdi Azikwe University,Awka and a Master degree in public and international affairs from the University of Lagos talks about her challenges in the course of cake making. In this Interview with Yinka Lawal, she talks about her plans towards making her cake making outfit one of the best brands.
How did your journey into Cake making) started?
I have always been baking all my life but delved into cake making professionally couple of years back. I have always had a strong passion to run an eatery which I had named "Macsyz cuisine" but did not get strong support from my family and friends as they thought it would pose a herculean task for me considering my kids are not so grown. The vision is not yet dead though (smiles)
Give us an insight about you and educational background
My name is Uchubilo Amaka. Am the C.E.O "cakes by Havilah". I have a degree in Linguistics from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka and a Master's Degree in Public and International Affairs from the University of Lagos.
Did you stumble into cake making or you have always had passion for it?
I had always baked cakes before I decided to professionally get trained at "Cakes by Daisy". I just loved to be involved in anything called food ranging from cooked to baked goods. And Cake making became a second option to running the eatery.
What are the challenges you have faced in the course of this job?
(Laughs)Challenges make you stronger! Of course there were so many challenges but certainly they are surmountable. My first challenge was the fact that people always compared my prices to the likes of "cakes and cream". Distributing little samples of my cakes was the first step to convincing them. Finance can also pose a hindrance and this is because the art of cake making is a progressive journey. You see new designs and tools which you cannot do without if you would like to maintain relevance in the industry.
How were you able to surmount those challenges?
My instructor was able to instil in me the ability to make do with what I have and taught me tricks on improvising rather than looking out to buy every tool in the market.
What are the pains and gains of your job?
The pains come with the challenges but the gains for me overshadow the gains. This is because the positive feedback I get from my clients has encouraged me tremendously. It has kept me going over the years
Has there ever been a time you felt like quitting?
Never, not for a moment, I learnt from my instructor’s experience. It was discouraging at first but I was sure God would bless the works of my hands.
What are the sacrifices you have made?
Sometimes you have to wake up very early to meet up with the delivery time and sometimes you have to work late too. At these times, I'm away from my kids and hubby so as not to be distracted.
People get inspirations from different things, how do you get inspiration for your cake designs?
I get inspiration from everything especially the colours I see on peoples clothes. Cake making seems like an architectural course.....you just conceive a design in your mind and you bring it to fruition.
Has marriage restricted you in doing some things in the course of your job?
Being self employed for me is more beneficial as I have time for my kids and hubby better than when I was doing a white collar job.
How have you been able to combine being a mother, wife and your job?
It's not been too easy but be rest assured that there is a special grace on all women to function in these three spheres of life.
What other things do you do aside cake making?
Cake making is time consuming so I face it squarely and hope to be a household name in the near future.
What your take on women and career?
Whatever is worth doing is worth doing well so in whatever sphere you find yourself, it is pertinent to work hard, make an impact and maintain relevant.
What are your fulfilments?
The fact that I love what I do.
What are the things you are passionate about?
I am very passionate about satisfying my clients.......for me, good thinking must produce good products.
What was your parent reaction when you started, did they give you full support?
My parents desire my progress so they support whatever that makes me happy.
No comments:
Post a Comment