Nigerian entrepreneur Ogundare Oluwaseun Janet, CEO of Deelipcious Cakes/Super Fast Cakes, has successfully completed her ambitious "1,000 Cakes Project 1.0" initiative. The project involved baking and distributing 1,000 cakes within 48 hours to promote love, friendship, and community spirit. According to Janet, the idea was inspired by her personal experience of feeling isolated during a stressful period last year. She realized that many people may not have a strong support system and wanted to remind them of the importance of friendship and community.
Janet's baking journey began in 2014, but she became serious about it on January 1, 2015. In 2016, she created a fast cake delivery service called "Super Fast Cakes." Janet attributes her success to self-determination, strong will, independent thinking, and commitment to truth and honesty. These qualities have helped her navigate the challenges of the Nigerian baking industry. Janet's experiences have shaped her into the person she is today, and she is proud of her accomplishments.
The planning and execution of the 1,000 Cakes event required significant financial, physical, and human resources. Janet's team used almost 20 bags of flour, 18 bags of sugar, 224 crates of eggs, and 21 buckets of butter, alongside other ingredients. The event was approximately 85% self-funded, with support from Amel Susan International and Taroona. A team of about 150 people handled different aspects of the project. Janet described the project as a huge undertaking that required substantial resources.
Janet revealed that the most difficult parts of the project were funding and getting enough support. On the morning of the event, she felt stressed and considered calling everything off. However, she received donations of ingredients, cake boards, boxes, and other essential materials from sponsors, including the Oyo State Government and several private companies. Their contributions played a significant role in making the first edition of the 1,000 Cakes Project possible.
Despite the rising cost of baking ingredients and equipment in Nigeria, Janet was determined not to compromise on quality. Her goal was to share love and joy, one cake at a time, while maintaining her quality standards. A few weeks before the event, fuel prices increased, and ingredients became more expensive. However, Janet had already invested significantly and was determined to push through despite the financial pressure and stress.
Janet made significant personal sacrifices to bring the project to life, including depleting her bank account to ₦4,000. The project took a great deal of her financial, physical, mental, and emotional energy. The entire bakery and production team also contributed their strength, dedication, and determination. Janet appreciates everyone who played a part in bringing the project to life.
The 1,000 Cakes Project has had a significant impact on Janet personally and professionally. She proved to herself that her dreams are valid and that she can achieve what she sets her mind to through determination. The project also helped her recognize her strengths and understand her capacity as a baker. Janet considers the event a success because it brought people together, creating a sense of community and joy.
Key points
- Ogundare Janet's "1,000 Cakes Project 1.0" initiative promoted love, friendship, and community spirit in Nigeria by distributing 1,000 cakes within 48 hours.
- The project was approximately 85% self-funded, with support from Amel Susan International and Taroona.
- Janet's determination and commitment to quality helped her navigate the challenges of the project, including the rising cost of baking ingredients and equipment in Nigeria.