National Wire About Nigerians, Nigerian Business and Other Stories
In the ever-evolving world of entrepreneurship, where resilience and determination define success, Ronke Daramola stands tall as a beacon of perseverance. As the CEO of Eight 11 Cakes, she has not only carved a niche in the baking and catering industry but has also turned her passion into a thriving business. Her journey is one of dedication, strategic decision-making, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
A Legacy of Baking
Ronke’s foray into the baking industry was almost predestined. Born into a family deeply rooted in the catering business, she grew up watching her late mother and aunt expertly craft cakes and meals for various occasions.
Her aunt, Mrs. Yemi Bamgboye RnY Events (now ClassicDessertbyRnY in the USA) was a major influence and motivation to her business today and according to her, the story of Eight 11 Cakes may be be complete without her mum and aunt’s input. “It’s a family business,” she recalls. “I grew up to meet my late mother and my aunty in the trade.”
This early exposure to the art of baking sowed the seeds of passion that would later blossom into a full-fledged career.
After completing her secondary education, Ronke took her first steps into the business world. However, it wasn’t until 2013, when she officially registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), that she decided to fully commit to the trade.
This marked the beginning of what would become Eight 11 Cakes, a brand synonymous with quality and creativity in the baking industry.
Overcoming Capital and Market Challenges
Like many entrepreneurs, sourcing capital was one of Ronke’s earliest challenges. “It’s a business that is capital-intensive,” she explains. “You need funds to get the ingredients and equipment before sales start coming in.”
Determined to push forward, she secured a loan from a financial institution, ensuring she had the necessary resources to set up her business.
Penetrating the market also came with its hurdles. “Of course, the cake business is saturated,” Ronke admits.
“There are new bakers springing up daily.” However, her strong network of friends who had supported her from the days of her small beginnings played a crucial role in establishing her brand. Social media also proved to be a powerful marketing tool, helping her reach a broader audience and showcase her unique designs.
Struggles and Triumphs
Building Eight 11 Cakes was not without its difficulties. The early days were plagued by issues such as erratic electricity supply and the challenge of acquiring essential equipment like industrial ovens and mixers. However, her persistence and resourcefulness kept her going.
One of the most significant turning points in her journey was the power of referrals. “The referrals I get from people encourage me to keep pushing on,” she shares. “Word-of-mouth advertising is the soul of business.” The trust and loyalty of satisfied customers became the driving force behind her brand’s steady growth.
Navigating the Business Landscape in Nigeria
Running a business in Nigeria presents unique challenges, and Ronke has had to adapt to various economic realities. Pricing remains a major concern, as customers often compare costs and gravitate toward cheaper options. Inflation further complicates matters, making it difficult to maintain stable prices. Additionally, unreliable electricity supply forces her to rely on alternative power sources such as solar energy and generators, increasing operational costs.
Despite these obstacles, Ronke remains committed to her business, choosing to build her brand in Nigeria rather than seeking opportunities abroad. “If given the opportunity freely and less expensively, 90% of Nigerians would ‘japa’ (relocate),” she acknowledges. “Many of us have created jobs for ourselves, but taxes, VAT, and rent fees are high. The profit on sales often goes into production and transportation, leaving little behind.”
However, for Ronke, the fear of starting over in a new country and the steady progress of her business in Nigeria have kept her grounded. “I know my business is developing here,” she says. “I’m scared of starting all over again.”
From Journalism to Baking
Ronke’s journey to entrepreneurship was not linear. A native of Ile-Ife, Osun State, she was born and schooled in Lagos. Her academic path took her from training as a journalist in Lagos to studying linguistics at Osun State University. After graduation, she worked in a health maintenance organization while running her business on the side. However, two years ago, she made the bold decision to resign from her 9-to-5 job and dedicate herself fully to Eight 11 Cakes. “My business was sponsoring my lifestyle more than the office job,” she reveals.
A Sweet Future Ahead
Although Eight 11 Cakes has yet to receive formal recognition or awards, Ronke remains optimistic about the future. “We are working hard, and we hope to get there soon,” she says confidently. Her story is an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, proving that with passion, resilience, and strategic planning, success is achievable.
For Ronke Daramola, the journey is far from over. As she continues to refine her craft and expand her business, one thing remains certain—her love for baking and commitment to excellence will keep Eight 11 Cakes thriving for years to come.
