“Every humble beginning carries the seed of greatness — if only you dare to grow it.”

Ademola Eyiwunmi’s journey is a testament to resilience, faith, and purpose. From her days as a university student hustling to make ends meet to becoming the proud founder of ADORE Foods & Bakery, her story embodies the determination and courage that define today’s women entrepreneurs.

A graduate of Tai Solarin University of Education, where she studied Geography and Environmental Management, Eyiwunmi ventured fully into entrepreneurship in 2024 when she officially launched ADORE Foods & Bakery a brand she has diligently nurtured ever since.

In a recent interview with Debo Omilani, Assistant Editor at Lagos Eye News, she shared how ADORE Foods & Bakery has grown to serve clients celebrating weddings, birthdays, and other special occasions offering exquisite cakes, pastries, and confections that add sweetness to life’s most memorable moments.

Did you always see yourself becoming an entrepreneur?

Ademola Eyiwunmi:
Honestly, no. Growing up, I pictured myself as a corporate professional the typical nine-to-five, white-collar worker.

However, while in school, I engaged in several small businesses not out of passion, but necessity. I wanted to sustain myself without constantly relying on my parents.

Over time, I discovered a natural flair for business. I realized I could market anything convincingly I had the ability to make people interested in what I was selling. I sold perfumes for about two years, sold eggs, and tried other ventures. What started as a means of survival gradually became a passion for entrepreneurship.

“I discovered I could thrive in business when I stopped seeing it as survival and started seeing it as purpose.”

What were some of the challenges you faced when starting out?

Ademola Eyiwunmi:
My biggest challenge was funding. Like most entrepreneurs, I struggled with capital. Back in school, I had a locally built oven but couldn’t use it because I couldn’t afford a gas cylinder. I had already spent most of my savings on other baking materials.

Although I had learned the basics of baking before university, I couldn’t put my skills into practice. If I had the capital, I would have started making simple pastries like puff-puff. So yes, lack of capital was a major hurdle at the beginning.

How has entrepreneurship influenced you personally and professionally?

Ademola Eyiwunmi:
Entrepreneurship has transformed me. It has taught me patience, people management, and emotional balance. You won’t always get positive feedback in business sometimes criticism hits harder than praise, but how you respond determines your growth.

It has also taught me how to manage resources wisely. Professionally, entrepreneurship opened my mind to creativity and innovation. You can’t afford to stick to one thing. In Nigeria, you need multiple streams of income and constant innovation to survive and grow

How has this journey shaped your emotional and intellectual growth?

Ademola Eyiwunmi:
Emotionally, entrepreneurship has made me stronger. I’ve learned that failure is not final it’s a stepping stone. The way you handle setbacks determines your success. Falling doesn’t mean you’re finished; it means you’re learning.

Intellectually, it has kept me hungry for growth. There’s always someone doing better, so I strive to keep improving. I’ve also realized that I’m not alone many entrepreneurs face similar struggles, and that shared experience gives me strength.

Tell us about a major breakthrough moment in your journey.

Ademola Eyiwunmi:
That came after graduation. While job hunting, I continued to pursue my passion for baking. I wanted professional training, but baking lessons in Nigeria are quite expensive.

Fortunately, through my mom, I met one of her friends who offered to train me for free all I had to do was buy my own materials. She taught me like a sister, and I learned quickly. That experience changed everything for me. It built my confidence and marked the true beginning of ADORE Foods & Bakery.

What lessons have you learned so far as a businesswoman?

Ademola Eyiwunmi:
The biggest lesson is that things won’t always go as planned. Even when you’re confident in your work, life can throw surprises. But instead of giving up, you must find a way around challenges.

Never dwell on failure learn, adjust, and keep moving. My faith and confidence have been my anchors. I always pray, plan, and take action because planning without implementation leads nowhere.

What are your hopes for young entrepreneurs like yourself?

Ademola Eyiwunmi:
I hope the government provides more grants and funding opportunities for young people and fresh graduates. Many businesses are struggling or shutting down due to lack of funds.

For a business to survive, it needs consistent reinvestment and that often requires additional income sources. If the government can create accessible funding platforms and empowerment initiatives, many more young entrepreneurs will thrive.

What’s next for ADORE Foods & Bakery?

Ademola Eyiwunmi:
Growth and expansion! I’m constantly asking myself, “What next?” I want to introduce more innovative products, explore new markets, and eventually open additional outlets to reach more customers. The dream is big but with consistency, hard work, and God’s grace, I know it’s achievable.