I taught myself to bake by watching videos on You tube - Cake Baker and CEO Cakes by Lonpe

By Kemi Mobuse - Thursday, June 09, 2016

Cake decorating is more than simply making a delicious tasting cake -- it is about making an edible work of art. A cake designer can craft a gorgeous, towering cake for a wedding or a simple set of cupcakes for a birthday party. While a formal education isn’t required to be a cake designer, being creative and artistic certainly helps.

Coming across the delicious and sumptuous looking cakes creatively made by Baker and CEO Of Cakes by Lonpe. I was really curious to know what made the brand tick.

She had a short chat with KMB, where she talked about her craft; excerpts below;

KMB: Can we meet you?

Cakes By Lonpe: I'm Olalonpe Adeoti Of CakesByLonpe..

KMB: What do you do?

Cakes By Lonpe: I'm the CEO/Founder of CakesByLonpe.. we make all sorts of Cakes from sponge to deserts for all types of celebrations.. Birthdays, Weddings, Anniversaries etc

KMB: Can you pinpoint the exact moment you decided you wanted to be a baker?

Cakes By Lonpe: I had my B.sc at Crawford University Ogun state in 2011. After my Service year, like every other youth I couldn't wait to get a job. I was home for one year before I got a job which I did for 1 year and some months (and I didn't enjoy it by the way)... I quit work in 2014 having it in mind to start my own cake business... somehow, I developed the interest a year before I left job. I have by then, already started watching Videos on YouTube and practicing with the little knowledge I had from my aunt and mom who were Bakers. I started taking orders from my friends in 2014 and courtesy of the good compliments I got and referrals from friends and people who have tasted my cakes; I decided to make it a brand named "CakesByLonpe".

KMB: How old is your brand now and how has the market reception been?

Cakes By Lonpe: It's been 1year and 5months since CakesByLonpe was introduced to the "market" and so far, it's been good.. I make mostly dessert cakes which are very moist or as it's popularly known "ice cream cakes". I've got a lot of referrals from people who loved them and through my Adverts on Facebook and Instagram, it's been a very good experience I don't regret at all. Generally, the market has been a very friendly one.

KMB: Can I tag you as being you as being self taught or did you also attend a culinary school?

Cakes By Lonpe: I did not attend any Culinary School..My aunt is a Baker and my mom used to be too but, just regular cakes, so from the little things I see my aunt do, I did more research to get better..

KMB: Where do you get the inspiration for your cake designs?

Cakes By Lonpe: I don't like the regular "boring looking cake designs" I wanted something different... Something attractive, something very catchy and that’s how I came up with being creative with my cakes, Using almost anything around me to make it different and beautiful.

KMB: What major challenges have you had to deal with inception, but more importantly, what can you say those challenges taught?

Cakes By Lonpe: The Major challenge I have had to deal with since inception of this business was transportation... Cakes are very delicate and needs to be handled with care during delivery so it doesn't smear. I have a cab man who delivers my cakes for me so they get to their locations in one piece. The challenge here is the amount the cab man charges for delivery But then, my aim is to make sure it gets to my customer in a piece.. We are working on getting our own delivery bus so we could conveniently deliver to our customers at a low rate or no charge at all.

KMB: What can you say is your favorite part about being a baker?

Cakes By Lonpe: My favorite part about being a Baker is the "ART and the FUN"... I enjoy how I can be artistic with my cakes and still play around it and it comes out fabulous. I also love the priceless looks on my customers face when they get their cakes, keeps me going.

KMB: Any advice for upcoming entrepreneurs?

Cakes By Lonpe: My Advice for Upcoming Entrepreneurs is that; whatever it is you enjoy doing, create a Unique brand, be very Consistent and Most importantly, Always Say your Prayer.

KMB: Lastly, how can you be contacted?

Cakes By Lonpe: call me / WhatsApp: 07060650354

Instagram Page @CakesbyLonpe

Shop Addy: C street,Shagari estate, ipaja road,Lagos.