Exclusive: Christabel, CEO of Christa Cakes Shares Success Story

From her humble beginnings as a pure science student to becoming a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist, the journey of Christabel, the driving force behind Christa Cakes n’ Patisseries, is one of inspiration and resilience.

In this exclusive interview with The News Chronicle, Christabel shares with TNC Anchor Esther Salami insights into her upbringing, the evolution of her baking career, and her commitment to making a positive impact through her charity initiatives.

 

TNC: A person’s foundation is everything, hence, in what ways did your background and upbringing influence the woman that you are today?

Christabel: I was born into a family of all girls, and grew up with Women in my family including my Mum. My background sure influenced who I am today because I started way back by looking at the Women in my home; their zeal and strength were like a well to draw from.
TNC: You were a pure science student; so what inspired you to go into baking and pursue it as a profession?
Christabel: Oh yes, some years back before gaining admission into the University, it started like a skill I had a passion for. I desired to have something I could do with my own hands, and gradually I loved whatever I created with my own hands, with time I realized I needed to survive even as a student and I had to monetize the baking skill I had to obtain the finance I needed.
TNC: Can you share a brief on when you started your business or got registered? How much capital did you initially invest, what were your primary expenses, and how were you able to manage your finances?
Christabel: Honestly, I can’t specifically say this is the amount I invested as a beginner. I only got a few tools/equipment back then to begin with. Then I purchased ingredients based on each order I got and the circle continued until I was able to start using my little gains back then to establish the business and even got some equipment as a winner of a contest or as gifts from family members.
My primary expenses were basically my tools like measuring cups and spoons, an analog scale, a work table, and baking pans…
How do I manage my finances? It wasn’t difficult for me, because I’m a saver and not a spender kind of person. I have this natural discipline especially financial discipline, when I make up my mind ‘this is what I’m doing‘, I’m definitely doing it. So I of course know what to save and what to spend. Not a problem even to date.
TNC: Christa Cakes n’ Patisserie was actively in business all through your years in school; how were you able to manage your business and academics so well that you excelled in both?
Christabel: Hmmnn, Discipline, Determination, Being focused, Setting goals and having priorities.
TNC: What habit, practice, or virtue would you say has helped you thrive in business so far?
Christabel: Same as [my fourth answer] above, God, Determination, Discipline, Staying focused, setting and smashing goals and priorities, quality relationships (great friends).
TNC: Aside from your pastry company, you have a charity group, Christa Cakes, and friends; what motivated you to combine your love for baking with charitable work? 
Christabel: It gladdens my heart and brings joy to my soul each time I’m able to make someone/people happy. It brings inner fulfillment to me. Teaching people and making a positive impact are some of the things I’m made for, and I created a platform for it.
TNC: Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently in terms of how you started? 
Christabel: Nothing per se, except probably starting big which is always almost a mission impossible for an average Nigerian.
TNC: What driving force(s) has kept you going (motivated) even in the face of challenges and setbacks?
Christabel: God and people that matter.
TNC: Looking ahead, what are your goals for both your baking career and your charity group? Do you see yourself exploring other career paths aside from these two?
Christabel: Goals; Expansion and impacting communities of people. YES, I see myself exploring other career paths.
Christa Cakes’ Graduate and Christabel
TNC: What top advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs who want to start a pastry business like yours or any other business?
Christabel: The beginning is not always sweet and rosy, keep your minds at it and you’ll excel.
TNC: If you could tell young people one thing in general, what would that be?
Christabel: Love God and People
TNC: Finally! What would you like to be known or remembered for? 
Christabel: The impacts I made; the lives I touched, the problems I solved, the empire I built, the proteges I inspired.
TNC: Thank you for your great insights and entrepreneurial wisdom!
Christabel: Thank you so much for the privilege, It was so sweet answering the questions.
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