Oyin Adekola has always loved making cakes for family and friends. Just before Christmas 2013 she turned this passion into her dream job when, with help from Business Gateway Aberdeen City & Shire, she opened a cake shop.
Specialising in bespoke cupcakes and celebration cakes, decorated in fondant or buttercream icing, the shop, O’Caykx, is based on Schoolhill in Aberdeen’s city centre.
“I worked in the oil and gas industry as a business and market analyst but loved making cakes. I registered the business in 2010 and started baking cakes on a part-time basis
alongside my main job.
After working from home for a couple of years, and with a growing client list, I knew it was time to take the next step and the trigger for that came when I was contracted to provide 300 dessert cakes for a Shell networking event.
“It was a nightmare doing that many cakes in a residential kitchen but I really wanted to branch out into the corporate market, and knew the trend was likely to continue, so I secured the premises on Schoolhill which will allow the business to grow. I serve a wide range of clients and it’s very rewarding to see the look on a customer’s face when they pick up their cake. The ability to put smiles on people’s faces is priceless.
“With the help of Business Gateway and especially my advisor, Gillian, each step I’ve taken in starting up my business has not been as scary as I imagined it might be. I’ve been given advice on funding, recruitment, growing a business, and recently received my first employee grant. Gillian is great. Whenever I was confused or unsure about something I’d give her a call and she was always a friendly and reliable source of help.” said Oyin.
Gillian Macdonald of Business Gateway Aberdeen City & Shire added: “It has been a pleasure working with Oyin as she has taken O’Caykx from a small, home based venture to a high street business. She attended a number of Business Gateway workshops that covered marketing, book-keeping and writing a business plan and we look forward to continuing to support Oyin as her business develops.”
“I’d strongly encourage anyone starting a business or in business to attend the Business Gateway workshops. They are free and mind changing. I remember going to the Business Planning course. It was just what I needed as I was struggling to put my thoughts down, but now I have a full proof business plan on paper I really feel a great sense of accomplishment. Business Gateway definitely makes running a business less daunting as they are available to guide you every step of the way,” added Oyin.
Thirty four year old Oyin is married with two young children and has lived in Portlethen for the last two years where she has had great support as a cakemaker. “I spent close to six years working in the oil and gas industry. It was a bold step to leave that environment, but cake making has always been my passion and dream job. The aim for 2014 is to develop my corporate client base by introducing unique employee benefit packages, and to continue bringing smiles to customers’ faces as they receive their cakes.”
Find out how Business Gateway Aberdeen City and Shire can help your business by calling 01224 289 725 or visiting www.bgateway.com/local-offices/aberdeen
If you have your own business, or are thinking of starting one, then get in touch now and see what we can do for you:
Business Gateway Aberdeen City & Shire – 01224 289 725
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Business Gateway Aberdeen City & Shire Twitter
Business Gateway Tayside – 01382 443 400
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