Sugar and Spice and everything nice: Meet Calabar’s finest baker- with Grace Ukot

Are you a sweet-tooth, or are you just like me, who has decided to start eating healthy in 2013 after a fabulous overdose of everything ‘delightfully bad’ over the festive period! (You can’t blame a girl can you?!) Well, whichever category you fall into,Sugar and Spice bake shop has got a wide range of sweet stuff and healthy diet options to tantalize each of your five senses this year! Starting at a young age, this lady has succeeded in turning passion into …Ego...Okuk…Owo…whatever language you speak, you know what I mean---CASH!  Okay, it’s time to sit back and enjoy this inspiring chat with Calabar’s finest baker!

Can you tell us about yourself? 

My name is Utibeima Nasegbe Ekpe. I am 26 years old, the last child and second daughter of my parents. I studied Physical Oceanography in the University of Calabar. I am a lover of God, travel, ankara and ovens! (Laughs)

Wow! Physical Oceanography! So, how did you find yourself baking?

I started baking soon after I learnt to boil water! And I come from a long line of bakers J I decided to do something I loved and that was the next best thing!

Hahahaha! So I guess d question should be 'how did you find yourself in Physical Oceanography?’

Well, I needed an education!

So, you recently launched your own bake shop. How has the business side of baking been?

It’s been great. It’s had its ups and downs.

Can you throw more light on the ups and downs?

Sometimes I have to constantly prove myself. Some people think I'm too young. Some others think that because I'm from a small town, I may not be able to deliver, or I may not be professional enough. It’s a 'what can a child do' mentality!

So how long have you been doing commercial baking?

Since I was fourteen!

Wow! Since you were fourteen?! Was it your own business? Or were you working under someone?

My mum was baking so I helped her a lot and when she had a lot to do, I'd help her bake. I also helped my grandma bake during the holidays, and she encouraged me to start selling them. So when people came to buy chicken from her she made them buy my cakes!

Oooh! That's nice. So when did you start your own commercial baking?

I started fully during the valentine period in my first year of University, which was in 2002!

Wow! So what's the inspiration behind the name Sugar and Spice?

Girls are made of sugar and spice and everything nice!  Plus I think that everything edible should have sugar and or spice! (Laughs)

What has been your motivation over the years in the baking business?

Firstly I'm not one for routine, so the fact that I can change things and do them differently every time keeps me motivated. Also, my clients and the encouragement of my family plus God's grace.

So, is Sugar and Spice a sole proprietorship or a partnership? Do you have staff working under you?

It is a sole proprietorship, and yes, I have staff working with me.

What is your staff strength?
I’ve got two assistants and one person for delivery.

How has it been managing your staff?

It’s been rough sometimes. When I started, I was a bit laid back, you know… easy going…not strict with the rules…But experience has taught me to toughen up and put things in perspective.

So what kind of services does Sugar and Spice render?

We offer cakes and a wide range of pastries for any reason and any occasion!

Do you deliver cakes outside the city of Calabar?
Yes! We've delivered so far to Benin, Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Rivers state, Imo state, Abuja and Enugu.

Can you tell us the 'magic' ingredient needed to make a fantastic cake? 

Love, Sugar and Spice! (Laughs) 

Where do you see Sugar and Spice bake shop in 5 years?

I see Sugar and Spice where God sees it- growing in fame and experience!

What advice would you give young aspiring entrepreneurs?

I advice they live by the philosophy I've chosen to adopt. I got this from a book my brother spoke to me about- "Blessed is the man who has found his work”. The work that is really a man's own work is play and not work at all. God has given each of us a specific gift. If we can turn that into work, we'll find pleasure in it. Loving what you do is the ultimate! 

Aww! Really nice! Thanks for the inspiring chat. We wish you all d best.

Thank you more! 

Check out more 'Sugary and Spicy' photos!

Donuts anyone?

da Creator!

Pure Heaven!

I didn't believe it was a CAKE!

Flawless!

gooey temptation! Yummy!

Utibeima and Ukeme

of course y'all are gonna have some!

We had to show some love!!

Noooooo!!! its all gone!!!

Sugar and Spice Bake shop is located at 12b Atimbo road and you can make your enquiries and bookings by calling or sending a text to 08038878617. You can also send an email to sugarspice007@ymail.com. Trust me, you will enjoy the Sugar and Spice experience!

 N/B: As we celebrate young entrepreneurs in 2013, if you would like your business to be featured on this page contact me on grazellemakeovers@gmail.com. Don't forget to post your comments!! Ciao!