OUR PEARLDIVA...THE ASTONISHING CEO OF DONUTSBYIWA

Our Pearldiva is one whose dynamism is mind-blowing. The ''go-getter'' has surprised a lot of people by being who she wants to be when she wants to be and we are pleased by what this sales expert has done with her life choices. Her firm belief for success makes her stop at nothing to attain her set goals. Iwaomo tells us how it all began and how she has managed to constantly re-invent herself.

Who exactly is the CEO of DonutsByIwa?

(Laughing) She is Iwaomo Judith Airiohuodion from Edo State but grew up in Lagos… born into the family of Mr. and Mrs. Ohomele who are retired now and enjoying old age. We are four in number and I am the fourth. I am married with a son. I am an easy going person who loves to swim, gist and bake (laughs).

Your education and career?
I am a graduate of International Studies and Diplomacy from Benson Idahosa University (BIU). I moved on to Calabar and then Benin respectively, where I worked with the European Union-MPP6. Also, I worked in Sales for various hotels and Airtel Nigeria. Then, left Airtel in November 2014 and birthed DonutsByIwa.

Why did you decide to do donuts?

Everyone is concentrating on cakes and desserts so I thought... why not concentrate on donuts…that’s really why. We make cakes on orders but that’s not our focal point of sales.

What influenced your passion for it?

After I resigned from Airtel Nigeria, I wanted to go back into bakery which I was doing while I was working but this time I decided to focus on donuts…basically because that’s my best pastry (smiles).

Are you satisfied with this business decision?

Yes, I am satisfied with this business decision

What makes your donuts stand out from others?

We create gourmet and bespoke donuts made with ingredients sourced locally.

Has it been profitable?            

Yes…It has been profitable.

Any negative feedback from your customers and how did you take?

Yes, we have gotten negative feedbacks and we sincerely appreciated them and ran with them. Feedbacks, both positive and negative, build and make us stronger. A specific example was a lady who I went to deliver a sample donut to and by the time she was done with her feedback, we were like hmmm….but guess what? That was the best we had ever received in critical feedback and we have evolved from then. We ensured that we made possible corrections and since we are all work in progress, we always value our feedbacks.

What are your goals for ‘donutsbyIwa’?

(Chuckles) Our major goal is to become the frontier in gourmet donuts service in Lagos…delivering pastries that will be a taste like home.

What do you consider as your best days in your business?

Best days in business are every day (laughing)

What do people like about your donuts?

Its unique taste (smiles)

Your highest patronage?

Ironically, it’s the adults that patronize more presently. We expected to have more patronage from the youths but I believe when we have a brick and mortar presence in Lagos we will be able to address the youth sector more. However, we appreciate the adult’s patronage and strive to do more to meet their needs.

Tell us about your donut exhibition coming soon and what we should expect-

It’s the launch of the brand next year…we intend to make it an exhibition where donut lovers can come, taste and experience our gourmet donut style. We will launch only new glazes and toppings tailored for Nigerians.

Your message to young women-

Stay focused on any dream you have. Let God guide you and strive relentlessly to achieve it. Never give up. Pursue your dreams. Always plan and most importantly eliminate procrastination and wrong company.