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Story & Lesson Highlights with emmanuella Igboanugo

We’re looking forward to introducing you to emmanuella Igboanugo. Check out our conversation below.

emmanuella, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
When I wake up, I begin my day with a short prayer for myself and my children. I then prepare breakfast for my daughter before she heads to school. Once she’s been dropped off, I return home to spend quality time with my 7-month-old son before starting my workday at 11 a.m., when I open my home to begin taking orders from customers. I manage my baking and customer orders with my son by my side, taking short breaks as needed. Around noon, I head out to pick up my daughter from the bus stop before resuming work for the remainder of the day.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello, my name is Emmanuella, but you can call me Emma. I’m the owner of Emma’s Delights Home Café and Sweet Inspirational Delicacies. My journey as a food entrepreneur began in March 2020, during the height of the pandemic, when I launched Sweet Inspirational Delicacies, a business that introduced many people to authentic Nigerian cuisine. The response was incredible and truly inspired me to keep growing.

In June 2023, I expanded my passion into the world of baking by opening Emma’s Delights Home Café, a cozy cottage bakery where I create a variety of sweets, cakes, and other baked treats. I’m always experimenting with new recipes and ideas, bringing creativity and heart into everything I make.

Looking ahead, my goal is to save toward owning a food truck that can be converted into a mobile bakery—or eventually opening a storefront. While the economy has made that dream a bit challenging, I’m determined to keep working toward it and continue sharing my love for food and baking with my community.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
bonds between people are broken by a lack of communication, unresolved conflicts, betrayal, and a failure to forgive. these bonds are restored through courageous communication, active listening, forgiveness, rebuilding trust, and demonstrating love and respect

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, there were a few moments when I almost gave up. One of the biggest challenges came when I first started my bakery—business was very slow at the beginning, and I questioned whether I had made the right decision. Looking back, I’m so grateful I didn’t quit, because over time my dedication paid off, and my business began to grow rapidly. My social media platforms have since gained incredible momentum, helping me reach more people who love what I create.

On a personal note, I’ve also faced difficult times in my love life. After experiencing heartbreak, I made the decision to focus on myself and my children. My goal now is to live fully—enjoying life’s moments, traveling the world, and perhaps even settling down in one of the countries I plan to visit.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, absolutely. What you see is genuinely who I am—I don’t put on a different persona for the public. I believe in being authentic and true to myself in every setting, whether it’s in my business or personal life.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I would stop investing my energy in trying to make the wrong person love me. I’ve learned that love should never come at the expense of self-worth or peace of mind. In the past, I held on to someone who wasn’t ready to take responsibility or value what truly mattered, and that experience taught me an important lesson about letting go and I’m working on that.

If I had 10 years left, I would focus entirely on living life to the fullest—traveling the world, experiencing new cultures, and trying different cuisines. I’d spend that time creating beautiful memories with my children and embracing every opportunity for joy and adventure.

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