REDEFINING MOMENTS

Over the past 12 weeks, my life has been anything but ordinary.

By day, I work my 9–5 job. But once the clock strikes five, I switch hats, diving into my second shift that often stretches past midnight. It’s been intense, exhilarating, and deeply rewarding.

The Birth of a Passion Project

In November last year, I made a decision that changed the course of my life: I chose to pursue something I love — baking. That’s how Akini Cakehouse was born.

While I’ve always enjoyed cooking and baking, I wanted to do more than just follow recipes. I wanted to understand the craft. So, I bravely decided to become an apprentice, absorbing techniques and tricks from those with more experience. The journey was far from perfect, I made countless mistakes. But with the right mentorship, encouragement from friends, and inspiration from Pinterest and TikTok, I began to improve. Over time, I developed my own signature flavors and unique style.

Baking has taught me resilience, creativity, and discipline. More importantly, it opened my eyes to how much fulfillment lies in doing something you love, even if it means doing it after hours.

Turning Inward: Investing in My Career

Twelve weeks ago, I decided to apply that same energy and dedication to my professional growth. I joined the ALX program, not knowing exactly what to expect. The first week was intimidating, we were told we’d be “doing hard things.” I remember wondering, what exactly are these hard things?

But soon, I realized I had already been doing hard things, waking up early, working late, making mistakes, and trying again. The program pushed me further. It taught me how to communicate my story, how to write a compelling bio, and how to deliver an elevator pitch. I also learned how to create engaging presentations and use Excel functionalities, skills I hadn’t realized I was lacking.

Perhaps the most transformative part was leading a peer project group focused on financial empowerment. Taking on the role of project manager gave me a new appreciation for leadership, organization, and team dynamics. It was challenging but also incredibly fulfilling.

Reflections on Growth

These last 12 weeks have been a defining chapter in my life, a period of learning, unlearning, and relearning. Between baking cakes, working my 9 to 5, and leading projects within ALX, I’ve discovered parts of myself I didn’t know existed. I’ve found joy in discipline, growth in discomfort, comfort in planning, and clarity through action.

This experience has reminded me that we don’t always need to choose between passion and profession; with the right mindset, we can embrace both.

Looking Ahead

I’ve only completed the first phase of the ALX Data Science program, and this is just beginning. But already, I feel transformed. I’m more confident, more focused, and more excited about what lies ahead, both in business and in my career.

To anyone out there juggling multiple dreams and unsure of where to start, start where you are, with what you have. Growth doesn’t happen overnight, but it does happen. Sometimes, the transformative moments arrive unexpectedly.