5 Minutes with Bola Okpue of Wani Cakes 

In our 5 Minutes with an Entrepreneur series, we spotlight Michigan food entrepreneurs who are turning bold ideas into thriving businesses, with a bit of help from community, creativity, and hard work. 

For Bola and Anwelli Okpue, co-founders of Wani Cakes in Detroit, it all started with a wedding cake. After guests raved about the Nigerian vanilla cake baked by the groom, the couple launched Wani Cakes with a mission to make indulgent desserts healthier and more accessible. 

What began at the Dearborn Farmers’ Market has grown into a fast-rising brand, with their Omich Cake Kits and protein-packed cake parfaits now sold at major retailers like Meijer and Fresh Thyme Market. With fewer than 250 calories and less sugar than a cup of flavored yogurt, their snacks are made for on-the-go enjoyment, without the guilt. 

As they expand to 50 stores in 2025, Wani Cakes is well on its way to becoming a national brand. Keep reading to learn how they’re building a brand that’s as smart as it is sweet. 

What was the spark behind your business? 

The spark behind Wani Cakes came from a deep belief that everyone has a skill or passion that can be used to fuel their dreams. For us, that passion took the form of creating healthier, high-quality snacks—but the bigger mission has always been about more than food. 

At Wani Cakes, we see our products as a vehicle to inspire—especially young adults—to recognize their potential, invest in themselves, and make a positive impact on their communities. We wanted to show that it’s possible to build something meaningful, rooted in purpose, and still make it successful. That vision continues to guide everything we do. 

What motivates you?  

What motivates me most is the opportunity to create meaningful impact through the work I do. Whether it’s in my role as a nurse or as the co-founder of Wani Cakes, I’m driven by a deep desire to improve lives—even in small ways. That might mean offering a healthier snack option that brings comfort and nourishment, or inspiring someone to believe in their own potential. 

I’m also motivated by the chance to build something bigger than myself. Wani Cakes isn’t just a business—it’s a platform to create jobs, uplift communities, and empower young entrepreneurs, especially those who may not always see themselves represented in this space. That blend of purpose, creativity, and community impact is what truly fuels me—even when the journey gets challenging. 

What’s the biggest mistake you’ve made that others should avoid? 

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that mistakes aren’t always failures—they’re opportunities for growth. At Wani Cakes, we haven’t had any catastrophic missteps, but we’ve certainly made decisions that, in hindsight, could have been more strategic. One key learning has been the importance of asking the right questions early on—especially when investing time and money into areas like marketing. 

For instance, we initially tried a few marketing strategies that didn’t deliver the results we hoped for. It taught us to pause, seek guidance from mentors and experienced business leaders, and make data-informed decisions instead of relying purely on gut feeling. That shift in mindset has been invaluable and something I’d encourage any entrepreneur to embrace early. 

What’s the biggest ah-ha you’ve had?  

One of the biggest “ah-ha” moments for me was discovering the potential of our cake cups, which evolved directly from the feedback we received on our original cake kits. 

The kits were a strong starting point, but we quickly recognized a growing demand for something more convenient—something quick, wholesome, and ready to enjoy on the go. That insight led us to develop our grab-and-go cake cups, which not only meet that need but also opened up new possibilities for scaling the business. 

It was a powerful reminder of the value of listening to your customers and staying flexible. Being willing to pivot when the opportunity presents itself is turning out to be a game-changer for Wani Cakes. 

Five years from now, where do you hope to be?  

In five years, I see Wani Cakes expanding across the Midwest—on university campuses, in health system cafeterias, and in retail stores. But more than just growth, I want our brand to be a source of inspiration. I hope our journey encourages young minds, especially those from underrepresented communities, to believe in their skills and take that leap into entrepreneurship. If Wani Cakes can show that it’s possible to build something with purpose and impact, then we’re doing more than selling a product—we’re helping fuel dreams, strengthen local economies, and build healthier communities. 

What’s the biggest challenge facing small good food businesses? 

One of the biggest challenges is balancing mission with scalability. 

Small, values-driven food businesses—especially those focused on quality and more sustainable products—often face higher ingredient costs and tighter margins. Competing with larger brands that can offer lower prices without the same quality or values can be tough. 

At the same time, getting access to shelf space, reliable distribution, and strong marketing support is difficult without major backing. You have to prove demand while still trying to grow—and that can feel like an uphill battle. 

For businesses like ours, staying true to our mission while finding creative ways to scale, cut costs without cutting corners, and educate customers about what makes our products different is a constant challenge—but it’s also what makes the journey meaningful. 

What key qualities should an entrepreneur possess?  

I believe the most important qualities an entrepreneur should have are resilience, creativity, and strong problem-solving skills. 

Resilience is key because the journey is full of challenges—things don’t always go as planned, and you have to be able to bounce back, learn, and keep moving forward. Creativity helps you think outside the box, whether it’s developing a unique product, like our cake cups at Wani Cakes, or finding fresh ways to reach customers. And problem-solving is at the heart of entrepreneurship—every day presents new decisions, and being able to stay calm, assess options, and take action is essential to growth and survival. 

What’s one lesson or piece of advice you’ve learned that you’d pass onto other entrepreneurs?  

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is to stay rooted in your “why.” The entrepreneurial journey is full of highs and lows, and it’s easy to get distracted by trends or pressured into making decisions that don’t align with your vision. But when you stay connected to the reason you started—the problem you’re solving or the people you’re serving—it keeps you grounded and helps guide every decision with purpose. 

I’d also add: Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Surround yourself with mentors, peers, and people who’ve walked the path before you. You don’t have to have all the answers—you just have to be willing to learn. 

Want to see Wani Cakes in action and support Michigan’s rising food entrepreneurs? 

Join us at the annual Michigan Good Food Fund Business Pitch Event on May 6 in Lansing. This event is the kickoff event for the 2025 MSU Product Center’s Making it in Michigan conference and tradeshow. 

Come network, sample local flavors, and cheer on Bola of Wani Cakes as they compete live for a chance to win up to $5,000 in cash prizes, powered by Lake Trust Credit Union, Fair Food Network, and MSU Center for Regional Food Systems. 

Register now to attend and be part of a night celebrating good food, great ideas, and the entrepreneurs bringing them to life.