Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got into baking?

My name is Debbie Osas; I am a 25 years old indigene of Edo state and the CEO and creative director of TNS. My love for baking and kitchen-related topics has always been evident, but no one in my family, including myself, saw it as a career path for me. I never thought I’d be doing this. Although I knew I would be hands-on and business-oriented because I showed great interest in becoming a fashion designer and had a passion for arts and crafts while I was a teenager. I had sketches and sold shambalas and beaded pieces of jewelry at the time; the gravitation towards baking came after secondary school.

While trying to figure it out, my brother told me that earning a living is great, but it is important to love what I look to do so I can keep pushing even if I fail 100 times. After an interaction with an instructor in my youth camp, I decided to start baking. It wasn’t easy; I had many failures, a lot of awful cakes. Around 2017/2018, I started selling to other people and got more confident. In 2019, I officially started Treatsnspice.

What are some of the things you struggle with as a baker in Lagos, Nigeria?

This has to be logistics and electricity. Mostly logistics, because it’s so difficult finding an affordable, reliable, and efficient logistics company.

Tell us one embarrassing moment you’ve had as a baker.

It was when a cake got damaged beyond repair. I was bawling my eyes out, I kept apologizing to the client, and I was willing to give a refund, but the client was quite understanding and didn’t accept the refund; nevertheless, I still cringe at the thought of that day.

How do you come up with new recipes or flavor combinations?

My dad was a massive foodie and imported a lot of Italian desserts, so my palate was built at a young age. When I got older, I tried to recreate those tastes and had this notion that whatever tastes great as a juice or cocktail would taste better as dessert. Also, I have learned the fundamentals of cooking and baking, so I know what can be combined and paired and what cannot be.

Where do you envision TreatsnSpice to be in the next 5 years?

Treatsnspice would have a state-of-the-art dessert bar at the heart of Lagos. Something classy with its own niche. I am not trying to compete, I want to win hearts.

What do you think sets TreatsnSpice apart from others?

We have a clear niche and pay attention to details. Our expertise is reflected in our customer service, the products we offer, and our presentation. That is because the love of the business and sustainability comes before the money we are looking to make.

What is your favorite Nigerian dish?

Egusi soup and Eba or Banga soup. I think pounded yam is trash (Pounded yam lovers, please don’t come for me, lol).

If you were a type of baked good, what would you be and why?

Plain, old white bread; because it is very versatile and goes with anything.

 Keep up with Debbie on Instagram @Treatsnspice and order a bento or mini cake.