Joy Rowland’s Journey: From Home Frying to Building a Business

For Joy Rowland, what started as a small hustle—frying puff-puff at home—has now grown into a thriving street business that supports her family. But her journey to success wasn’t instant. It took learning, resilience, and a little help from the right opportunities.

Finding the Courage to Do More

Joy had always known how to fry puff-puff, but like many home-based businesses, she wasn’t making enough to turn it into a steady source of income. She wanted to expand but didn’t know how to scale beyond her small kitchen.

Then came the Oguntoyinbo Foundation Vocational Training Cohort 1 for Cakes & Confectioneries, where she enrolled in 2024 with the hope of improving her skills. The training opened her eyes—not just to better techniques but also to the possibility of running a structured business.

“I knew how to make puff-puff, but I didn’t think of it as a business before. The training showed me that I could do more, sell more, and even grow.”

Taking the First Big Step

After the training, Joy realized she needed a proper space for frying and selling. Determined, she reached out to someone about leasing a small spot in Awe, around First Bank Street, where there’s a bustling market of students, traders, and artisans—her perfect customers.

Now, every morning, she leaves Oyo town and heads to Awe, sets up her business, and sells out puff-puff and buns before 10:00 AM. “ I get here as early as 6:00 a.m”, she added. By the time many people are starting their day, Joy has already made her sales and is heading back home to support others.

Starting Small, Thinking Big

Joy started her business with just ₦10,000, a small capital her husband gave her. With that, she bought:
✔ Two congos of flour
✔ Margarine, sugar, baking powder, cooking gas and other ingredients

She started frying with just 4 cups of flour, making a small profit. Though ₦1,500 profit per congo may seem small, it’s enough to keep her business running and support her family which for her is better than not nothing to cater for her twin girls and another daughter.

Despite the challenges, she believes in saving—committing to a ₦200 daily contribution with a money collector in her area, proving that even the smallest profits, when managed well, can create financial stability.

The Power of Opportunity & What’s Next for Joy

Joy’s story is one of determination and smart decisions. What she needs now is support to scale—better equipment, more supplies, and maybe even her own permanent space.

Would you like to empower Joy to grow her business and support her family?

Every big business starts small. By supporting women like Joy, we are not just funding a business; we are fueling independence, dignity, and a better future for families.

#SADIImpacts #OguntoyinboFoundation #WomenInBusiness #SkillsForLife #Entrepreneurship #SupportSmallBusinesses #TransformingLives