“I tell people all the time: outsource what you need to...for me, that meant letting professionals handle things like web design and branding so I could focus on creating amazing treats.”
For some, a passion for baking starts with a single recipe; for Princess Akindele, founder of Treats Royale, it was a lifelong love for sweets that led her to create a business. Known for her custom buttercream cakes, banana loaves, and other delectable treats, Princess transformed her hobby into a profitable online bakery that has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of customers across Canada. In a recent conversation, she shared the challenges and victories of building Treats Royale and offered advice for anyone looking to follow in her entrepreneurial footsteps.
A Love for Baking from the Start
Princess’s journey into baking began with a simple truth: she loves desserts. Growing up, she would experiment with recipes, baking treats for friends and family. This hobby grew into a passion, and she soon found herself constantly baking for loved ones. But it wasn’t until the pandemic hit that she decided to take things further. “COVID was a time when so many of us felt this pressure to take action on things we’d been putting off,” she recalls. For Princess, that meant finally launching Treats Royale, an online bakery specializing in custom cakes and sweets.
Like many new entrepreneurs, she started by creating an Instagram account to showcase her treats. Her friends were her biggest supporters from the start, and her initial posts sparked excitement and anticipation. “I remember posting a logo I quickly made on Adobe,” she laughs. “It wasn’t anything close to what we have now, but my friends were already hyping it up!”
From there, Treats Royale took off. She launched with a simple menu based on crowd favorites, including her popular banana bread and custom cakes. Orders started pouring in, and Princess quickly realized that Treats Royale was turning into more than just a passion project.
Building the Brand
The first major shift came when a friend offered to redesign Treats Royale’s logo, giving it a more professional look. Shortly after, Princess decided to take the plunge and create a website. “My mom told me, ‘Anything worth doing is worth doing well,’” she says. With that encouragement, Princess invested in a site that would help streamline orders and establish Treats Royale as a serious brand.
The website didn’t just add professionalism; it solved a critical problem. “The DMs were overwhelming,” Princess admits. “I needed a structured way to manage orders without having to scroll through conversations.” With her site, customers could browse the menu, and place orders directly, helping her become more organized. This move allowed her to focus more on what she loves—baking—and less on administrative tasks.
One of the most defining moments for Treats Royale came when Princess was recommended to cater for a citizenship ceremony at Pearson Airport. “Friends are truly amazing,” she shares. “A friend of mine working with a nonprofit that collaborates with the government introduced me, and that’s how the opportunity came about.” Now, Treats Royale regularly provides cupcakes and other treats for government events in Toronto, a partnership that has elevated her brand’s profile.
Walking into Pearson Airport with trays of cupcakes was a validation of how far Treats Royale has come. “I felt so proud seeing people’s reactions. Even those not part of the ceremony would stop and compliment the cupcakes. It was a moment where I realized that this business could go places.”
Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Reflecting on her journey, Princess has learned some valuable lessons about growing a business:
Outsource when needed
Instead of trying to handle every aspect of the business herself, she focused on her strengths—baking—and left other tasks to experts. “I tell people all the time: outsource what you need to. Know your strengths,” she advises. “For me, that meant letting professionals handle things like web design and branding so I could focus on creating amazing treats.” Outsourcing has freed her to keep her energy on the parts of the business she loves, which in turn has helped Treats Royale continue to grow.
Set boundaries with friends and family
One of the hardest lessons she learned early on was the importance of saying no. Last-minute orders from friends were once a common occurrence, but Princess soon realized that rushing compromised quality. “Just because I started baking for friends and family doesn’t mean I can keep giving out discounts,” she says. Treats Royale is a business, and part of its success has been maintaining a professional approach, even with those closest to her.
Don’t underestimate your network
Opportunities can come from the people closest to you. “My corporate clients came through a friend, and that has been a game-changer,” she explains. Peer networking and nurturing your existing connections can often be more valuable than chasing after “big names.”
For Princess, Treats Royale is more than just a bakery; it’s a testament to the power of turning passion into profit, of finding a niche, and of growing sustainably while staying true to her love for baking. Her journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to build something meaningful and lasting.
If you’re interested in ordering from Treats Royale, you can check out her Instagram @treatsroyale or place an order through her website at treatsroyale.ca. Whether it’s for a small celebration or a corporate event, Treats Royale has something sweet for every occasion.
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