So, it was my daughter’s bestie’s birthday yesterday and I dropped her and her brother off. The plan was to come back for them by 6pm. But in my not so unusual fashion, I decided to sit for a few minutes to make small talk with some other parent guests, mummies to be precise. From a few minutes of banter, it was now about an hour and so I thought it wise to do some introductions. I found out my co-gister’s name was Bimbo.

We chatted about babies, secondary school experiences, relationships with alumni and somehow, I mentioned my recent trip to Abuja. We continued our banter when Bimbo asked what I went to do in Abuja. I mentioned casually that I had attended a conference and she affirmed she had attended one too. I asked which one, and she said CIPM and I said ‘no way, what’s your full name, she said ‘Bimbo Charles Davies’, it didn’t ring a bell. So I asked, ‘what organisation’, she replied, ‘Fastest Cakes’, I said, ‘no, way! Unbelievable,’ I really can’t believe this.’

What were the chances?

My team and I had been trying to reach them for months. The conference team had nominated them when we were considering speakers for our annual HR Bootcamp conference. I immediately thought it was a great choice. Firstly, because I have been a fan since 2020 when they were still called 93Treats. Fastest cakes has been solving my birthday gift problems for 5 years. There was a year, I was literally gifting cakes willy nilly. I still ordered a cake this week for my husband’s birthday.

Anyway, I had sent messages. My team had sent messages, and literally pursued them on social media but somehow all our efforts were ineffective. Then, a team member mentioned they were in Abuja at the CIPM conference and we decided we would meet them there when we got into Abuja. But lo and behold, by the time we got to their stand in Abuja, Bimbo had left back for Lagos.

And so here I was now, speaking with Bimbo for over an hour, talking about babies and school experiences. What are the chances? Her husband and co-founder was in the next room. And so, off we went to continue part 2 of the discussions, this time about business. We spoke about their rapid growth, lessons learned and expansion plans to UK and Canada. It was a mini MBA of sorts, very insightful.

I mean, I could have walked in and out of the party, dropped off my kids, and left. I could have even stayed on as I did, and still have no idea I was speaking with a Lady I had been trying to meet.

But it happened differently. I couldn’t have asked for a warmer introduction. I am glad I decided to make small talk, but most thankful for the decision to intentionally connect. People we had been trying to meet without success, were delivered to us on a platter. Talk about a cake🎂 walk.

What are the chances?

I will tag this weekend ‘Serendipity’, and as always I am grateful to God for how he orchestrates opportunities like this.

Looking forward to the possibilities. Here’s to more gracious encounters.🥂