Mr Desserts: The Great British Bake Off hopeful running a booming bakery from his mum's kitchen

A Great British Bake Off hopeful and rising social media star is running his own bakery business from his mum’s kitchen.

London student Moyin Odeniran, 21, has turned his lifelong passion for baking into a growing enterprise, all while studying political economy at King’s College London.

His microbakery, Mr Desserts, is based in his mum’s home in Loughton, Essex, where he spends hours perfecting his craft, often late into the night after lectures.

“My cookies are massive,” he laughs. “I’ve tried baking more than five at once, but they just flop. So I bake 20 batches — it takes about four hours from prep to finish, but it’s worth it when I see a customer’s face light up.”

Moyin’s sweet tooth and entrepreneurial spirit were nurtured in a bustling family kitchen shared with his mum, Kike, and aunties Titi and Fumi. His family have supported him every step of the way, from taste-testing recipes to helping at local markets.

“Baking was always something I did with my mum when I was younger,” he said. “It gives me this calm feeling, like I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.”

While his schoolmates were asking for game consoles, a 12-year-old Moyin begged for a stand mixer so he could make macarons. His pumpkin spice macarons wowed his aunt, who encouraged him to share his creations online. That first post sparked a journey that’s now seen him gain more than 20,000 Instagram followers.

Though his studies have occasionally slowed down his social media output, he’s recently rekindled his passion for sharing his bakes.

“I’ve been inconsistent the last couple of years because uni has been hectic,” he admitted. “But I’m back posting now, and even if engagement isn’t what it was, I’m enjoying it again.”

Moyin regularly sells his goods at Salad Days Market at Battersea Power Station, where his gooey cookies and signature flavours have become a crowd favourite. He’s also clear that his motivation isn’t fame, it’s the joy of creating something people genuinely love.

“I don’t want to be a gimmick,” he said. “For me, it’s all about the craft and making people feel something. When someone takes a bite of one of my cookies and smiles - that’s the best part.”

From Instagram baker to budding entrepreneur

Moyin’s success has also caught the attention of Vodafone’s Business Connected Academy, a partnership with Enterprise Nation that helps small business owners across London grow their digital skills.

He credits the programme for helping him navigate social media, marketing, and online business tools.

“Vodafone’s Academy has really helped me understand the digital side of running a business,” he said. “It’s not just about baking anymore, it’s about connecting with people online, managing orders, and reaching new audiences.”

Moyin will be one of the guest speakers at the next Business Connected Academy event on Friday, October 17, held at The Speechmark in Great Suffolk Street, Southwark. He’ll join other young entrepreneurs to share how social media has supported his baking journey.

The initiative, run in partnership with Enterprise Nation, also includes two upcoming online events on October 25 and November 1, both offering expert-led sessions on topics like scaling your business online and email marketing.

Aaron Asadi, CEO of Enterprise Nation, said: “In today's rapidly evolving economy, digital business skills are fundamental, from high-street bakers to tech start-ups. Technology helps small businesses adapt, build resilience, and shape future success, which is why this academy is so important.”

Spaces for the events are free but limited, and entrepreneurs can register via the Enterprise Nation website.

‘I think this is the year for GBBO’

Despite his growing workload and student life, Moyin never lost sight of his baking dream. He often leaves social events early to finish cake orders, admitting that the kitchen is where he feels most at peace.

Now, he’s ready to take his talents to the next level with plans to apply for The Great British Bake Off 2026.

“Friends and family have been asking for ages,” he said. “I thought, what have I got to lose? Bake Off has showcased so many talented bakers, and I’d love to be part of that.”

His goal over the next five years is to open a bakery of his own, ideally in South London or Acton - a space where he can grow his business beyond his mum’s kitchen.

“I plan to have my own store within five years,” he said. “Some people get into baking for the money, but for me, it’s about love of the craft. Seeing someone enjoy what I’ve made - that’s everything.”

Moyin Odeniran will speak at Vodafone’s Business Connected Academy event at The Speechmark, Southwark, on Friday, October 17.

To find out more or register for upcoming workshops, visit Enterprise Nation’s Business Connected Academy.