Juggling Medicine and Entrepreneurship: Dr. Dedunmola Oluwo’s Journey
Dr. Dedunmola Oluwo is a remarkable example of determination and versatility. In 2016, she graduated from the University of Debrecen in Hungary with a medical degree. At the same time, she successfully managed four thriving businesses. Her entrepreneurial ventures include a hair salon, a bakery, a meal prep service, and a beauty outfit.
Her journey began with a chance opportunity. “My first business, Hair by Dedun, was an accidental accomplishment. It was not planned,” she told Bella Naija. A simple offer to braid a friend’s hair turned into a steady source of income and inspired her to launch the business officially.
From Baking Cakes to Providing Home-Cooked Meals
Dr. Oluwo’s ventures reflect her creativity and adaptability. In 2012, she launched Dedun’s Cakes. What started as curiosity grew into a passionate and successful baking business. She explained, “I wanted to do it right. Hundreds of YouTube videos, recipe screenshots, trials, and errors later, I got my first cake order.”
Recognizing the needs of Nigerian students in Hungary, she started Dedun Cooks. This meal prep service catered to students who needed convenient, home-cooked meals. It quickly became a solution for those juggling studies and meal planning.
Balancing Business and Academics
Running multiple businesses while attending medical school was no small feat. Dr. Oluwo credits her upbringing and work ethic to her mother, a retired civil engineer and single mother. “She was a boss in her field, running a farm and a textile store while supervising road construction projects,” she said.
Despite the challenges, Dr. Oluwo remained focused on her dream of becoming a doctor. She noted, “I run four businesses and I am successful at every one of them. But my passion for medicine never faded.”
Pioneering Telemedicine for Rural Communities
Dr. Oluwo’s entrepreneurial spirit extends to healthcare innovation. Before graduating, she explored ways to merge her medical expertise with her business acumen. This led her to telemedicine, aiming to provide healthcare access to Nigeria’s rural areas.
She enrolled in an MSc program in eHealth Management and Telemedicine. “I knew I needed extra training to make a huge impact on rural healthcare systems,” she explained. The program allowed her to combine her passion for medicine with entrepreneurship.
Inspiring Words for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Dr. Oluwo’s story is a testament to perseverance and vision. She advises others, “Your success solely depends on you, but you have to take the first step. Take God along and don’t leave anyone that needs you behind.”
Her journey demonstrates that with determination and resourcefulness, it’s possible to achieve greatness in multiple fields. Dr. Oluwo continues to inspire others with her dedication to both medicine and business.
