From the vibrant streets of Port Harcourt to the heart of Nigeria’s capital, Ibitoru Allwell-Brown is building more than a business—she’s building a legacy rooted in resilience, service, and excellence. As the founder of Angies Ice Cream & Pastry, her journey into entrepreneurship is a compelling story of vision, reinvention, and impact.
Born in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Ibitoru is the only child of her late mother, who served as Personnel Manager at Delta Hotels Ltd, overseeing state-run icons such as the Presidential and Olympia Hotels. Her father, Captain Bara Allwell-Brown, holds the distinction of being the first Rivers State indigene to pilot a Boeing 747 from Nigeria to New York. “They both gave me my first glimpse into what it means to work hard, strive for excellence, and stay committed to one’s career,” she reflects.
A graduate of English from Benue State University and holder of a Master’s degree in Purchasing and Supply Chain Management from Robert Gordon University, Scotland, Ibitoru began her entrepreneurial journey in Lagos, supplying office furniture and stationery. She later expanded into importing premium human hair from India. In 2014, she pioneered the first gelato store in Lokoja, Kogi State. By 2020—amid the COVID-19 pandemic—she launched a dessert event catering service in Abuja, marking another milestone in her growing enterprise.
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“For me, entrepreneurship represents freedom—the freedom to create, to serve, to shape my future, and to leave a meaningful legacy,” she says. “It has enabled me to evolve—constantly learning, failing, succeeding, and innovating across ventures.”
Ibitoru credits her drive and resilience to the strong women in her life, including her late mother, her aunt Dr. Ndi Okereke-Onyiuke (former Director-General of the Nigerian Stock Exchange), and renowned architect and spiritual mentor Olajumoke Adenowo. “From them, I witnessed first-hand the power of leadership, confidence, diligence, and grace under pressure,” she notes.
Her business philosophy is deeply rooted in purpose and service. “Every venture I’ve undertaken wasn’t just to generate income—it was to solve a problem, add value, and make people’s lives better,” she explains. “That’s the core of my entrepreneurship: freedom anchored in purpose.”
Among her proudest achievements is introducing gelato to Lokoja and establishing Angies Ice Cream as a trusted dessert brand in Abuja. The business has since grown to include event catering, curated breakfast boxes, and buffet services. “Our breakfast box and buffet offerings increased our morning sales by 30% within just two months,” she shares—crediting her team-driven, feedback-focused approach.
However, the path hasn’t been without obstacles. “Access to finance, finding skilled labour, price fluctuations, and double taxation have been some of the most challenging aspects,” she admits.
Through it all, Ibitoru remains grounded in her faith and values. “At Angies, we are guided by excellence, hospitality, integrity, innovation, and community impact,” she says. She actively supports organizations such as Heritage Orphanage and other gospel-based initiatives, viewing her business as a vehicle for both empowerment and spiritual transformation.
Citing her favorite scripture, Jeremiah 29:11, she shares, “‘For I know the thoughts I think towards you,’ says the Lord, ‘thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.’”
Looking ahead, Ibitoru’s vision goes far beyond profitability. “I want Angies to stand not just for desserts, but for excellence in service, for personal development, and for community upliftment. My goal is to build people, build purpose, and build a lasting legacy.”
