#BNSConvos: Break-In & Break The Mold: How to Thrive in a Unique Industry, held on Saturday, March 5th, made one thing clear; in a male-dominated industry, you have to be intentional. From believing in your abilities to mapping out a strategy and being consistent.
Throughout the discussion, one common theme emerged: thriving in a male-dominated industry is possible if you are passionate about your work and put the time and effort into it.
BellaNaija Style hosted disc jockey, producer and artiste Florence Ifeoluwa Otedola, popularly known as Cuppy, over a 1-hour LIVE session to discuss her career trajectory so far, the barriers she faced in the entertainment industry and her work ethic.
We have rounded up five unmissable quotes from Saturday’s event.
When asked if there was ever a real “a-ha” moment when she knew she was taking off, Cuppy had this to say:
I don’t think I’m there yet. I believe complacency is a disease that affects ambition, so the minute you feel you have arrived, that is when you stop hustling.
On opportunities presenting themselves:
When it’s your time, it’s your time. My mum always tells me preparation meets opportunity. What you are looking for will present itself. You just have to prepare for it.
I’m addicted to my potential. I didn’t need to go to Oxford University, but because I could, I did. I didn’t need to own a jewellery line, but because I could, I did. The key is to figure out what you love and go after it.
On navigating and thriving in a male-dominated industry:
Going into a male-dominated space, you have to have zeal and be strong. Women have to work twice as hard to get half as much done. Compared to my male counterparts, I’m still underpaid, undervalued and according to them, I have to have a particular aesthetic which I fight to this day.
My advice is to be at peace with yourself because men in that industry will tell you that you are not good enough. You have to come at peace with yourself and know that you are enough. You will have a difficult time if you work just for validation. Do what you love. Understand your environment and build on your strengths.
On why it is important to celebrate yourself:
We need to experience things, and we need to celebrate our victories. Self-appreciation is crucial.
<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/dairy-and-eggs-section-at-a-grocery-store-in-canada.jpg?id=55831988&width=1200&height=600&coordinates=0%2C94%2C0%2C95"/><br/><br/><p>Montreal, it's time to check your kitchen cupboards because some popular foods are being <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/tag/product-recall" target="_blank">recalled</a> for safety concerns. </p><p>The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has issued multiple <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/food-recalls-quebec-cheese-salt-chocolate" target="_blank">food recalls in Quebec</a>, and this time the list includes popular basics like <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/eggs-recalled-canada-a-salmonella-risk-2025" target="_blank">eggs</a>, chocolate, granola bars and more.</p><p>These recalls are happening for serious reasons — think <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/salmonella-outbreak-pastry-recall-canada" target="_blank">salmonella contamination</a>, undeclared allergens like nuts, and even foreign objects like metal fragments in products. </p><p>Plus, major grocery chain house-label brands like No Name, IGA and Compliments are on the list, along with other big names like MadeGood and Milka — so it's worth double-checking your pantry to stay on the safe side.</p><p>Here's the full rundown on what's been recalled, why, and what you can do to protect yourself and your family.</p><h3>Cape Breton Oatcake Society oatcakes</h3><br/><img alt="Cape Breton Oatcake Society Oatcakes." class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="159848ed822a67b89270dc13deac7452" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="4a885" loading="lazy" src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/cape-breton-oatcake-society-oatcakes.png?id=55831836&width=980"/><p><strong>Recalled products:</strong></p><ul><li>Cape Breton Oatcake Society Oatcakes - English Toffee, 2-Pack — all codes where almond is not declared in the list of ingredients</li><li>Cape Breton Oatcake Society Oatcakes - English Toffee, 12 units (6 x 2 Packs) — all codes where almond is not declared in the list of ingredients</li></ul><p><strong>Recall reason: </strong>Cape Breton Oatcake Society is recalling batches of its English Toffee Oatcakes due to undeclared almonds. This recall affects products sold nationally and online. People with almond allergies should avoid eating these oatcakes, as they could cause serious or life-threatening reactions.</p><p><span></span>The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) notes that the recall was triggered by a consumer complaint, though no allergic reactions have been reported so far. If you have these oatcakes, check the label, and if almonds are not declared, you can return them to where you bought them.<span></span></p><p><strong>Last updated: </strong>January 22, 2025</p><p><a href="https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/cape-breton-oatcake-society-brand-oatcakes-english-toffee-recalled-due-undeclared" target="_blank">Cape Breton Oatcake Society recall notice</a></p><h3>Various brands of eggs</h3><br/><img alt="No Name Large Size Eggs, 12." class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="4b1329b63380171f18a8c6d5ff3b9ca0" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="b7a50" loading="lazy" src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/no-name-large-size-eggs-12.jpg?id=55831895&width=980"/><p><strong>Recalled products:</strong> </p><ul><li>Compliments Extra Large Size White Eggs, 12 eggs</li><li>Compliments Large Size White Eggs, 12 eggs</li><li>Compliments Large Size White Eggs, 18 eggs</li><li>Foremost Large Size Eggs, 18 eggs</li><li>Golden Valley Eggs Extra Large Size Eggs, 30 eggs</li><li>Golden Valley Eggs Jumbo Size Eggs, 20 eggs</li><li>Golden Valley Eggs Large Size Eggs, 2 x 30 eggs</li><li>Golden Valley Eggs Large Size Eggs, 30 eggs</li><li>Golden Valley Eggs White Extra Large Size Eggs, 18 eggs</li><li>Golden Valley Eggs White Large Size Eggs, 12 eggs</li><li>IGA Extra Large Eggs, 12 eggs</li><li>No Name Large Size Eggs, 12 eggs</li><li>No Name Large Size Eggs, 30 eggs</li><li>No Name Large Size Eggs, 30 eggs</li><li>unbranded XLW Loose Eggs/Box size XL, 15 dozen</li><li>unbranded SW Loose Eggs/Box size S, 15 dozen</li><li>unbranded Large White Eggs, 15 dozen</li><li>Western Family Extra Large Size White Eggs, 12 eggs</li><li>Western Family Large Size White Eggs, 30 eggs</li></ul><p><strong>Recall reason:</strong> Burnbrae Farms is recalling shell eggs sold under several brand names — Compliments, Foremost, Golden Valley Eggs, IGA, No Name and Western Family — due to potential salmonella contamination. The CFIA says these eggs were sold in B.C., Manitoba and Ontario, but that they could possibly have been distributed in other provinces and territories as well. The recall applies only to eggs with specific lot codes — you can check the recall notice below for the codes and best-before dates to look out for.</p><p>The CFIA notes that food contaminated with salmonella may not look or smell spoiled but can cause serious illness, particularly in young children, pregnant people, older adults and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms can include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. No illnesses have been reported so far, but if you think you got sick from consuming these products, reach out to your health care provider.</p><p>If you have these recalled eggs, throw them out or return them to the store where you bought them. If you're unsure about your purchase, contact your retailer for clarification. </p><p><strong>Last updated:</strong> January 20, 2025</p><p><a href="https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/certain-brands-shell-eggs-recalled-due-salmonella" target="_blank">Egg recall notice</a></p><h3>Sweet Cream mini pastries</h3><br/><img alt="" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="b1195db73fd1bb847cc2208a368d431d" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="860e6" loading="lazy" src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/image.png?id=55831928&width=980"/><p><strong>Recalled products:</strong> </p><ul><li>Sweet Cream Mini Patisserie, ~4 kg (4 boxes x 30 pieces)</li><li>Sweet Cream Mini Patisserie – Tray A, 1 kg (30 pieces)</li><li>Sweet Cream Mini Patisserie – Tray B, 1 kg (30 pieces)</li></ul><p><strong>Recall reason:</strong> Importations Piu Che Dolci Inc. is recalling Sweet Cream-brand mini pastries due to salmonella contamination. These desserts were distributed in Alberta, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Quebec, both sold in stores and served in bakeries, hotels, restaurants, hospitals and at catered events. </p><p>The recall follows a <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/salmonella-outbreak-pastry-recall-canada" target="_blank">serious illness outbreak</a> with 61 confirmed cases of salmonella poisoning between September and December 2024. So far, 17 people have been hospitalized, though no deaths have been reported. Symptoms can include fever, nausea, abdominal cramps and diarrhea, with higher risks for children, older adults, pregnant people and those with weakened immune systems. The CFIA notes that people who are infected with the bacteria can spread salmonella to other people up to several weeks after they become infected, even if they don't have symptoms.</p><p>The CFIA notes that the products may have been sold clerk-served or in smaller packages, with or without a label that may not have the brand and other identifying information. If you're unsure whether certain pastries you have are affected, contact the store where you bought them. The CFIA says it's still investigating the active outbreak, and further recalls may follow. </p><p><strong>Last updated:</strong> January 18, 2025</p><p><a href="https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/sweet-cream-brand-mini-patisserie-recalled-due-salmonella" target="_blank">Sweet Cream recall notice</a></p><h3>Milka chocolate</h3><br/><img alt="" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="bb09d3bf454e7c345ba383ad361ba1ca" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="52be1" loading="lazy" src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/image.jpg?id=55831937&width=980"/><p><strong>Recalled product:</strong> Milka Bubbly Alpine Milk "Chocolat", 90 g — best before April 25, 2025</p><p><strong>Recall reason:</strong> Bensus Imports is recalling Milka-brand Bubbly Alpine Milk Chocolat due to undeclared hazelnut, a potential allergen. These chocolate bars were sold in Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Quebec.</p><p>The recall was triggered by a consumer complaint, and one allergic reaction has been reported so far. Consuming this product could cause serious or life-threatening reactions for people with hazelnut allergies. If you have this chocolate at home, check the label, and if hazelnuts are not listed, you can return it to the store. </p><p><strong>Last updated:</strong> January 14, 2025</p><p><a href="https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/milka-brand-bubbly-alpine-milk-chocolat-recalled-due-undeclared-hazelnut" target="_blank">Milka recall notice</a></p><h3>MadeGood granola bars</h3><br/><img alt="MadeGood Granola Bars Chocolate Chip." class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="333534b275e3f3f237e7166b43c5b492" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="8e3be" loading="lazy" src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/madegood-granola-bars-chocolate-chip.jpg?id=55832012&width=980"/><p><strong>Recalled products:</strong></p><ul><li>MadeGood Granola Bars Chocolate Banana, 120 g</li><li>MadeGood Granola Bars Chocolate Chip, 1.5 kg</li><li>MadeGood Granola Bars Chocolate Chip, 960 g</li><li>MadeGood Granola Bars Chocolate Chip, 120 g</li><li>MadeGood Granola Bars Chocolate Chip, 720 g</li><li>MadeGood Granola Bars Chocolate Chip, 360 g</li><li>MadeGood Granola Bars Chocolate Chip, 576 g</li><li>MadeGood Granola Bars Chocolate Chip, 720 g</li><li>MadeGood Chocolate Chip Mini Granola Bars, 1.08 kg</li><li>MadeGood Chocolate Chip Mini Granola Bars, 576 g</li><li>MadeGood Granola Bars Mixed Berry, 1.5 kg</li><li>MadeGood Granola Bars Mixed Berry, 960 g</li><li>MadeGood Granola Bars Mixed Berry, 120 g</li><li>MadeGood Granola Bars Cookies & Crème Naturally Flavoured, 120 g</li><li>MadeGood Granola Bars Strawberry Naturally Flavoured, 120 g</li><li>MadeGood Chocolate Drizzled Granola Bars Birthday Cake Flavoured, 120 g</li><li>MadeGood Chocolate Drizzled Granola Bars Birthday Cake Flavoured, 720 g</li><li>MadeGood Chocolate Drizzled Granola Bars Birthday Cake Flavoured, 480 g</li><li>MadeGood Chocolate Drizzled Granola Bars Birthday Cake Flavoured, 360 g</li><li>MadeGood Chocolate Drizzled Granola Bars Birthday Cake Flavoured, 1.34 kg</li><li>MadeGood Chocolate Drizzled Granola Bars Vanilla Flavour, 120 g</li><li>MadeGood Chocolate Drizzled Granola Bars Vanilla Flavour, 720 g</li><li>MadeGood Chocolate Drizzled Granola Bars Cookie Crumble Flavour, 120 g</li><li>MadeGood Chocolate Drizzled Granola Bars Cookie Crumble Flavour, 720 g</li><li>MadeGood Chocolate Drizzled Granola Bars Variety Pack, 720 g</li><li>MadeGood MadeGood Variety, 35 count</li><li>MadeGood MadeGood Variety Pack, 7 count</li></ul><p><strong>Recall reason:</strong> Riverside Natural Foods Ltd. is recalling MadeGood-brand granola bars due to the presence of metal pieces. These bars were distributed nationally in stores and online, affecting both retail customers and institutions like hotels, restaurants and cafeterias.</p><p>Consumers are urged not to eat these granola bars as the contamination poses a physical hazard. If you have these products at home, throw them out or return them to the store where they were purchased. The recall applies to specific lots of these snacks — you can check the CFIA notice below for the codes and best-before dates to look out for.</p><p><strong>Last updated: </strong>December 12, 2024</p><p><a href="https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/madegood-brand-granola-bars-recalled-due-pieces-metal" target="_blank">MadeGood recall notice</a></p><p></p><p><em>AI tools may have been used to support the creation or distribution of this content; however, it has been carefully edited and fact-checked by a member of MTL Blog's Editorial team. For more information on our use of AI, please visit our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/editorial-standards" target="_blank">Editorial Standards page</a>.</em></p>
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