30 Aug 2018

Cakes have been part of weddings, birthday parties, bridal and baby showers for centuries.

Their design and size have been an intriguing part for many who attended such events and have been seen as a reflection of the host’s tastes and class.

Over the years, the designs have changed with some cakes looking like bags, football, action figures, dolls and other things reflecting the things which the one who is being celebrated likes.

This art of baking cakes has also been an opportunity for bakers and designers to showcase their talent and creativity.

One such cake maker is Ms Vuelwa Rabashima of Mothibedi Bridal Baby for whom baking was not her passion until she met her husband.

She said in an interview that her husband challenged her to learn basic baking skills.

“Funny enough, I realised I was exposed to baking from a young age as my grandmother owned a bakery. I just never thought I could bake.”

She explained that in the process of learning how to bake, she used to ask family and friends to buy ingredients and she would bake cakes freely for them.

Ms Rabashima explained that she resorted to watching You Tube videos to pick decoration ideas.

However, after posting her designs on Whatsapp and Facebook, she was surprised by the response, culminating in orders.

“I thought I could start making money for my family with this new-found passion which replaced what I studied for in school, Social Work,” she said.

She said her main clients were those who buy for baby and bridal showers, adding that she wanted to specialise on brides and baby showers only. Ms Rabashima is convinced that specialising will enable her to exert her energy into developing her baking and deco skills and thus become an expert in that field.

Moreover, she explained that her cakes were filled with art as she has learnt not to limit her creativity.

Part of her long term plan includes being able to create any shape with bread.

She said she baked about three to five cakes every week and had no plans of joining the formal employment sector.

Ms Rabashima also said she planed to open a cake shop as she was currently working from home.

Another Motswana who has made it in the cake industry is Ms Daisy Ipaseng, who said she loved everything about cakes. She said her target market was weddings and individuals.

The self-funded entrepreneur says she bakes from her home and was taught the basics bya friend and through research, she got more intrigued and followed her gut.

 Her future plans include learning more to perfect her skills and to be confident with her worK. ENDS