01 Sep 2021

Hard work, determination and passion has seen Ms Rachel Philemon emerging as a successful bakery owner in Tsamaya. She refused to play the ‘lack of resources card’, and wallow in self-pity but rose to the occasion and took advantage of opportunities available, to make a living.

Born and raised in Tsamaya, Ms Philemon is the owner of a bakery, which supplies Tsamaya  and surrounding villages

She learnt the ropes of running a bakery when she was employed by one in Masunga, a passage that helped her decide her next step in life. In 2016, she applied for the Youth Development Fund and succeeded.

 “I also took part in an educational programme with LEA where I spent six months learning what it took to run a success business,” Ms Philemon said.

Quite a successfull woman as shown by  her certificates of accomplishment, neatly framed and presented on the walls of her outlet. She said it was important for her to not only learn the art of baking but acquire skills in running a business. 

Soft buns are a favourite among her customers and also makes fat cakes, scones, cream doughnuts and cakes.

She said in the past she was engaged to supply the village primary school with bread, adding that with one permanent employee, she would occasionally hire more staff especially when she had more tenders.

“I usually get many orders during winter. 

Unfortunately that was not the case this year due to COVID-19 restrictions,” she said.

Ms Philemon said owning a bakery gave her confidence and was hopeful that things would improve once the pandemic ceased.

Howver, she complained of power outages saying they contributed to loss of business.

“We are forced to throw away ruined products when we are out of power,” Ms Philemon said. BOPA