Ndawenhle Ndlovu: From Office Management to Cake Baker
Women are often believed not to be risk takers as compared to men, however this is contrary to Ndawenhle Ndlovu, a 31-year-old entrepreneur from Bulawayo’s story.
Ndawenhle has defied beliefs and expectations and followed her passion for baking to establish a successful cake business while leaving her profession. Despite initially studying office management and admin, Ndawenhle’s love for baking was sparked by her grandmother, who owned a cake business.
“My granny bakes cakes, so that’s where my inspiration came from,” Ndawenhle recalls.
While pursuing her diploma in office management, Ndawenhle started baking cakes and selling slices to her college peers. This venture not only helped her earn some extra money but also fueled her curiosity and desire to learn more about the art of baking. After completing her studies, she dedicated herself to acquiring more knowledge and skills in the field.
Guidance
With the guidance of her grandmother’s customers, Ndawenhle delved deeper into the baking industry and expanded her repertoire.
“I learned from different people and checked for schools where I could learn everything,” she explains. This dedication to learning, coupled with her innate talent, allowed her to refine her baking skills and develop a unique style.
When asked about the number of events or customers she has catered for, Ndawenhle responds, “I mostly take orders for birthday cakes. However, I have also had the opportunity to create wedding cakes and special occasion cakes.”
Each cake she bakes tells a story, tailored to the specific desires and dreams of her clients.
Like any business owner, Ndawenhle faces challenges and opportunities in Zimbabwe’s baking industry. The erratic electricity supply is a particular concern for her. To overcome this obstacle, she plans to invest in gas appliances that can withstand temperature fluctuations.
Quality & Consistency
Ndawenhle believes that by having her own mix of ingredients, she can ensure the quality and consistency of her cakes, even during power outages.
Competition is another challenge in the baking industry, with many others vying for customers. However, Ndawenhle firmly believes that by consistently baking delicious cakes and building a loyal customer base, success is within reach. She emphasises the importance of advertising and maintaining a strong online presence to attract new customers.
Recently, Ndawenhle made the courageous decision to leave her professional job and devote herself entirely to her passion for baking. This shift enables her to invest more time and energy into growing her business. Currently in the process of registering her company, she plans to expand beyond cakes and open a coffee shop that will also offer a variety of pastries and a cosy work environment with reliable Wi-Fi.
Finding Success
With her sights set on the future, Ndawenhle hopes to establish herself as a renowned cake artist and successful business owner.
Her dedication to her craft and determination to provide exceptional service sets her apart from others in the industry. As she continues to learn and upgrade her skills, Ndawenhle is determined to turn her love for baking into a thriving business that not only satisfies her customers’ cravings but also provides a warm and welcoming space for coffee enthusiasts to work and relax.
In a world where following one’s dreams is often considered a luxury, Ndawenhle Ndlovu serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, reminding us all that with passion and dedication, anything is possible.
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