From the dusty streets of Majaneng in Hammanskraal, a young woman is making her name in the baking industry. The 27 year old woman has turned her hobby into a success.
Refilwe Moroke started her business two years ago when she could not find employment. Things started from a rocky start as she didn’t have enough money to pursue her dreams.
“I remember, I had only R600 to go to Johannesburg for my training and I used it for my transport because that’s how passionate I am about my work”, she said
Fifi’s Cakes& Treats was born shortly after she attended the short course. She describes herself as hardworking, ambitious, confident and passionate about her work.
She said she gets her entrepreneurship from her granny, who used to bake scones and vetkoeks for workers in Babelegi. This is what made it easier for her family to accept her baking career.
“I am very happy and proud of Refilwe and I hope God gives her strength and I pray that her business grows, I have supported her from the onset”, said Maria Phasha, Refilwe’s grandmother.
One of the hardships she went through when starting her business was to get people to trust her. Her family and people in the community supported her to get through that and her first orders were from her family members.
“I put my customers first, I know that I need them in order for my business to grow. I give all of my customers equal attention” said Refilwe.
When asked about what makes her business unique from the rest? She said she gets her inspiration from Helen Mazibuko, who is a well-known baker from Durban.
“What I love about her is that she shares all her experiences and challenges with us and what amazes about her is that last year December she baked 88 wedding cakes in a month, I was really inspired by that”, said Ms Moroke.
For now she works from home and hopes to get funding so that she can be able to employ staff and buy enough equipment.
Her dream in five years is to have a bakery which will sell bread, scones and cakes.
“I want to start a campaign to mobilize donations from customers that can be used to bake birthday cakes for children who can’t afford to celebrate their birthdays because their parents cannot afford to buy them cakes”, said Refilwe.
