Every so often, amidst the hustle and bustle of life, there emerges a story that stands as a testament to the extraordinary strength and determination of women. Jeanette Munsami’s journey into the world of baking was sparked by her son’s joyful reaction to the birthday cakes she lovingly created for him. His reaction inspired her to start her baking business, Jenna’s Cake Boutique.
“His face lit up every time, and I knew that’s what I wanted to give to other people’s little ones, relatives, friends, and even themselves. So, I quit my job of 10 years to pursue my passion,” Munsami says.
Prior to embarking on her entrepreneurial adventure, Munsami was a credit manager, dedicating her life to the corporate world. However, the allure of creating moments of joy for others through her baked creations was too strong to resist. Her business specialises in eggless and vegan baking and caters to the dietary preferences and requirements of a diverse clientele, including Hindus and vegans. Her range of offerings spans from cupcakes and doughnuts to intricate wedding cakes and delightful pastries.
Customers buy her delicious treats from Uber Eats or through her WhatsApp business account, where she broadcasts her daily menu. Most of her clients buy from her daily menu, and some order high-end cakes for special occasions. “When word spread about the delicious taste of my products, I knew I was well on my way to being exactly who I dreamed of being,” Munsami says with a smile.
Her ultimate objective for Jenna’s Cake Boutique is nothing short of ambitious. “I want to be the most sought-after baker, capable of satisfying the cravings of vegetarians, non-vegetarians, vegans, and more.” Beyond satisfying taste buds, the business has a sweet impact on society. It has created jobs for three full-time and three part-time employees. She also offers on-the-job training to keep her employees empowered with new skills.
The bakery also contributes to feeding schemes in the area and supports church initiatives wherever possible. Every entrepreneur faces obstacles on their journey, and Munsami is no exception. “I began out of a bedroom-turned-bakery, armed with a domestic oven that could only bake 48 cupcakes at a time. Limited space and resources were my daily companions.” It was not long before she found her feet, moved into new and bigger premises, and acquired industrial baking equipment, marking a pivotal moment in Jenna’s Cake Boutique’s journey.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Munsami offers sage advice: “Stay focused and don’t let the noise of the outside get in. I’ve been on the brink of closing my business multiple times with many ‘I told you so’s’ but I knew my vision and I pushed forward. If I can do it, being a widowed single mum, anyone can.” Munsami’s journey as an entrepreneurial mother is not only a testament to her passion but also an inspiration for mothers everywhere. It showcases that with love, determination, and a dash of sweetness, mothers can pursue their entrepreneurial dreams and create something truly extraordinary.
This article was first published in Vutivi
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Jeanette Munsami is a participant on the SAB Foundation’s Tholoana Enterprise Programme, an 18-month business accelerator powered by Fetola which supports the lasting success of businesses from across South Africa, particularly those owned by women, youth and people living with disabilities, and those in township and rural areas.
