Sonyoka refused to be the victim of unemployment; instead she rolled up her sleeves and stumbled upon an unexpected opportunity.
Meet the cake whisperer from Umtata, a 37-year-old Busisiwe Sonyoka a baker with a sweet passion that’s taking the town by storm. After discovering her love for baking in a 2023 class, she took the leap and baked her first cake last year November. Now, from the comfort of her home kitchen, she’s whipping up mouth-watering treats that are winning hearts. With a dream to make her mark in the baking industry, she’s navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, one delicious cake at a time.
Life had other plans for Sonyoka but she refused to be the victim of unemployment, instead she rolled up her sleeves and stumbled upon an unexpected opportunity, as her aunt Sinobom Zide-Dlangamandla, who works with JJ Treats, sparked a creative flame within her, discovering a hidden talent for baking. What started as a necessity soon turned into a passion, and now she’s pouring her heart into every cake, cupcake, and scone she bakes.
She gives credit to her aunt for introducing her to the world of baking. “My aunt told me, you’re not working, come let me teach you how to bake a cake,” Sonyoka shared. This simple gesture sparked a passion that would change her life. She credits her aunt for showing her a way to make a living through baking, and believes God inspired her journey. Busisiwe Sonyoka shares that she began without any initial capital, instead she relied on social media, posting about her baking services on Facebook. “After I posted on Facebook a friend requested for a cake for a baby shower which is how I started my baking career,” she said.
Despite her passion from baking, she faces challenges common to many entrepreneurs, limited equipment and transportation is at the top of her list. Operating from a village, she relies heavily on public transport to deliver orders particularly to customers in town, these challenges adds complexity to her growing business.
