Abigail’s art of baking a sweet delight
Abigail Matjokotja's business, CakeArt, is her way of letting her customers know that her business is not just about the cakes she bakes but the art of decorating them.
POLOKWANE – Baking began in Abigail Matjokotja’s mother’s kitchen on a faulty, but workable stove. It was there where her mother, Modjadji, taught her how to bake and soon after, her love for baking and decorating cakes developed.
Abigail holds a national diploma in food technology and is currently studying safety management. But, she says, her first love will always be baking. “I decided to improve these skills by attending a course at Suikerkuns School, where I received my formal cake decorating skills and experience.”
Her business, ‘CakeArt,’ is Abigail’s way of letting her customers know that her business is not just about the cakes she bakes but the art of decorating them.
“I also make personalised creations that are not only appealing to the eye, but delicious too. I used to watch my mother make great creations when she baked.”
“I started with nothing, and just kept at it, even when I felt like quitting. I would bake a lot during my varsity days, making treats for my friends and having a sister who is a chef, has taught me a lot about baking as well.” When Abigail bakes, she’s in her own world, and there, she controls everything. “It’s my little haven and for people to pay me for it, is an absolute treat. I love the idea of starting with nothing and making something spectacular,” she said.
When she founded the business last year, Abigail saw many unemployed women who didn’t think they could make it on their own.
“I realised that they needed someone to teach them a skill that could improve their lives. Most of these women could not afford to travel far, or pay large amounts. The Art of Baking offers three skills on three levels; beginners, intermittent and professional”.
Every course has a certificate of participation and a manual, which will make the entrepreneurship journey a little easy for her first-timers. “Invest in your mind because that’s were everything starts. Read and believe in yourself,” she said. Abigail makes novelty cakes that are personalised to the customer’s specifications. She can be found on Facebook (@wadicakes) and Instagram (@madikhekhe).
