Pertunia is in full control when she bakes
She explains that for her, business has been quite a challenge since the nationwide lockdown, but she tries her level best to bake and sell what she can from home.
POLOKWANE – Baker, Pertunia Masemola from Seshego Zone 4, started baking at the age of 18 with cakes for her cousins’ birthdays. “I would watch baking shows and practice what professional bakers were doing on that specific video. I would buy all the ingredients when my mom and I went shopping and would bake the minute we got home. I loved playing around in the kitchen and I still do,” she said.
By 2009, baking and decorating cakes became something Pertunia really enjoyed and it led to the start of her business from home. “I was able to start a career that I loved, and have been passionate about it ever since,” she said.
Pertunia steadily built up a clientele and worked hard at honing her baking skills. She’s been in the baking industry for more than 10 years now and says baking teaches her to follow directions promptly in life. “When I bake, I’m in full control of everything. It allows my creativity to shine through. I believe baking is a physical connection which is made between your mind and body, therefore, being in the kitchen is a form of therapy for me,” she said.
She explains that for her, business has been quite a challenge since the nationwide lockdown, but she tries her level best to bake and sell what she can from home. “Orders are coming in, but not as much as before the lockdown where I was able to bake a lot of cakes for bigger events such as weddings, parties and baby showers,” she said.
Pertunia explained that she is a person who has learnt from her mistakes within the industry and grew with the support of her loved ones. “If you would like to start baking and turn it into a career, remember that patience is key. Learn from the basics and get them right. Take classes and update your skills constantly as there are new techniques that pop up daily. Give yourself enough time and your journey will be successful and never compromise on quality, that’s a major reason why a client would choose a home baker,” she advised.
She advised other bakers and individuals in the food industry not to give up hope during this time as it’s just a temporary phase which will pass in due time.
