Kempton Park cake artist turns passion into business
His first baking attempt at the age of 13, a blueberry easy-mix cake, came out undercooked with a burnt top, but it sparked a lasting interest in the craft.
Self-taught cake artist Neo Holiness Rathokolo (26) from Kempton Park is carving out a name for himself in the baking industry through creativity, determination and word-of-mouth growth.
Rathokolo, who initially aspired to become a fashion designer, said he soon realised the field was not for him and instead discovered a natural talent and passion for baking.
“I’ve always been creative in the kitchen,” he said, adding that he is a visual learner who developed his skills by watching online baking tutorials and studying downloadable recipe guides.
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Inspired by his late aunt, who was a professional baker, Rathokolo officially launched and registered his business, Cynth Bakery, in January 2023.
He believes his entrepreneurial drive comes naturally.
“Both my mother and grandmother are butchers by profession. Business is in the blood, so it was bound to happen that I start my own,” he said.
His first baking attempt at the age of 13, a blueberry easy-mix cake, came out undercooked with a burnt top, but it sparked a lasting interest in the craft.
Today, he specialises in novelty cakes for events and themed occasions, while also producing scones, biscuits and dessert cups. He described baking as a calming process that helps him manage his fast-paced thinking.
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“It’s almost like a meditative state for me,” he said.
Rathokolo said one of the most rewarding parts of his work is the consultation process with clients, understanding their vision and bringing it to life, as well as seeing their reactions upon collection.
However, he noted that one of the biggest challenges as a self-taught baker is the lack of formal guidance on business structure, including customer management, terms and conditions, and pricing.
Despite this, he has built a growing reputation, with some of his biggest milestones including creating his first traditional wedding cake and securing his first celebrity client, Amapiano vocalist Thatohatsi.
“I’ve learnt that word of mouth is the best and most important marketing strategy,” he said.
Looking ahead, Rathokolo hopes to expand Cynth Bakery into an academy where he can teach aspiring bakers the skills he has developed over the years.
