LIMPOPO – Despite holding three qualifications, 28-year-old Nkateko Mtsenga from Mariveni village outside Tzaneen has struggled to secure formal employment.

Instead of giving up, she turned her passion for baking into a successful business.

From classroom to kitchen

Mtsenga holds qualifications in retail management, a postgraduate certificate in education, and safety management. She is currently furthering her studies towards a bachelor’s degree in safety management.

After completing her first qualification, she enrolled in baking classes in 2022 and launched Katie Yummy Treats.

The business specialises in custom cakes, cupcakes, biscuits and scones, and has enabled her to pay for her additional studies.

Teaching others to earn

Building on her success, Mtsenga also started offering baking classes, mainly targeting unemployed people who want to develop an income-generating skill.

“I started the classes because I saw an opportunity to empower others with a skill that can help them earn an income. I also want other graduates to know that while waiting for formal employment, they can use their hands to make money,” she said.

Dreaming of a bigger kitchen

Although she hopes to build a career in safety management, Mtsenga says baking remains her first love.

Her goal is to expand her baking school into a larger facility, as she currently operates from her mother’s kitchen.

Business is seasonal, with winter being the quietest period. During slower months, she generates about R15 000 in turnover before deducting the cost of ingredients and other expenses.

In busier months, turnover ranges between R25 000 and R30 000, from which equipment and stock costs are also deducted.

For more information, follow Laylor Nkateko Mtsenga on social media.