Two young Randburg entrepreneurs are preparing for their biggest market appearance yet, when their colourful cupcake business, Rainbow Smiles, sets up shop at the Meet Me FOR Little Market on September 19.

Founders Iminathi Goje and Maya Mgcina launched Rainbow Smiles in 2025, turning a shared love of baking into a business built around fun. The name, they explained, came together piece by piece. “We had a cupcake, then we had a rainbow, and then a smile. So, we thought, ‘Rainbow Smiles’,” said Imi.

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Maya added that the branding reflects how they show up at every market. “We smile at our customers, and we wear rainbow colours.”

The idea itself goes back further than the business does. “We came up with the idea when we were five. We love baking, so we wanted to make cupcakes and sell them,” said Maya.

Their first taste of market life left a lasting impression. “I felt so happy that I wanted to scream and fall down,” said Imi. Maya described simply feeling very excited. That early response from customers gave the pair the confidence to keep growing the business, splitting the creative work between them. “We bake and decorate together,” said Imi, with Maya adding that the pair help each other throughout.

Rainbow Smiles has built its menu around flavours designed to appeal to children, including Cookie Monster, Elmo and Monster Eyes cupcakes. “Because normal cupcakes are plain and not nice,” said Imi, explaining the thinking behind the character-inspired range.

Maya said the goal was always cupcakes that are colourful and fun, even when the flavours lean a little spooky. “Monster Eyes is a little bit scary, but scary can be fun!” she said.

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The business reached fan-favourite status with its hidden candy centre, the Rainbow Surprise. “It has candy inside. You don’t know what you will get until you bite it,” said Imi.

At markets, customers can also build their own cupcakes, choosing their own colours and toppings, which the pair say often leads to unexpected results. “Sometimes children make funny combinations that we didn’t think of,” said Imi.

The upcoming FOR market grew out of a family connection to The Daily at Ferndale on Republic. Beyond the food, the pair say the market has become a chance to connect with other local businesses and young entrepreneurs. “We learn something different at every market,” said Imi.

“This one helps us meet new people and other businesses,” Maya said.

Running a business alongside schoolwork is not always easy. The pair say their families help behind the scenes with planning and logistics, allowing them to focus on baking, decorating and meeting customers. “They help us get ready for the markets,” said Imi.

Looking ahead, the founders have big ambitions, from hosting children’s baking workshops to growing Rainbow Smiles into a much larger brand. “Maybe one day Rainbow Smiles can be all over South Africa. Maybe even in China,” said Imi.

Their advice for other young readers with business ideas of their own is simple. “Just try,” said Maya.

“If you have an idea, don’t be scared. Start small, and have fun,” added Imi.

Rainbow Smiles will trade at the Meet Me FOR Little Market on September 19, alongside games and activities.

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