Pretty Maphutha is on the path to sweet success

POLOKWANE – Pretty Maphutha, a 27-year-old entrepreneur from Polokwane, is making her mark with her baking, decor, and catering businesses.

Specialising in personalised cakes for weddings, parties, and graduations, Maphutha’s creativity and passion shine through every sweet creation she crafts.

As a qualified safety officer, she has successfully juggled her profession and entrepreneurial journey for over five years, even hiring young individuals to help reduce unemployment in her community. Believing in giving back, Maphutha provides baking lessons during her spare time to inspire others.

Despite facing challenges, particularly with securing capital and acquiring the necessary decor equipment, Maphutha’s determination never wavered. She grew her baking business to generate the income needed to support her decor business and acquire the skills and tools to meet her clients’ needs. “During the lockdown, my businesses struggled, as people couldn’t book or place orders. But I didn’t give up. I kept pushing, and today I’m doing great,” she said.

Maphutha’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple: don’t wait for opportunities – create them.

“Opportunities don’t just happen; you need to make them. Start with what you have, even if it’s a little money. Build your business with that, and the rest will follow. People will always talk, but some will support you and help make your business a success,” she said.

Her ultimate goal is to expand her business, creating more employment and empowering young people who are eager to follow in her footsteps in the business world.