What began as a small baking project during a difficult financial period has grown into a thriving business.

Parkhurst nanny Nelia ‘Yaya’ Nglube’s homemade rusks continue winning over customers across Johannesburg.

After Yaya’s Rusks gained attention online last year, demand for her products increased rapidly, allowing her to expand the business sooner than expected. To keep up with orders, Yaya brought another baker, known as Mamamac, on board in August last year.

Read more: Parkhurst nanny Yaya builds viral rusk business from home kitchen

The business has since grown beyond local deliveries, and now has stockists at Garden Fresh in Parktown North and Astron Energy in Parkmore. Mamamac, based in the Western Cape, assists with baking, while customers can place orders online via Yaya’s Instagram page: @yayas_rusks.

Unlike the early days, when orders were limited to certain days of the week, customers can now order at any time, with deliveries usually taking around three days. Local customers can also order directly from Yaya and collect their rusks themselves.

Yaya said registering Yaya’s Rusks as an official company was one of the first major steps towards achieving her long-term dream of opening her own bakery.

Despite the rapid growth of the business, Yaya continues balancing her entrepreneurial journey with her work as a nanny, something she says she still deeply enjoys. “I’m baking and taking care of kids, so I make sure to manage my time accordingly.”

Also read: Parkhurst nanny expands homemade rusk business across Johannesburg

The business initially started as a way to earn extra income during financially challenging times. With encouragement from her employer, Kate, Yaya began selling the homemade rusks she baked for families she worked with. What she expected to be a small side income soon developed into a fast-growing brand.

Although she admitted she once doubted the business would succeed, the overwhelming support from customers, friends, and family helped motivate her to continue. “The positive comments encourage me and make me feel loved.”

Today, she often meets people who recognise her from social media, and she has loyal customers who continue to place orders weekly.

Beyond rusks, Yaya has expanded into other ventures. In December last year, she released her online cookbook, Yaya Bakes, featuring baking recipes she created over the years. Following the success of the first book, she is now preparing to launch a second cookbook focused on family meals.

She is also exploring the idea of offering online cooking and baking lessons for beginners.

Yaya credits much of her success to the support around her, particularly Kate, who assists with managing the business’s social media platforms.

From baking a few packs of rusks to survive difficult times to building a recognised and growing brand, Yaya’s journey continues to inspire many South Africans.

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