The demand for beautiful and tasty cakes world-over has seen many young people venture into this skills-based sector and Maria Nkesha is one, a unique pâtissier.
Her passion and pastry skills blend into her business strategy as a rising young African Woman.
In our interaction with her she offers insight into the business and the threat of many fake ingredients on the market; perhaps shedding light onto our choice for a pastry-chef and also the need for young people in business to be more innovative.
1. Who is your target market?
My target customers are; Special occasion celebrants; for Birthdays, Graduations, Weddings and anniversaries, corporations that have corporate parties and office parties, Foodies and cake lovers especially those with a sweet tooth but my primary consumers are the special occasion celebrants.
2. What makes your cakes unique?
While baking my cakes, I prefer using fresh fruits to enhance flavor. This gives the cake an original taste while it makes it completely unique from the ones with a completely artificial flavor. For Visual Presentation: I usually make bespoke cakes.
3. Where do you source your ingredients?
I source my ingredients from local suppliers.
4. What is my pricing strategy?
I provide affordable options for a broader audience and among them is Value-based pricing which involves setting prices based on the perceived value to the customer rather than just the cost of production. This strategy is for custom cakes, where the artistry, personalization, and occasion add significant value.
5. How do you manage production and scale up?
I am still in a home kitchen and yet to invest in a commercial space. I intend to scale up operations as the business grows.
6. How do you market your business?
I leverage on referrals and social media marketing to promote my cake business and occasionally with event planners.
7. What are the legal and regulatory requirements?
I have a trade license and a certificate for food safety and health.
8. Any advice to the young people?
I advise the young ones to have innovative brains. Many people are willing to invest in innovative and promising minds. Also, if you have the opportunity to start. Start small and be patient. There is a process to everything.