Shiwomeho Kalla, affectionately known as Shiwa The Baker. She runs her own bakery specialising in premium bakery delights.
Through her baking skills she has equipped others to become entrepreneurs through hosting Baking Masterclasses across the country.
99FM caught up her, as she shares with us her passion and business of baking.
Q: How did you get started in this business?
I never really set out on being a baker. The industry sort of found me. Searching, without success for someone to bake a cake for a friend’s birthday two years ago sparked what would be an enduring love affair with baking. Shiwa| The Baker turns a year old this month.
Q: What are some of the challenges you’ve faced being a baker in Namibia, and how have you navigated through them?
I have received a lot of criticism especially within the baking industry for swimming against the tide and establishing a business model many consider a departure from perceived wisdom. Specifically, for doing something out of the ordinary like sharing my knowledge, including my recipes and techniques, through my masterclasses. As potentially discouraging that might have been, I stayed true to the motivation behind my business strategy.
Q: In Terms of marketing, how do you market your business? How has (if it has) social media marketing impacted towards that?
I primarily use social media as a marketing tool. I have a genius Brand Strategist and the best Brand Management team who ensure that the content I share are easily digestible and attractive. In addition to social media we also use print media.
Q. How are you different from your competitors?
At the core of who we are is empowerment. What sets us apart from other establishments within the industry is what fuels our business strategy. We are not solely focused on amassing our own wealth, we believe in collective power- Uplifting others.
Aside from that, we are not only selling training, ours is more than just popping a cake out of the oven. My business model is built on selling an experience!
Q.To what do you attribute your success?
Firstly, to God. I am, because He is. Secondly, without a doubt, to my support system. I have been blessed with the most amazing tribe. There is nothing better than being surrounded by like-minded individuals who share the same passion of seeing your ideas come to life.
Q. Where do you see your company in 5-10 years time?
Long-term sustainability is of utmost importance to me. I envision myself building an empire capable of renewing itself through changing generations of technology, employees and consumers. In the next 5-10 years, I hope to have established a market leader in the culinary industry. I see myself at the helm of a global brand, with a world class baking training academy.
For a taste of her delicious delicacies contact her on:
cell. +264 81 146 421
email: cakes@shiwathebaker.biz
facebook: Shiwa The Baker
Instagram: @ShiwaTheBaker