Shayandima born Rachel Gadisi: A jack of all trades 

Shayandima born Rachel Gadisi: A jack of all trades 

Well-known as a teacher at her Township of Shayandima, Rachel Gadisi is also known as a jack of all trades.

Gadisi is the owner of RachelG Cakes and Mutangwa Creations, beside baking she also does artwork, beading, and Knitting. Clay Pottery, Events Decor, and Interior Decor.

She obtained her Higher Education Qualifications at Vaal Triangle Technikon.

SHAYANDIMA BORN COUNTED AMONGST THE BEST

She was also one of the top 100 NYDA and Sowetan young entrepreneurs of the year in 2011.

Her interest in business started early in her childhood from selling candies at school and selling ice blocks at home during the hot summer days.

She said it all started in 2010 when she realized she had more time for herself as her full-time job requires her to work four days and four days off.

“I took advantage of my four days off and started baking as a hobby,” she explained. 

Rachel Gadisi: A jack of all trades 

“I then discovered cake decorating, which instantly became my passion. Many potential clients became interested in my decorating skills. Growing up in a family full of people who are passionate about cooking, being in the kitchen was our thing.

Rachel Gadisi showing off some of her work
Rachel Gadisi showing off some of her work

“With my elder sisters doing home economics at high school, I started to be interested in baking. Following my older sister’s footsteps, I enrolled myself in the same high school to learn home economics. To my surprise, I was one of the best students in my school. I never thought this love for cooking could one day lead to a successful business,” said Gadisi.

She adds that being one of the few bakers who specialised in the types of cake she was baking and decorating, her skills became in demand in Vhembe.

“People started asking for private lessons to be taught the skill of baking. After acquiring the appropriate equipment and venue I decided to start baking classes in Vhembe. Personally, I enjoy baking scones and biscuits compared to cake baking and decorating, the reason being that cake baking requires a lot of creativity and inspiration.

Shayandima born business woman Rachel Gadisi
Shayandima born business woman Rachel Gadisi

“Sometimes as a baker, it is hard to tap into your creative side. Scones and biscuit baking is easier as it requires little creativity and is less time-consuming,” she explains.

“Being a pioneer in the field of cake baking, teaching has put my brand RachelG cakes in a unique place in history as I have taught more than 300 individuals how to bake,” she said.

ON CHALLENGES FACES IN THE BUSINESS WORLD

“One of my greatest challenges in opening a business in a small town like Thohoyandou has been the accessibility of some important supplies. Most of my suppliers are found in the city of Johannesburg, Durban, and some as far as Cape Town. Some suppliers only sell to registered businesses only or businesses that affiliate with certain organizations,” she said.

She advises other young women that first and foremost you need to be hard workers because baking is physically demanding.

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