How baking hobby turned to lucrative business for 29 year old

Rachel Mihari is offering a delightful solution for those with a sweet tooth—cute, colourful cakes packaged in a small box, perfect for two people.

Her popular punnet cakes cater to customers who crave a quick treat but may not have the budget or time for larger cakes.

From the trunk of her car parked at Section 58 estate, Rachel sells these small-sized cakes to meet the demand of customers who need an affordable and fast option.

A self-taught baker, Rachel began her baking journey in 2020 after learning from YouTube.

"I graduated from YouTube University; I’ve never attended a formal baking school. Baking started as a hobby while I was still working. Eventually, I decided to quit my job and focus fully on my business," she explains.

Rachel had spent six years in a managerial role before pursuing her passion for baking.

"I was nervous about leaving my job, but I always dreamt of being self-employed, so starting this business was a dream come true," she says.

Initially, she baked part-time but, in August, decided to fully focus and invest Sh. 25,000 into the business, purchasing a mixer and plates, and using her car to sell and deliver orders.

"I chose to sell cakes from my car to keep start-up costs low, especially since the punnet cake business was new to Nakuru," she shares.

At 29, Rachel emphasises that even small cakes can be both beautiful and delicious. Her attention to quality and detail sets her apart. She sells small cakes for Sh. 200, while the larger ones go for Sh. 300.

"The cakes are affordable, making them a great gift option for friends or loved ones, especially if you’re on a budget. There are different flavours available," she says.

One challenge Rachel has faced is the high cost of cake plates, which used to be Sh. 80 each. However, with more cake accessory shops opening up, the increased competition has helped lower the prices.