Big Interview: Wongani Mtaula, the cake boss

Wongani Mtaula is talented with making unique cake shapes that are a marvel to look at and taste. She also makes cakes that tell a story. Wongani amazes even her clientele. I found out more about this Malawian cake boss.

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Tell me about yourself

My name is Wongani Mkandawire Mtaula, I’m married to Yamikani Mtaula and blessed with a little girl, Shanay. My father comes from Mzimba and my mother is from Rumphi. I was born in 1989 and I’m the third born in a family of four.

What sort of upbringing did you have?

I was born and raised in a Christian family and my parents were very supportive. They taught me to always trust in God. They emphasised the need to hard work in school and that helped me to concentrate on my studies. I grew up in my parents’ house in Nyambadwe till the day I got married. I now live in Chigumula.

What is your education background?

I did my primary at Blantyre Girls Primary School and later moved to Kabula Private Primary School. I went to Phwezi Girls Secondary School and was later selected to the University of Malawi’s Polytechnic to study environmental health and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 2010. I then worked for St Montfort Hospital in Nchalo for two years.

Where did you learn to make such cakes?

I must admit to be blessed with these baking skills which have been perfected over time with practice. My mother used to bake simple cakes at home and that is where I learnt how to bake. I also met a man who loves cakes and I was inspired to continue baking, sinanga mkomya. After I quit my Job, I needed to do something to keep me occupied and my husband suggested baking. After I gave it a try, the outcome wasn’t so impressive, although delicious. With a little boost from Google, I improved and I love making different cakes, especially sophisticated ones.

What sort of cakes do you make?

I make what customers want. My business starts with their orders and I am obliged to make the cake according to the specifications for each customer. I make any type of cake from simple celebration to wedding cakes.

Sometimes, customers do not exactly know what they would like their cake to look like and I inquire about their occasion, personality, likes and professions. I make anything from handbags to cartoon characters. If one wants a cake for a civil engineer, I make something that will show construction vehicles on a site, each doing its own work.

Every cake needs to have a taste (either chocolate/ cheese/lemon) and tell a story. I strive to provide unique products that amaze customers by the outlook, but also for them to immensely fall in love with the taste of my cakes for a come-back.

Where do you derive your inspiration from?

My family and friends inspire me a lot when they admire my work and give me constructive comments. My husband always tells me not to be good when I can be great, so I always fight to be a great baker and decorator. On international level, I’m inspired by Buddy Valastro, the cake boss.

How long have you been in this business?

Not long. I only started in April this year, but my decorating skills keep improving with time as I discover new tactics and tools. I believe my business will grow with time.

When is your busiest time?

My busiest time is when I have orders which are complicated to produce. I start by sourcing materials required to make the cake and in Malawi, to find unique and reliable materials can prove challenging sometimes. When I’m decorating, I strive to make it look real, even though it’s just a cake, which takes up my time. Sometimes, I get orders with limited timeframe to deliver so I have to work overnight to ensure that the cake is delivered on schedule without compromising on quality.

How do you juggle business with family?

It is very interesting, but doing this business does not in any way affect my family. We divided roles between me and my husband. I am the baker, decorator while he is the taster and transporter.

How big is your clientele?

My clientele is small, but growing because I am always receiving new orders from new customers. Currently, we focus on customers within Blantyre, but occasionally send to other cities given trusted transportation.

How many cakes do you make in a week/month?

The number of cakes produced in a week or month varies according to demand,.In some months demand is high and I can produce a total of 10 big cakes in a week and sometimes, I can go a week without any order.

How much do your cakes cost?

My prices are fair as I am concentrating on growing the business and maintaining low margins. Basic cakes start from K8 000 and the price increases with size and type of cake. Customised and complicated cakes come with their own price depending on various factors.

How long do they take to make?

Time spent on a cake depends on the type of cake, but I always ensure I give each cake ample time to produce great results. For a simpler cake, I take about three hours. For wedding cakes, I use recipes with long shelf life. Birthday cakes can be kept for up to two weeks without losing their texture.

Can you make any shape as requested by a client?

Yes, even if I don’t have a ready shaped tin, I use my cutting skills and get exactly what I want. My first guitar cake, I had to cut my cakes to produce a guitar shape and made it so well. My skills have improved over time and I can now do any cake of any shape with ease.

What is your typical day like?

My day depends on orders at hand. When business is good, I mostly I open my office as early as 6 am to bake and give enough time for cooling. If it’s a complicated cake, I make sure I start decorating in good time so that I don’t miss cake details.

Any last comments?

I would like to thank my God for my talent. I thank my parents for teaching me the most basic and important skills to what I can confidently say is my business today. To my husband thank you for all the support and encouragement. To my siblings and true friends, God brought you into my life for a purpose, thank you. Finally, to those afraid of starting any income generating activity, fear no more. If the market is already flooded, fight to be unique and believe me, you will climb the ladder.