Baking is an art form that allows for boundless creativity, and it brings joy to others. For the founders of Bakers Creationz, it all started in a small kitchen in Maphephetheni, KwaZulu-Natal. What began as a passion and love for baking has grown into a business that now produces more than 6 000 snowballs every week, sold in big retailers across South Africa.
How It All Started
Blessing Sithole, the founder of Bakers Creationz, never set out to build a big business. Baking was about family and community. Using simple ingredients and a lot of care, the cakes quickly gained a reputation, with snowball becoming people’s favourite cake in the community.
“Baking started as a passion and a way to bring joy to my family and community,” Sithole explains. ” It was never about fancy ingredients; it was about good cakes made with love and care.”
At first, snowballs were sold to friends and neighbours. As word spread, local shops began placing orders. From there, the dream grew. Meeting retail standards was not easy, but with determination, Baker’s Creationz moved from community shelves to national stores.
Reinventing A Classic
Snowballs are now the company’s signature product. Bringing sweet memories, reminding people of childhood, family gatherings, and simple joys. But Bakers Creationz did not simply copy the traditional version.
“I wanted to honour the classic snowball but refresh it,” Sithole says. “We gave it a softer texture, used better ingredients, and worked on consistent quality.”
Customers often say it feels homemade, even when bought in a store. This mix of familiarity and freshness has made the snowball a standout success.
Scaling Without Losing the Magic
It took more than passion to sell thousands of snowballs a week. It required the right systems and structure. Scaling up involved investing in good equipment, staff training and optimisation of systems. Freshness and quality are something that never change.
“We scaled carefully because I never wanted growth to come at the cost of taste,” Sithole notes. “Every snowball still has to taste like the ones I made at home.”
Breaking Into Retail
Landing a spot on the shelves of major retailers like Pick ‘n Pay and Spar was a milestone. But it was not an easy road. Retail has strict rules around packaging, shelf life, and supply chains. Each meeting and pitch felt like a chance to prove the product’s worth.
“My advice to other food entrepreneurs is simple,” Sithole says. “Be prepared and know your numbers. Understand your customer, make sure your product is retail-ready, and don’t be afraid to start small.”
Holding Onto Authenticity
Food is more than just taste. It is about memory and emotion. Baker’s Creationz continues to carry the heart of its beginnings. Every recipe is tested with the same care as if it were being served at home.
“Even as we grow, every recipe still carries the same heart. Our snowballs are wrapped in consistency, but they are also wrapped in memory,” says the founder.
Lessons Along the Way
Running a bakery business has taught many lessons. Freshness does not scale easily, and logistics are just as important as the taste. A product can only succeed when it reaches the shelves on time. Again, flexibility is also crucial because challenges are constant in the bakery industry.
Staying True to Our Roots
KwaZulu-Natal remains at the heart of Baker’s Creations. The business hires locally, supports local suppliers, and gives back to the same community that supported its early days. The success of the business has become a source of pride for Maphephetheni, showing that even from rural beginnings, national dreams are possible.
“It is very important to stay connected to our roots,” he explains.” Growth means nothing if you forget where you come from.”
Looking Ahead
The future looks bright. Winning the R1 million prize at the 2025 Nedbank Pitch and Polish competition has given Bakers Creationz the chance to scale further. The vision is clear; it is to become a household name across South Africa and eventually expand into new markets abroad.
Success for this brand is not about money. It is about being a proudly local business that grows with purpose, stays true to its values, and continues to bring joy to customers.
Advice to Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For people who want to turn a home passion into a business, Sithole’s advice is very simple. “Start small, but start. Sell to neighbours, test your recipes, and get feedback. Don’t wait for perfect conditions, just start.”
Starting in a rural kitchen to national shelves, Bakers Creationz is proof that with heart, perseverance, and community support, a small business dream can grow into something extraordinary.
