At Tomy, we’re dedicated to supporting women in every way possible and we’re on a mission to showcase successful female-led businesses in South Africa. Today, we are thrilled to bring you the inspiring story of Gemisquare Bakeries, a business that has not only delighted taste buds but also become an inspiration to the local community. This remarkable venture is the brainchild of talented entrepreneur, Nomfundo Hlengiwe Shandu, who turned her passion for baking into a thriving business, all while making a positive impact on her community.
Nomfundo’s Recipe for Success: The Rise of Gemisquare Bakeries
Born in Umlazi and a two-time graduate of the Durban University of Technology, Nomfundo is a shining example of resilience and community spirit. In 2014, she started baking muffins and scones as a hobby, and soon turned her passion into a side hustle, creating event cakes. With a relentless passion for baking, she quit her day job as a supervisor in the food manufacturing industry and focused on her baking business full-time.
The key ingredient to Nomfundo’s success was her unwavering resilience. During the early stages of her business venture, one of the challenges Nomfundo faced was mastering the art of baking bread. Luckily, she wasn’t afraid to get her hands dirty, watching YouTube videos and buying books to teach herself the craft. Today, she not only runs a successful venture but also employs seven people from her local community. Her delicious breads quickly became high in demand, especially for poverty-stricken homes who appreciate affordable, high-quality baked goods.
Supporting Local Communities: Gemisquare Bakeries Making Waves in South Africa
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the business boomed as people sought out fresh, homemade bread, which Nomfundo sold to local homes and spaza shops. Her passion and determination soon outgrew the confines of her home kitchen and Nomfundo made the bold move to purchase a house and transform it into a fully functional bakery. This expansion not only allowed Gemisquare Bakeries to produce larger quantities of baked goods but also created job opportunities for young people in her community.
More than just a place to buy bread, Gemisquare Bakeries is a beacon for the local community in times of need and Nomfundo’s dedication to her community shines through when it matters the most. In the midst of the unrest that gripped KwaZulu-Natal in July 2021, Gemisquare Bakeries became a symbol of hope, providing the community with bread and baked essentials.
Nomfundo is also determined to share knowledge and make an impact, which is why she hosts local baking classes, teaching practical skills and empowering others to start their own businesses. Inspiring others, Nomfundo’s rise to success is a testament to the power and potential of women in the business world.
A Celebration of Female Entrepreneurship: Gemisquare Bakeries’ Success Story
With Gemisquare Bakeries’ products winning over local taste buds, Nomfundo recently made a significant leap by developing a strong brand presence for her business. In the next few years, Nomfundo envisions Gemisquare Bakeries operating at an industrial level, supplying all provinces in South Africa, and expanding to other African countries, while creating employment opportunities.
Gemisquare Bakeries is an inspiration to aspiring female entrepreneurs to unleash their potential and create positive change in their communities. With Nomfundo’s dedication, hard work, and community spirit, this business owner, wife, and mother to three girls is unstoppable in achieving her goals.
Show your support and follow Gemisquare Bakeries on Instagram and Facebook so you can stay up to date on Nomfundo’s journey and never miss out on any new baked goods.
Let’s continue to recognise and uplift remarkable women. Tag a woman-founded or-led businesses on our socials who is doing the most and they could be featured next!
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