Words: Zena le Roux | Images: Supplied
Miss Cake focuses on creating a variety of celebration cakes. It also boasts a tastefully decorated 40-seater function room that hosts bridal showers, baby showers and birthdays, as well as an intimate and pretty coffee shop serving, cake, tea, breakfast and lunch. Owner Anelda Martin tells us more about her business, based in Groenkloof.
How did your business start?
As the person who started Isabella’s in 2008, I’ve always loved the food and coffee shop industry, and so I started baking cakes, quiches and selling platters from home in 2016. Eventually, the demand for luxury cakes forced me to find a more commercial site to work from, but also a place where clients could sit, taste and collect their cakes. Miss Cake officially opened in October last year.
Why did you choose this area to set up shop?
I was so fortunate to find a “home away from home” setting. I knew I didn’t want to go anywhere near a shopping centre, as my bakery had to be on site. Where in a retail environment was I going to find a commercial site with a small retail site? Having a place close to where I live was important, as I understand the people from my area and their need for luxury.
How did you find your premises?
I bumped into one of my previous landlords and mentioned that I was looking for a commercial and retail space in one. They immediately showed me one of their sites which was the perfect fit for my business, and so we entered into a lease agreement.
Why are the premises ideally suited to your business?
The location is great. The size is perfect, the look and feel are just what I was looking for and, most important, the rental and costs made perfect sense.
Who are your neighbours?
The popular Body and Skin Renewal is on one side and on the other side is an interior decorating business. We all complement each other perfectly.
What are the shop rental/sales prices like in this area?
The rate per square metre in the area would be extremely high, but I managed to get my premises for an affordable rate. This is due to the place being a standalone structure. My landlords are also people who think about the long-term benefits.
How many people visit your business each day?
We sell a minimum of 100 cakes per week to various people and businesses. We host a minimum of two functions per weekend and we have a steady coffee shop trade.
Do you have any expansion plans?
No, never again! My aim is to run a personalised, well-oiled machine with as few expenses as possible. I also desire the flexibility of being able to run around for my busy children and being there for them.
Do you operate online as well?
We don’t sell online but we’re visible on Facebook and our website is user-friendly and informative.
What’s your most popular item?
Our most popular items for sale are our cakes, quiches and our party offerings.
For more information on Miss Cake, phone 064 903 6559 / 064 902 5888 or visit the website.
