Words: Tivania Moodley | Images: Supplied
Akshi Rajbansi has a passion for baking and grew up in a home where culinary skills were revered. Her business, Kreamy Kreations, came out of her love of food and her desire to make family get-togethers extra special with delicious and personalised treats. She tells us more about her Umhlanga-based business.
How did your business start?
I grew up in a home where our kitchen was always filled with trays of treats and the smell of freshly baked cakes, which inspired me to get into the mix. With the support of my husband and family, I began selling the masterpieces I created. I opened Kreamy Kreations in October 2016, with my first official order being two dozen cupcakes for a baby shower. I started with about five to six orders per month, but now we push out about two to three orders per day. We get people placing orders months in advance and we’ve even started receiving wedding cake orders for 2019.
Why did you choose this area to set up shop?
I work from home and began by baking for my friends and family. When I turned this into a business, my clients came from referrals I got from those friends and family within Umhlanga, where demand is always high.
How did you find your premises?
I decided to run my business out of my house so I could still maintain my family responsibilities and grow my baking career. With the cost of living so high, working from home allows me to keep costs down and focus on the quality of the goods I serve. Before someone becomes my client, we chat and get to know each other. I will discount orders for single parents who can’t afford to pay so they can have a cake for their little one’s special day. Working from home allows me to make something special for every budget.
Why are the premises ideally suited to your business?
Umhlanga is central with plenty of meeting spots and delivery points. Most of my clients are based in Umhlanga.
Who are your neighbours?
We’re surrounded by amazing people. We have a curry place, a cute Italian cafe, a supermarket and a service station.
What are the shop rental/sales prices like in this area?
I work from home, so I don’t pay rent.
How many people visit your business each day?
The Facebook page gets about 70 visits daily. I only take three bespoke orders a day and about five basic orders.
Do you have any expansion plans?
Yes, definitely. I want to open a coffee shop and walk-in designer showcase for brides and prospective clients.
Do you operate online as well?
Yes, I encourage clients to view items online on my Facebook page and Instagram.
What’s your most popular item?
The most popular items are the cheesecake, butterscotch and almond cupcakes, Turkish delight bundt cake and the vanilla and chocolate cakes.
For more information on Kreamy Kreations, phone 072 188 7511 or visit their Facebook page.
