Bake a better life
Senimelia’s tasty treats
IT was something she was taught as a child baking alongside her mother in the kitchen. But it wasn’t until she was at her toughest time in life that she turned back to a skill in the kitchen
Senimelia Moamoa Brown said she worked many jobs including poultry farming, customer service at a Suva motel and waitress at an internationally renowned eatery all of which paid her low wages.
The 36-year-old mother of four turned to starting her baking and cooking business. She started small from her home in Nakasi.
And it didn’t take too long before she began to see more potential earning more than she ever made at her previous jobs.
“When I was schooling in Delainamasi, I used to watch my mother baking and cooking at home,” she said.
“The more we worked together, the more I got interested and passionate about cooking and baking and I owe it all to her.”
Mrs Brown, who hails from Wainunu in Bua, recalled her first job and customer. It was a wedding cake for a friend.
It was one of her biggest jobs, but she was confident because she knew a lot about cakes, flavours, and cake decorations.
She had always wanted to run her own business, but a lot of things changed along the way, she got married and had children. Eventually she needed to earn money and opted to work instead, but that too proved more stressful.
Mr Brown she the decision to finally leave her job to focus more on her business was tough. Today she looks back with no regrets and is glad she found the courage to venture on her own.
“All those years of work were just a waste of time. I should have started my business long ago, but I guess everything in life has its lessons.
Mrs Brown operates from home where she collects orders from customers to either bake or cook for funerals, weddings and special occasions.
She said her husband was helpful and chips in new ideas about cake decorations most of the time.
Over the years they have gained a lot of experience working together.
“Even during this pandemic of COVID-19 we are happy at home that we can provide for our children from money earned from our baking.
“My aim is to continue baking and to have a cake shop in the future. If others can do it, so too my husband and I — that’s our dream.
“I collect orders mostly through people calling my mobile 7829283 and there are times when customers visit my residence Wailai Place in Nakasi, Nausori.”