‘Who knew my mom’s scone recipe would be my bread and butter’

Veronica Shezi, 43, lives in Bryanston with her husband Siphiwe and their four children. She owns Vero’s Cakes in Randburg. “I can’t imagine life without Baking. I started when I was about 13, mainly making Scones from my mom’s trusted recipe. People loved them, and I’d make dozens for friends, but I never charged anything; the idea that I could pursue a career in baking didn’t even occur to me.

After school, I did a diploma in analytical chemistry, and then IT, but once I started working full-time, I got bored very quickly. I was still baking scones as gifts, but in 2003, when a friend asked for a bucket of 110 scones for a family gathering, I said I’d need to charge her for it, if only to make up the cost of the ingredients. She was more than willing to pay and, a day later, called to say that my scones were a hit, and she’d got an order for four more buckets!

By 2004, I had so many requests for scones that I could barely keep up with demand. The advantage was that | was bringing in a healthy profit selling them; enough to quit my full-time job and set up a small baking startup in my garage. I then signed up for a six-month diploma course in pastry, at Capsicum Culinary Studio, to upskill myself and grow my repertoire.

It took five years of hard wor before I was finally able to open my own shop in 2009. I expanded my range to include things like cupcakes and lamingtons, and went on an icing course to make wedding cakes as well, but to this day my scones are still the lifeblood of my business. I now have two stores and a fantastic team I trust to bring my recipes to life. From time to time, I still find myself in the kitchen, donning my apron and experimenting with a new recipe. It’s always a breath of fresh air for me, and a reminder that following your passion really can pay off.” For more info, see www.veroscakes.co.za

Reference Woman’s Home November issue & link to their website

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