This is entrepreneur Sibongile Rakgatjane, the owner of Mamelodi-based Mo’s Bakery and Coffee Bar. She shares her journey in business and future plans with Slay Nation.
Who is the person behind Mo’s Bakery and Coffee Bar?
Sibongile Rakgatjane is the owner of Mo’s. I am 31 years old and a BCom Informatics graduate. I love baking, reading, hiking and just being around nature. I think my superpower is that I am passionate about small business development and I enjoy having conversations with young business people and offering advice.
What inspired you to start Mo’s Bakery and Coffee Bar?
I started baking at a very young age and baking has sustained me my whole schooling life. I worked for Microsoft and resigned to follow my baking passion. I was inspired by a lot of people to start Mo’s, however, I think what made me start was the yearning in me to bake full-time.
Tell us more about your business:
a) When did you start the business and how long has it been operating?
I started the business in 2015 and we are turning 7 in June 2022.
b) What kind of products do you offer?
We offer customized cakes, pastries, coffee and light lunches.
c) How did you fund the business?
Self-funded.
d) What sets you apart from your competitors?
Continuous improvement and striving for a spirit of excellence. If it’s not pleasing to our eyes then we re-do it.
e) Where are you based and how many people do you employ?
We are based in Pretoria, Mamelodi West and I employ six people.
How have you been received by consumers and the industry in which you operate?
Yes and I think our year-on-year growth testifies to that.
What are your hopes for Mo’s Bakery and Coffee Bar?
To have an industrial cake factory that supplies our coffee shops that will be countrywide and then worldwide.
Where can people find you?
Instagram: @mo_bakery_and_coffee_bar and Facebook: @mo_bakery
Is there anything else you’d like people to know about you and Mo’s Bakery and Coffee Bar?
My personal mandate is to change the face of township businesses and to prove to young people that it is possible. Mo’s is a platform for so many SMME’s to shine because we resell most local products and also give local artists a home to exhibit their art.
What is the one thing you’d say to young people out there who may be sitting on brilliant ideas?
Just start, start with what you have and where you are. Do not be afraid to ask for help. I find the greatest help comes from those that you do not expect it from.
