Empowering women one cake at a time

Shiwomeho Kalla, known as Shiwa the baker, is building her empire one cupcake at a time. The key ingredients for scrumptious baked goods are a healthy amount of sugar, a sprinkle of spice and all things delectably nice. Shiwa is a labour of love and her dream was birthed from her insatiable passion for baking. Trained by some of the best in the business in Namibia and South Africa, Shiwa balances the life of an academic, a young professional and a businesswoman. Today she shares her story about when the baking bug bit her… and her master classes. Who is Shiwa?Born and raised in Oranjemund, 28-year-old Shiwa is an office manager by day, a student by night and baker in the wee hours. Her entrepreneurial hunger came from her working for the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and being a presenter on NBC. Shiwa recalls always being surrounded by businesswomen and -men from all walks of life and their fortitude inspired her. “Their stories, the drive and passion that they had was phenomenal. Two years later the entrepreneur in me rose and here we are. The journey has been wonderful,” she said. The beginning Shiwa got into the baking business in an unusual way. She recalls looking for a bakery to place an order for her friend's party and there was no one available to bake the cake. She says she had called bakers in the directory, those she was referred to and those off the internet too. “I eventually got someone but they wanted to charge me an arm and a leg. So I thought to myself that this is what I needed to venture into. I always had a passion for food and I guess that's another reason I got into this kind of business. It was never a thing of I used to bake as a child… I just happened,” Shiwa said. Growing up, Shiwa said she never had an idea of what she wanted to become but she knew she didn't want to be poor. She says her passion for food and the fear of being poor combined, birthed the baker in her. She officially started baking in 2016 and the business was a partnership. Shiwa the baker, like a phoenix, rose from the failed partnership to what it is today. “It started as a hobby and there is no way one can have a hectic schedule and still have the energy to bake until the morning hours. There is no way you will sweat and toil if there is no passion. Baking is something I like to do, on average I bake every day. I love being in my kitchen and that is where I find my peace,” she said. The master classesShiwa says when she got the idea of turning her baking into a business, no one wanted to help her master the skills. According to her, people were always busy and some didn't to share their secret recipes and knowledge. She vowed to herself that when mastered the craft she will teach people how to bake. She eventually found someone who taught her how to decorate cakes and who led her to someone who baked and was willing to share their knowledge. “I am all about collective power. I am about uplifting people and I want to see everyone win, grow and thrive. That is what fuels my entrepreneurial spirit, my business strategy and that is why I do what I do. Shiwa says she teaches women in particular, so that they can empower themselves. According to her, baking is a science as there is more to just following recipes and putting something in the oven. The techniques used to bake are based on the science of understanding why one bakes at a certain temperature, why the pan is a certain design - just to mention a few. To date, Shiwa has held over four classes in different towns. She will be having her next one in Rundu tomorrow and hopes to have more across Namibia. “I am so grateful that Bokomo Namibia and Moir's South Africa support this initiative. By dedicating their resources, I am now fully able to accomplish my dream of empowering women across the country.” The futureWhen asked if she would ever bake full-time, the enthusiast baker says she is willing to take it all the way, one step at a time. She says she does have a plan in place but the end goal is go full-time and opens up her own academy. “My short-term goal is to complete my master classes and in the long term, I want to grow a legacy brand, I eventually want to open a baking training academy and empower more people. One should never let fear deter them from their goals. Don't let it paralyse you,” she concluded. June Shimuoshili

Empowering women one cake at a time

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-18

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Empowering women one cake at a time

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-18

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