From Precious
August, 2010
Janet Mohapi-Banks | http://janetmohapibanks.com
Janet is the power behind Janet Mohapi-Banks Sculptural Cake Design which provides it's customers with cutting edge cake design that aims to transcend expectations in both taste and creative ingenuity.
Precious: Did you always want to be a business woman?
I have had a very varied career path, and although I never actually realised it, I think that everything I have done in the past has lead me to owning my own company now. From the secretarial course I did at 16, through my Musical Theatre training, management in retail, singing career, and my time spent as a croupier to eventually getting a first class honours degree in Computer Science at aged 34, my life has taken me in many directions. It is these experiences that have left me both undaunted and excited by new challenges. One of the jobs that I feel has helped me most is working as an Applications Developer for a start-up company. This was brilliant experience and meant that starting my own business was not the first time I have been involved in a company taking it's very first steps.
Precious: When did you come up with your business idea?
I have always made cakes, but after making the birthday cake for my daughter's
4th birthday, I realised that I had a talent for decorating cakes and as
I wanted to work hours to fit into my life of raising my 2 children, once
I reached a certain standard and level of demand, it was logical to turn
it into a business.
Precious: Tell us about the business planning stage
Like most working from home mums in similar industries, my business progressed
slowly from making cakes for family and friends to getting business through
word of mouth, to being busy enough to turn it into a proper business, registering
as a limited company last summer.
Precious: Did you have any formal business training?
No. I have never had any formal business training. I have found that apart from
tax and accounting issues (for which I have an accountant) business competence
is mostly common sense. I have also never had any cake decoration training
and I am completely self-taught in my craft.
Precious: What funding sources have worked for you?
I am lucky enough to be in the position where company funding has not really been necessary. It's partly because my business has grown organically and so I have built up the equipment needed as it has been required, but also because my business model does not require vast investment in order for it to succeed.
Precious: How do you work on making your business grow?
After initially spending money on advertising that didn't bring any rewards, I now concentrate my efforts in networking and getting to know people in the wedding industry who then recommend me to their clients. As a result of networking and self-publicising I have appeared in a national magazine and in many online magazines and blogs. The most effective way I've grown my business is to consistently produce amazing cakes that my clients rave about.
Precious: Has your business developed the way you thought it wouldr?
Although I still have a long way to go to reach my full potential as I foresee
it, I am definitely on the right track and enjoying every step of the way.
Precious: What's been the most exciting event in your business life so far?
My first national magazine coverage was definitely a highlight of my career
so far, and the fact that it was Condé Nast Brides Magazine, the best selling
bridal magazine in the country and by the publishers of Vogue, made it all
the better!
Precious: How have your family and friends supported you?
I could not have my business without the support of my husband and children. They all wish me every success and even though my children are still very young, they understand how hard I have to work to succeed, and therefore give me the time I need. I count myself very lucky to have such a supportive family.
Precious: How do you achieve the work/life balance?
Work / life balance is notoriously difficult to achieve as a working mother of young children. I try to achieve it by giving the task at hand 100% of my time and focus. ie When I am with my children I try to be 100% with my children and when I am working I try to work efficiently and wisely. The only way to do this is with strict organisation, planning and keeping to schedules. My most precious commodity is my time and I can't afford to waste it.
Precious: Aside from Precious, do you belong to any networking groups?
I don't belong to any networking groups per se but I spend a lot of time on social
networks such as Twitter, that has enabled me to find many interesting people
Precious: How do you see your business progressing over the next five years?
I think that the next five years are going to be very exciting but obviously hard work. Within this timeframe I hope to become more widely known and highly regarded as one of the best luxury cake companies in the country. I also expect to have my cakes regularly featured in the high-end glossy magazines and I would like my own book of cake designs to be published for general release. I produce fantastic cakes and give a service that is second to none so there is nothing stopping me from achieving all the goals I set.
Precious: What's your advice to potential female entrepreneurs?
My words of wisdom would be, "believe in yourself and what you can achieve. The future you want is there for the taking so with good planning, talent, hard work and dedication, there is no reason why you shouldn't be able to take it."