How Conny Gwai turned her passion for baking into profit

While many were facing uncertainty and job losses during the height of the COVID-19 lockdown, Conny Gwai made the daring decision to build something of her own.

What began as a small home-based baking venture in June 2020 has grown into a thriving pastry business that now inspires others to create opportunity in the face of crisis.

"It all began with my soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that my family simply couldn't get enough of," she says with a giggle.

The baked products list includes cakes, scones and biscuits.

Gwai, who also works as an administrator, business coach and facilitator, received mentorship and business development support from Anglo American Zimele, making it possible for her company, KayGee’s Confections, to formalise its operations, refine its services and grow into a structured business with a long-term vision.

What sets KayGee’s apart is its unique blend of artisanal baking and skills development.

"We don't just sell confectionery," Gwai explains. "We sell tradition, training, and transformation. Each workshop, each cake, and each conversation is an opportunity to uplift our community."

Gwai constantly monitors global pastry trends to remain competitive, screening all new concepts using her three core brand ideals of simplicity, elegance, and flavour integrity.

She states: "I'm always learning, but I stay true to myself."

While her baking studio is still under construction, Gwai is the only permanent employee, with three fixed-term employees helping her with large orders.

She intends to expand her training facilities to accommodate more learners every intake, run the business full-time with full-time staff and achieve accreditation for the company with FoodBev SETA so that she can provide learners with approved training.