By Prudence Minayo
Rashid Abdallah is the founder of Blax Cakes. They bake and deliver cakes of different sizes and styles to their clients. While the Covid-19 affected many business, it provided Rashid with the chance to open his own bakery, a decision he has never regretted.
Here is his story as told by WoK.
Background
He was born the first in a family of two brothers in Pumwani, Majengo. Orphaned at a young age, he started looking for ways to earn a living immediately after completing his O levels. He was involved in business up until the pandemic struck and everything came to a standstill.
Starting Blax Cakes
Sharon Anyango, his wife and a graduate of hospitality management challenged him to start baking cakes. He had always loved cooking but had never thought of it as a business opportunity. Nonetheless, he decided to give it a try hence the formation of Blax cakes.
Business was not easy as in the beginning orders were hard to come by. However, they persisted with it.
Apart from having clients who know what they want, they also deal with those who are clueless. With the latter, they always inquire whether they are interested in a shouting or mild flavour, whether the cake is meant for a child or adult and what number of people are expected to eat it. They then come up with the design and deliver.
One thing that has kept him grounded is not comparing his business with that of others. Rather, he chooses to focus ahead. Their faith in God and the passion for the business has also enabled them deal with tough times.
Lessons and Advise to Entrepreneurs
He told The Nairobian that to achieve success in the world of entrepreneurship, one needs digital skills which are crucial to marketing. The other thing is to have good relationships with clients by identifying what they like and what they don’t. The last is to give your all in the business. He has also learnt to listen to the complaints of clients and address them, deliver what the clients want and understanding clients and apologizing when a mistake has been made.
“Do what makes you happy. Get to “understand the kind of audience you are dealing with – their likes and dislikes – and believing in yourself even if no one does,” he was quoted by The Standard.
The entrepreneur also advised others to always stay active by participating in activities, like hiking and visiting friends.
