It’s the end of another year. And how time has literally flashed by. If you look around. You’ll see a lot more greying and ageing and all that not so fun stuff that comes with the passage of time. Proof of life, I guess. And that our rotations around the sun continue to increase. But therein lies a paradox. Despite the apparent decaying, so much is still fresh and new. 2022 brought with it new life, dreams, inventions and creations, positive changes, ground-breaking developments, and many other good things. Think about it. It’s even as if the Covid-19 pandemic never really happened. I think they’re calling it an endemic now. Which means it’ll be a normal and commonplace occurrence for the rest of our lives. But I don’t mean to say this lightly. We continue to mourn the lives lost in that season. But we must acknowledge a bitter, sweet truth. That life goes on. It’s a continuous exchange of ashes for beauty. Sadness for joy. And sorrow for laughter. So, we always have a reason to keep hope alive.

This is why December is a good time to pause and reflect. On how the year started. How it’s been going. And how it’s expected to end. Because, if there was ever a time to introduce change, this would be one. Though, the truth is every day is a good day to introduce change. So, don’t get stumbled by this yearend thing either! But depending on the lens by which you do life. Some are already in 2023. Others are preparing to get into 2023. And some are still trying to wrap their heads around 2022. Whichever person you are, taking the honest time to reflect will add value.

And that’s what we’re doing as a business. It’s been a great year. We’ve achieved so much. And learnt even more. We’ve been tested. We’ve endured. We’ve stretched ourselves. And folded into spaces never imagined possible. We’ve celebrated both the small and big wins. We’ve adapted. And we’re more aligned with the growth we expect to see going forward than ever before. To remain relevant in this ever-evolving world, so much more will be required from us. Simply because men are becoming wiser and more creative by the day, and doing so much more all over the world in their different fields. It’s critical that we never lose the heart that’s attuned to these vibrations.  

Which makes this a great point to flip to today’s conversation. The Oxford Dictionary defines Monument as “a statue, building or other structure erected to commemorate a notable person or event”. Now, I believe we would all agree that monuments are greatly important. When erected at the right place and time, and for the right reasons, we need these places of remembrance. They provide a physical point of contact to connect with significant moments past. As our lives are melting pots of things ancients and those new. That is, the past defines the present, to an extent. And the present defines the future, to an extent. And we see monuments all over the world today. In fact, the tourism industry is majorly focused on the erection and maintenance of monuments. With even the location of some being the subject of many heated debates.

However, these aren’t the monuments I’m focused on today. Rather, I’m concerned with the ones we unknowingly erect in our own lives. And which have the potential to hold us back in more ways than we can fully appreciate. Take success, for example. And this is purely by way of example for the purposes of elucidating the message. Because the list is vast and wide. Like children. They can also become monuments in the lives of their parents. Most notably in instances where conception was a struggle. And so, the parents devote their lives to raising their children. But I’m digressing here.

While it’s always a good thing to applaud one’s successes and praise one’s achievements over time, one should be careful not to build monuments around them. We get it. To achieve the very thing you’ve invested yourself in, is huge. Moreover, to arrive at a place where that success is tangibly evident; how awesome! I believe most, if not all, of us want that. However, it’s possible to build your life around these moments as the end game. What I means is, in striving for success, it’s possible to erect monuments representative of the success you’ve already attained. For instance, by holding fast to one’s title, material possessions, and reputation. Constantly putting them before you and everyone else. Doing everything necessary to sustain and keep them. And feeding off the accolades they come with.

Let’s go deeper. Oxford defines Idol as “an image or representation of god used as an object of worship”. Similar interpretations include “a person or thing that is greatly admired, loved or revered”. You see. The issue with monuments like this is they tend to become idols, and therefore objects of worship. And this is serious, friends.

Worship is defined by the Oxford Dictionary as “the feeling or expression of reverence and adoration for a deity”. Meaning, as you revere and adore the success you’ve attained, you risk making the objects of it lord over you. And once these things become lord over you, albeit unknowingly, you’ll worship them. Just like that, the monuments built around your success become your idols too. The house you built from the ground up; the top of the range car you drive; your improved quality and standard of living, etc. And from there, you serve these things. Prioritising them, obsessing over them, and probably even boasting about them too.

But here’s the thing about worship. It always comes with sacrifice. Because a price must be paid. There’s a cost to your sacrifices. And you need to be careful who you worship as this will directly influence the sacrifices you’re willing to make. And let me tell you for free. Some have sacrificed way too much. Made a few mistakes. Taken a few bad decisions. Compromised in too many ways. And lost more than they should have. Simply in their pursuit for success. But this thing is so subtle, friends. Because it creeps. Firstly, into your heart. And then to the centre of it all. And one day, time catches up with you, and you won’t have anywhere to hide from the trouble that finds you (in whichever shape or form, or whatever way, it comes).

You must be wondering. How can you identify if you’ve built monuments in your life? It’s easy. Examine yourself. How much importance do you place on certain things? How important is it for you to be seen in a particular light? How much time and money do you invest in the pursuit of these things? When you weigh up the balances, how are you doing in the other areas of your life?

But, please don’t get me wrong here. I’m not saying you shouldn’t desire success. What would be the point of pursuing your dreams if not to be successful and fruitful? It’s just a caution against building monuments along the way. Because the moment you do that, you erect boundary walls right in front of you. Declaring that’s as far as you need to go. And so, ultimately can go. And even if all you’ve amassed comes with a glory. You’ll still miss out on the greater glory beyond that point.

So, at such a time as this when we pause to reflect, this blog is a reminder to us, just as we hope that it is to you. That while we should recognise the achievements of 2022. And celebrate them. We’ve passed them. So, don’t stop there. The goal is to reach for the stars. Which means to continue in one direction only; upward. And as we do this diligently and faithfully, to remain humble too. Because it’s so easy to get puffed up in the grand moments.

In the same vein. If 2022 came with certain missteps and regrets. Don’t get stumbled by those either. Because they can become monuments too. And therefore, idols in your life. Where you obsess over them, repeatedly beat yourself up because of them, and even struggle to forgive yourself. Don’t do it! Mistakes are simply opportunities to grow. No matter how tough. Recognise the errors made. Learn the hard lessons. Apologise to whom it’s required. Pray about it. And then leave them behind. Keep it moving. Learn to build a certain tenacity of spirit and to keep your eyes on the bigger picture.

With that, we would like to thank you for your patronage and goodwill throughout the year. You continue to carry us and we’re grateful. It’s humbling that you would choose us in a world of many options. Our promise remains the same. To provide freshly prepared heavenly treats, using the highest quality ingredients. We look forward to surpassing your expectations in 2023 and beyond!

Wishing you and yours a Blessed Christmas. Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God, is the reason for the season. We trust you’ll keep Him at the centre of your celebrations. We would also like to wish you a Safe cross over into the New Year, and a Prosperous and Fruitful 2023!

Yours in baking,

Chi

It’s a new month, which means about that time to catch up again! How I look forward to these blogs. I’ve found that topics in previous months often weave through the months ahead; informing many personal experiences. As if somehow connecting the dots along the way. And this is my hope for you too. That these blogs not only provide a ‘good’, short read, but also stir deeper conversations within as you chart your respective courses in life. After all, we’re not just talking about cakes. We touch on various meaningful topics though the fanciful platform provided by caking; dealing with thought provoking and destiny defining matters. Issues that impact our daily living and require a focused attention in this journey called life!

This month’s topic was inspired by my recent interactions with a father who placed an order for a 7^th birthday cake for his daughter. He dropped a text with a simple instruction. Explaining that after probing the birthday girl for guidance on her dream design, her response had been simple. A plain cake saying happy birthday. No frills. Chocolate cake combined with vanilla cake. And that was it.

As I sat down to finalise the order based on his clear brief, it wasn’t enough for me. For sure, we do simple, plain cakes round the clock. And could’ve easily reproduced one of those for his princess. But I felt that there was more in her request. Or rather, that we could do more with what she was asking.

As I pondered on it, I recalled a conversation with my teenage daughter a few months back. Where she brought me up to speed with a growing trend and favourite theme amongst her age group – minimalistic, aesthetic cake designs. In fact, she spotted one such design when scrolling through our Instagram page, and pointed this out to me. I don’t know whether I should even be admitting this publicly, but I had actually never heard of it at the time. Yes, we had done the cake, and perfectly so, might I add. But it didn’t mean more than a well reproduced photo, to me; of which we do many on a daily basis. Nevertheless, I not only listened to my daughter. I heard her too. After all, the children of today tend to know a lot more than we do about many things, thanks to the ever-evolving world in which we live. Which is a good thing. So, I immediately researched the concept. And lo and behold, I found a wide range of articles and imagery. And now speak of these things as if I’m an expert. Thanks, my child!

I thought to myself. This little girl must be thinking about a minimalistic, aesthetic cake design. So, I searched out a couple of images that I felt she could like, as points of reference for her to choose from, in the hope of further guiding her thought process, and quickly sent them to her father. Later that evening, he reverted saying that while she hadn’t chosen any of the images I had selected; she had, with the help of her parents, searched the internet for more images and found her chosen minimalistic, aesthetic cake design. And voila! We were presented with a plain and simple design, just as she had expressed from the onset, but this time with a lot more pzazz and personality to it.

Now, you must understand something. For us, it’s so much more rewarding to hit the nail on the head with your desired cake creations, than for us to produce a beautiful cake that quite doesn’t excite you. Every other day we witness some customers literally screaming with joy when they collect their cakes from the shop, and nothing makes us happier. Our promise is to always hear you firstly and then apply our best efforts to produce your vision in a cake! And the more information we have to inform this creative process, the more we’re able to meet and hopefully even exceed expectations.

I thought to myself. This 7-year-old girl always knew what she wanted. And clearly so. She just didn’t have the speech to articulate her vision. She carried the language and understood it at her core. But she lacked the words to communicate it. Perhaps she had consciously or sub-consciously seen such a cake before; or perhaps she had drawn the picture in her heart from scratch without any physical point of reference; or otherwise. Whichever the case, she carried the vision. But what she needed was the patience and guidance of her parents to draw it out of her and help her make it a manifested reality.

I just had to blog about this whole experience!

Just last month, we opened up a conversation titled Language, which spoke about the need to align the language we carry within us with the speech that we have available to us; as one of the fundamental aspects of communicating any personal vision. On the premise that we each possess a unique language based on the individual visions we carry in our hearts. Whether we were born with these; or whether they were imparted to us through life’s many experiences; or whether we taught ourselves into these spaces. The view being that we each carry a distinct language and voice in our hearts. And what we each need do is to give meaning to these voices. And by meaning, I’m saying we need the ability to communicate the distinct messages we carry to the rest of the world. Because in a world of many voices: opinions; theories; ideologies; languages and so on, which oftentimes conflict with the voices within; one can struggle to find the words to fully articulate these personal experiences. That is, one fails to grasp the speech necessary to express what only you heard. So, without aligning one’s language with the necessary speech, all from within, it’s possible to live and die without ever fully manifesting one’s personal vision.

I’ve said in a previous blog discussing Purpose that I believe we’re each on this earth with a unique purpose – voice and imprint within us. One that may only be manifested into creation from the self. And while there are many aspects to connecting with purpose, one of these turns on finding the speech to communicate one’s vision. Because without the speech, your voice will just be one of many. Without distinction or signification. And you’ll struggle to bring to life that thing which only you carry, by the power of you. I can’t overstate how important it is to align the language in your heart with your speech. A disconnect between the two is one of the reasons why many function outside of purpose. And are still searching for something they aren’t able to explain. But they know something’s missing from deep within. They just don’t know what it is.

But the focus of today’s blog is our children. And I’m speaking to us, the parents. We must learn to let our children be. Simple words so easily accepted; yet not often upheld in truth. Think about it. If you can accept that men are spirit beings; this means that their inner selves are timeless – complete and developed from day one. As a result, age is only a number that applies to one’s physical form. To the human nature of your being. What am I saying? Babies are only babies physically. They have to undergo a process of growth and development which helps them become increasingly independent. Learning to walk, talk, dance and laugh. To eat, play, read and do sport, etc. It’s through these processes that they become more intelligent, capable, thoughtful, articulate and so on. But, at every stage of development, it takes them finding the speech to communicate the language they already carry in their spirits.

Think about it. We don’t teach babies how to walk. They start walking when they are ready. We don’t teach babies how to eat solids. They know how to eat solids when its time. They get these things right the first time they do them right. We may assist and guide them by our teachings. But they read all by themselves when they’re ready to. We don’t read for them.

You’re wondering where I’m going with this. I’ll explain further. Man’s spirit being is fully formed from the beginning. That part of man carries a distinct voice with a unique meaning that is specific to the person. As a child learns to become more, physically, he’s able to increasingly tap into the source that is already available from within to make him. But this is where we, as parents, need to be very careful. Because it’s possible that through our physical stimulation and participation; we may inadvertently define who our children are from without them. Having no regard or bearing to the voices they carry within, and who they already are within. In some cases, voices which they don’t have the speech to communicate and give meaning to, simply because they’re still growing into the ways of the world. And so, like open books, we’re able to paint them in whichever direction we would like them to go. In some cases, this extends to the unspoken things, where the environments that children are raised in unintentionally have a significant bearing on who they ultimately become.  

We need to exercise due patience and self-control in helping our children draw from within. Simply because sometimes they actually don’t know how to say what they know and want to. Instead, sometimes we tell them what to say and how to say it. And because they look up to us. They become it. To please us or to be accepted or even just to fit in. Circle back to my blog on Education. Essentially moulding our children from without. And making them who we want them to be. Because we think that’s who they have to be.  

This little girl said she wanted a plain, simple cake. That was the sum of the speech available to her in that moment. We could have given her a usual plain, simple cake. And she would have accepted it. And possibly even liked it too. But that’s still not what she wanted. She wanted a plain, simple cake that looked like the photo she finally chose for herself. But she needed help to articulate her vision. Had her parents not been attentive to hear what she was saying, we would’ve missed the whole moment. Because, let’s face it, sometimes as parents, we give them what we think they want. Or maybe even what we want for them. In this case, we’re talking about a birthday cake. But I’m wondering. Who became a Doctor when they were born to be the next President? Who is running a major conglomerate today when his glory was meant to be found in operating the top restaurant chain across the world? And his hidden passion for cooking tells this story on a daily basis. Who is teaching in a varsity somewhere when he was born to find the cure for cancer in a laboratory, simply because he carries the intellectual capacity to figure it out? But mom and dad didn’t think experiments could build a sustainable future for him. And now, all these children missed their true calling. And nobody has a clue. Not even the child.

I will say it again. The system is designed and weighted towards making children become from without. And that’s exactly what they’re doing. They’re becoming everything this world expects them to be and demands of them. And while many are doing some really incredible things, that’s still inferior to purpose and fulfilling the unique assignment and vision on one’s life.

Let’s learn a thing or two from this 7-year-old girl! There’s so much more in our children than we give them credit for. Oftentimes, we’re too busy parenting and spend too little time listening. And sometimes even when we listen, we don’t hear them. We must let our children be. Let them choose their cakes, even if you don’t like them. Let them decide what kind of birthday party they want to have, even if it makes no sense to you. Let them pick their own clothes, even if they look all kinds of ways. Let them choose how they want to express themselves, even if it makes you uncomfortable. If we don’t do this, we may shut their precious voices early and never help them become who they were born to be. Of course, this thing needs balance. I’m not promoting disobedience and disorder in the name of letting the children be. Far from it! Keep a necessary grip on things, so the message doesn’t become a mess! But we must accept that inherent in the wisdom that our children carry, even in their young age, is a key to life that only they can find to open the door to a way that only they can walk. A vision that only they can articulate when they find the speech to express themselves. Ours is simply to help them to get there. Not to take them there. So, in order to enable this, we need to flow with them a little more. Allowing them to go and grow the process.

Friends. We don’t get a second try at life. We have just one chance. We must allow our children to become who they were born to be. Because the world is better for this. Children are the future. Where they go, the world follows. Let them be!

Yours in baking,

Chi

There’s a conversation I started in September. But didn’t get through because I had too much to say! And can we just pause and recognise how there’s so much to talk about, friends. The world’s moving in all kinds of directions and at an alarming rate. We’ve never needed guiding voices of truth more than we do at a time such as this. And blogging is one way to keep conversations going.

Communication is one of the fundamental aspects of life. In order to be effective in any area, one requires a mastery of communication skills. That is, the ability to clearly articulate oneself; be understood as one should; listen to what the other is saying; hear both the spoken and unspoken things; and respond in a manner that maintains the intended direction. Free from misunderstanding, misalignment or otherwise. We know all too well that many a time, confusion and strife result from conversations gone wrong. When filtered through, there was actually no issue at all. But a simple, yet unfortunate, case of ‘lost in translation’.

This is one of the reasons why English is a core discipline in many educational systems. Learners are required to at least have a good grasp of the language. The mode of communication used to explain the world in which we live. Enabling teachers to unpack key information. Ensuring learners gain an understanding of various topics. And empowering learners to function successfully in the world of men. Where our interactions, relations, and dealings (amongst others) define the order of the day. Amidst different backgrounds, values, systems, cultures, traditions, heritages, and faiths. All of which are somewhat unified under umbrella educational standards.

Yet while English is generally viewed as the most commonly spoken language in the world. There remain parts of the world where the language is not spoken at all. Like parts of China, which almost exclusively speak one of the five major dialects of Chinese (Mandarin at the fore). In fact, with c1.2 billion people speaking Mandarin today, it holds pole position as the most commonly spoken language in the world; once occupied by English with c1.1 billion speakers. Yet Mandarin has also been identified as the hardest language to learn. So, while Mandarin is increasingly prevalent in today’s society, many of us can neither speak nor understand the language, and will likely struggle to learn it. Interesting thought. Just recently, Forbes published an article to the effect that the USA’s pre-eminence amongst the world’s top research universities is diminishing amidst an increasing quantity and higher quality researchers coming out of China. On a trajectory that is poised to overtake the USA in the coming years. And they’re probably not speaking English!

So, those of us who live in a world where English is the primary language, think, process, talk, and create in English. I hope you get what I’m saying. However, somewhere in the world are those who have no understanding of English – can’t speak it; write it; or anything; yet are thinking, processing, talking, and creating by some other language. With the same results, or even greater. Some even doing more for inventions and advancement than English-speaking nations.

Which brings me to today’s topic.

Language is defined as “the principal method of human communication, consisting of words used in a structured and conventional way and conveyed by speech, writing or gesture”. In simple terms, language refers to the words used to speak in communicating a particular point. That is, the spoken words touching a particular area. However, it’s also defined as “a system of communication used by a particular country or community”. Which means that in communicating the particular point, it’s possible for the language to only be understood by a limited group of people, with its application developed around the understanding of those people, who’re able to relate with it in a way others can’t. I’ll come back to this point. And so, without delving deeper to fully understand and appreciate the exact point intended to be conveyed by the language used, how can one be sure they’ve understood the subject in the way it was intended? And didn’t receive less or more or possibly even none at all?

The thing about uniform educational systems and standards is they assume the language used across different contexts is similarly applied and understood. Without distortion of the original meaning and intent. Simply because the world judges and is judged by the same brush. We’re all deemed to be on the same page even before we’ve opened our mouths. And, if you think about it, this is the essence of communication. The assumption of a unified and aligned exchange using a common language.

Let’s go deeper. In a world of many languages, many of which were originally derived from other languages; ‘translatability’, being “the capacity of meaning to be transferred from one language to another without undergoing fundamental change”, is not as simple. In fact, ‘untranslatability’, being “the property of text or speech for which no equivalent can be found”, often occurs. Making it difficult to arrive at the perfect translation. Whether we’re dealing with a written translation, or a conversation between people of different languages using a common language (in which case the translation primarily takes place in the minds of the hearers).

Take the English language, for instance. Though it’s of Germanic and Dutch origin, much of it is derived from Latin, and some from other languages like Greek and Arabic. Now, that’s a lot! Compounded on this, English is a pragmatic language (which loops back to my earlier point). Where the context regularly influences the meanings attached to words. Let me explain. The use of language in social settings is assessed to arrive at a common understanding and, by way of example, depending on the context, “ship out” can mean get out; post; send by ship or boat; sail away; or move away. It can even be an insult if said in that kind of way. Pragmatic language skills include analysing body language, tone, pace and so forth, to better understand the message underlying the words. And a pragmatically competent person would have a good understanding of pragmatic elements in communication to avoid inaccuracies and misunderstandings. Makes sense, I guess, from a pragmatic perspective!

However, some languages are more lethargic and indifferent or apathetic to context. Like Latin, Hebrew, Greek and Arabic, for instance. Where the words ‘ship out’ bear a single, clear meaning. So, for the English language, which is pragmatic, yet sometimes derived from lethargic languages; this means that the word used by a lethargic language may become an entire sentence in English. And there goes the original intent. Incidentally, for those who’re students of the Bible, this conversation has a great bearing. The Old Testament was written in Hebrew and the New Testament in Greek. However, the primary translations of the Bible are in English. And every other day men are interpreting and analysing scripture by the English language. But even in there are various English sub-translations; New King James, Message, Amplified, King James Version, Good News, and so forth! It’s no wonder the many divergent doctrinal interpretations! But back to topic. Add to this that some words in the English language can’t even be translated in other languages (like bully, awkward, shallow or insight, etc). And we have a problem!

I wonder if we fully appreciate just how much is lost in translation every day. Because sometimes, the original meaning can only be understood in the context applied by the original language. But in a world of many languages. With some having priority over others. And let’s not even get started on divergent voices and opinions concerning the interpretations applied. How much of everything that is read, spoken, and taught is actually understood the way it was originally intended? Because one thing is clear. It’s shaping who we’re becoming. And the penny drops!

Take colonisation – a significant part of our African story. Although modern colonialism began with Portugal in the 15^th Century, and was primarily marked by Europeans colonising the Americas (the Age of Discovery), for most of the 19^th Century, Britain, France, Germany, Portugal, Spain and Italy established control and ruled over our continent. Citing economic, political and religious reasons. They invaded our lands and brought with them their systems, principles and patterns. Encapsulated in their languages. Which became the prevailing standards of communication. Responsible for modernisation as we know it. Defining the first and third world. And taking preference over our languages. We were taught in their languages and according to their ways. Measured by their standards. Defined successful according to their interpretation. Limited to dream within the bounds of their imagination; stirring creation and innovation within us from a place they pre-defined. Using their understanding to communicate our ideas. And judging ourselves by their voices. And we still think all we lost was our freedom?! The colonisers have long left. But their ways remain deeply engrained in our societies. And I’m talking macro level here.

We dress like them for 364 days of the year. And then celebrate our heritage; put on traditional attire and spread our tables with every traditional food possible on one day of the year. And it’s a cause for celebration?! Yet we continually reinforce our Africanism at every opportunity that presents itself. Shouting from the mountain top that we’re African and greatly pride in our authentic selves. But the moment we’re amongst them; we talk like them, sound like them and do our best to fit in with them. Even our African accents become more European. We bake like them, cake like them and taste like them too. And no judgement, friends. I’m a part of this! And if you’re not the one I’m talking to. Then you’re off the hook!

After all. Colonisation is a language. Like slavery and war (mentioned purely for the examples). Because the systems we function under are a language. So, we must be conscious of what we’re saying everyday by those systems. And this extends to the traditions and cultural practices established within them. I wonder. What could have become had the African man speaking an African language used his African voice to build an African dream? How much did we really lose in translation? And are we too far gone to reverse it?

If we go back to basics. We must answer the question; who is language intended for? The hearer or the speaker or both? Because we understand its purpose – communication. It seems we’re so focused on being heard with insufficient attention paid to expressing who we are at the core. We’re communicating with each other every other day. But hardly enough with the self or, at least, in a manner that is authentic to the self. Which should really come first.

I believe it boils down to language and speech; but firstly, for the speaker. Let the hearers hear what they’re able to receive from where they’re at. They’ll eventually catch up. The Bible’s clear that nothing is impossible to those who imagine it when their language and speech are reconciled. Because a reconciliation of the two is required. An alignment of what you’re speaking in your heart and the language available to you to articulate this. The moment we allow an external force to have a bearing on the process of translation, which really is firstly internal, something gives in the way we create and express our authentic selves. It’s time to let loose of our inherent wiring from without; built and established over many years by the systems (including educational) of this world. And unleash some other way from within!

At least, that’s our plan. But, for now. You’ll find us caking the best way the systems of this world have taught us. Until the day we unlock that other way we’ve not yet seen or heard of before. But we’re convinced exists. Because we have the language. It’s within us. This blog is proof. Just not yet the speech. But eventually, the two should reconcile. And when they do. Get ready for magic!

Yours in baking,

Chi

We’re into the last few months of 2022 and, for those of us who participate in the 3-term school calendar, the final one for 2022. Making it an opportune time to ponder on my topic for the month; Education.   

I don’t know about your household. But in mine, when the kids are in school, we’re all in school. What I mean to say is we’ve made learning and working a household culture such that we’ve organised ourselves around it. We wake up before dawn, show up every day as we’re required to, and go at it hard in everything that we apply ourselves towards. We’re consistent and diligent. Because we appreciate the importance of Education.

The Oxford Dictionary defines Education as “the process of receiving or giving systematic instruction, especially at a school or university”. Systematic means to do or act “according to a fixed plan or system”. In other words, to be “methodical” in approach. Similar words include Structured, Organised, and Orderly. Catch my drift? Education is also defined as “an enlightening experience” – one that gives knowledge and understanding about a subject or situation, or sheds light on something. Because so much of our lives revolve around Education, it’s important to take time and reflect on the why and how, to avoid getting caught up in the doing without a full appreciation of the mind behind it. Kind of like the often-used phrase ‘Paralysis of Analysis’, which cautions against being overly analytical to the point of failing to take concrete decisions, actions or steps. Becoming an expert in the process but without the concomitant results.

By the English language, the above is an accurate depiction of what we understand Education to represent, and aligns with our everyday understanding of the process and anticipated results and outcomes. The path of Education is clear. You’re born, and then the learning begins. As babies, from pre-school to junior school, onward to high school, and then to university or another tertiary institution. And after that, the much-anticipated journey in the workplace begins, where learning continues in varying forms and at differing levels. Add to this our continuous self-development and improvement initiatives; as a people, we live to learn or, rather, we learn to live! We’re constantly educating and upskilling ourselves, renewing the foundations of our thought processes, exploring new concepts and ideas, and growing into realms and depths not previously travelled. And therein lies the power of experience. The more we grow within, the wider we’re able to stretch without. And the more strategic and deliberate we’re at it, the greater the overall results. Love it!

Yet while the system appears to be working on all fronts, it still has me thinking.

The term Education is derived from the Latin word ‘Educatio’, which means breed, train, rear or bring up. This is derived from the word ‘Educo’ (a homonym), meaning to draw out, lead out of, march out, hatch out, take out, etc.. And in the present passive infinitive rendering , ‘Educari’, meaning to lead or draw out. So, what the original Latin derivation of the English word tells us is that the process is supposed to mould a person from within, by literally going into that person and drawing from that which is already deeply rooted inside, and then using that as the source and basis upon which to shape the outside. Simply put, drawing from within to create without. This pre-supposes that every person has a unique and individual blueprint and source code embedded within, which is the seed that ultimately defines and shapes the fruit of learning and creating that comes out of the person. That every person has been originally designed to output specified results by a certain frequency and vibration that is imprinted within. Because dwelling in the core of every person is a unique river that may only be accessed from within and drawn out in a manner that speaks to the individual.

If this is indeed the case, then a single system or methodical approach to Education, like we see in the world today and which defines the many systems across the world, can’t work for everyone. And though it may work for many, this still doesn’t justify the application of a singular approach as a rule. Because the blueprint for learning can’t be instilled from without. This would be akin to making a person one thing although they already carry the potential to become another thing.

Now, the world is in itself a system of systems; all very necessary. With nearly 8 billion people to cater for, it’s important to establish ourselves around core principles and patterns that enable us to live and function in one world, at a macro level. However, the problem is that these systems tend to paint everyone with the same brush and instil ways that may go against the unique blueprints embedded within. I’m not here to break systems or encourage disorder and lawlessness. Because we need these systems. But, since Education speaks to the core of every person – who they are and what they’ll become; we must have this conversation.

Educational systems are determined and established on the basis of perceived optimal designs that may be applied as a suitable standard across all spectrums. These are then dictated and enforced upon students. Anyone who doesn’t fit into the system or learn and progress in line with the anticipated outcomes is viewed negatively and categorised as somewhat deficient. They are regarded as failures; named every kind of disease to explain why they have failed to learn according to the agreed standards; labelled as slow learners; and some even set back. Yet the system forgets that Education was never designed to define a man from without; but rather to provide a framework that is able to draw from within by fostering an environment that is able to push the man to his fullest potential; enabling him to become all he was created to be.

You disagree? Then explain ‘Naïve Meritocracy’. Every other day we hear stories of school dropouts creating the latest world changing inventions; growing the largest businesses; and becoming world renown billionaires. We all know that one man who did not quite look like he deserved to make it or have it all – he can’t even articulate himself clearly; yet he’s running empires and worlds that many highly educated folks are serving. And he doesn’t have the degrees or qualifications. And let’s talk about the other man who holds all the degrees; is highly educated and qualified; eloquent, well-spoken and able to present himself on any platform; yet he can’t get a job or, if he has one, keep it or grow in it. Despite the many years invested in developing himself, and the various titles amassed to confirm  this, his life doesn’t look how smart he appears to be. He just doesn’t add up to common expectations.

I’m not suggesting we don’t need Education – please don’t go there! Just that the world appears to build on more than Education. And it’s in the many seeds of greatness that are everyday arising across the world, outside of defined systems and standards, that I’m stirred to this conversation. Because at a micro level, we keep telling our children that they need to to align with and stick to the system in order to make it in this world. And we’re fighting to keep them check. I too, am at fault.

I’m thinking… Perhaps my son is an awesome basketball player but should be the greatest soccer player in the world. Perhaps my daughter is a great lawyer but carries the seed that will come up with the cure for cancer. Perhaps my son is on a trajectory to become the best scientist in the world, yet he was born to be the next President. Perhaps my daughter is brilliant at architecture, but was born to become a Pastor. And we don’t even know it; even more, we can’t tell the difference, because we judge and measure success by the system, against which they are actually excelling. So, that’s enough. And don’t even start the conversation at our level; the parents. Because we’re so far gone into the system that it might not even be possible to break out, re-align, re-position, and do it over again. So, I will focus on the next generation simply because that’s an easier conversation to hold. The ones who have a better chance of getting it right from the beginning.

Ask yourself. Is it right that we’re Educating our children the way we are; telling them to get straight A’s and the degrees and qualifications; then to join leading corporations in the marketplace? It’s like a production line. They’re all doing the same thing. They look the same. They talk the same. They dress the same. They think the same. And they’ll probably end up in the same place too.

After all, we all went through the system successfully and have the results to show it. We have the jobs, drive the cars, do the big things, travel the world, and so on. But this is normal and predictable. Explicable and usual. Just the way the system has made it.

When I sat down to write this blog, I actually intended to open a discussion about the relationship between Language and Education, because there’s another depth there that deeply influences the current conversation. But alas, I’m out of time! I hope to one day have the opportunity to finish that thread.  

So, what am I saying?

We’re here to cake with you. But don’t be fooled for a second. You’re not going to get the normal and predictable from us. Because that’s neither our business nor who we are. Tsim & Bibi has a unique seed within. And this is what we seek to make manifest in this world. So, while we may look like they do, bake like they do, and cake like they do; trust me when I say it; we’re not like they are. And we don’t function from where they do. As we continue to educate and upskill ourselves in the ways the systems of the world have made available to us, it’s only with a single purpose. To stir in us the desire to progressively bring forth the seed of uniqueness that is already embedded and expressed at our core. Because that’s the process of becoming. Not who they are. But who we were always ordained to be.

I pray the same over each of you too! That’s if you also want it for yourselves, of course.

Yours in baking,

Chipo

A powerful word, easily taken for granted. Yet increasingly common and engrafted in the lives of men and women across the world today. And has almost become the norm.

By definition, compromise refers to “an agreement or settlement of a dispute that is reached by each side making concessions”. In order to achieve a greater good, sometimes you have to give a little. This is healthy. We see this primarily in the context of disputes or contractual arrangements, where the final agreement may not match one’s initially desired terms, but is still acceptable having regard to the entire arrangement and the overall benefit to the parties concerned. So, compromise is not necessarily a bad thing and should be actively pursued where the circumstances require.

However, this interpretation is not the subject of my musings today.  Compromise is also defined as “the expedient acceptance of standards that are lower than is desirable”. That is, in order to achieve a greater good, one accepts a standard lower than he usually would in order to see the process across the line. Sometimes it’s intentional. Other times, it’s purely out of ignorance. Some are desperate to attain the desired goal, and others simply indifferent to presumed moral standards. Whatever the motive or rationale, every other day we’re seeing unhealthy compromises by men and women, oftentimes with extremely grave consequences. And this is my focus.

But what’s this got to do with caking, you may ask? And I say, everything. Walk with me a few minutes as I explain.

Success is something most of us aspire for. And if you’re not the one I’m talking to, that’s also alright. We live in a dynamic world. It’s ever developing and evolving at the hands of men. Men are growing smarter and wiser by the day, and unlocking game changing strategies and concepts. It’s no wonder we’re inspired on all sides to do more and become more. To get up, show up and create something that will impact the world. We want to be good at what we’re doing, to greatly succeed at it, and to be recognised for it on some level. We’re passionate about our pursuits and have found purpose in them. Ambition is a wonderful thing. A driving force underpinning the advances that we’re witnessing in society today.

But therein lies the problem. In a world where everyone’s moving and shaking, doing and going, becoming and increasing; the pressure’s hot! If you choose to sleep while men are awake, that’s your call. But for the ones that are playing the game and participating in this rhythm, they can’t sleep; neither can they slumber. Because you can be overtaken or become redundant or simply lose relevance in just a minute. Now, this isn’t to say we’re competing. But let’s face it. It’s a race. Everyone’s running. Just as you are. But each at their own pace and vibration.

This is the point where wisdom is required. We must deliberately and purposefully steer clear of the spirit of compromise in our efforts to be elevated. After all. A person without boundaries is a danger to himself and possibly those around him too. If you’re willing to cross any line to get where you’re going, this behaviour will eventually catch up with you and land you up in trouble. Where you may even stand to lose all of the success you’ve built over many years. Simply because you said yes when you should have said no. You walked through a door when you should have respectfully declined. Some have enjoyed the fruit of their compromises for so long without consequence. Call it ‘luck of the draw’ (although that’s not the correct term). They have walked in the ‘shame’ (and I use that term only in the context of referring to the lower standard adopted and not to imply some sense of morality) for so long that it has begun to look like glory. And they’re wearing it well. But for others, the moment they rose, they fell. Just as they started swimming, they drowned. And they never even got to enjoy the glory that came with the elevation.

As Tsim & Bibi, we constantly remind ourselves who we are in the pursuit of our vision. We’re clear on the boundary lines that we’ve set for ourselves and within which we seek to grow. We came to the market in 2021 with a product underpinned on specific promises to you, our clientele. And while we may be challenged every other day to compromise out of certain promises simply because of the circumstances of the day, we must stand taller. And I’ll pause here and give an example that is specific to us. One of the promises that we greatly pride ourselves in is to only use the best quality ingredients in our products. In the inflationary environment that we currently find ourselves, where input costs are rising at alarming rates, we’re kept in check by our promises. Being our standards. Tsim & Bibi only supplies the freshest products. We guarantee that you can eat our cakes for at least 7 days from the date of purchase, and they’ll taste like you bought them the same day right through. We only use butter. We do not use cake pre-mixes. We bake every single product from scratch, and also do everything within our power to maintain freshness during the entire process. How easy it would be to substitute butter with margarine, to remove cream cheese and fresh cream, to purchase smaller eggs or buy cheap types of chocolate, and so on. To compromise for the greater good; being to keep the business going; to ensure that our team remains employed; to meet our expenses, etc. All good reasons.

The moment you opt for that lower standard is the moment you drop to the lower level. And eventually, the results will speak for themselves. You would only be fooling yourself. The world might not see it (at least initially), but the products also have eyes. And they’ll eventually respond to you in the same manner. Then the world will follow suit.

I’m very late with today’s blog. It’s the last day of August. It would be an error to wake up tomorrow justifying why I missed the month. This turns on a deliberate commitment to some standard and the requisite consistency that I’m alluding to in the context of today’s topic. Because the moment you allow yourself to drop a standard, that small hole becomes a crack, and eventually the crack becomes a whole door. You’ll find yourself justifying your way from the very place you started by your circumstances or situation or otherwise. There’s always a reason. And while it may make sense, or be reasonably acceptable, these are actually just excuses. If you say you’re going to do something, do it. If you’re not going to, that’s ok. But don’t justify the compromises. Rather set high standards that you can grow into. Just don’t lower them.

Society is filled with stories of men and women who’re paying hugely for past decisions that were made as a compromise in an effort to attain some greater goal. Whether it be the pursuit of a relationship or business or promotion or influence or status or whatever. Time is proving that the line crossed was just not worth it. I can only imagine how they wish the hands of time could turn back. So, they could do it again. For some, sadly, it’s too late.

Our is not to judge. That’s not our place or space. The caution is simply to learn. Let’s determine to be wiser as a generation and spare ourselves the unnecessary pain. Slow and steady still gets the job done. No short cuts!

Yours in baking,

Chi

The concept of Positioning intrigues me and is a topic I continue to deeply study and meditate on. More so in my journey as an entrepreneur, as I believe it’s a wisdom to grasp early in building any vision.

I believe that a business should be self-sustaining. We know, by law, that a company is a separate legal person. As a consequence, I’m a proponent that a company should take care of itself. Much like an adult (or so we would hope)! The engine and machinery that supports the business should be well oiled, regularly serviced and strategically applied so as to output a vibration and frequency that sounds in the airspace and calls forth everything that is necessary and required for the business to be fruitful. Whether it be human capital, financial capital, customers, suppliers, influence, impact and technology; you name it. Whatever it takes to operate the business with the desired level of excellence and to produce the maximum results should avail itself and effortlessly find its way to the business. Simply by responding to the call that the business sends out. And while the results of Positioning will be physically evident through an established and flourishing business with a growing brand and goodwill, the process begins in the realms and spaces unseen and unheard, where something takes place to align the business with everything it needs in order to succeed by sending out vibrations and an energy powerful enough to ensure this.

Now, “isn’t this Preparation”, you ask? And the answer is, no. It’s a place more than Preparation. Preparation begins from the start of a vision and seeks to grow to a desirable end on the basis of efforts applied on a daily basis. The focus is on readying oneself to start with the objective of hopefully arriving at that end. It’s about ticking off the checklist drawn up ahead of the start and measuring success against determinable milestones achieved over time. Positioning, on the other hand, begins from the end of a vision, by aligning with that end from the very beginning. It involves working back from the end, and ensuring that everything necessary to arrive at that end falls into place in the required manner. While both Preparation and Positioning have the end in mind, the Prepared man will only see and live it once he gets there, while the Positioned man has already seen the end from the beginning, and progressively lives out the finished work day-by-day. As a result, while both may apply themselves in the same manner in the physical (and the results may even appear to be the same), the focus and mindset is significantly different.

It’s possible to be Prepared but not Positioned. And the difference between success and failure could turn on this. Gone are the days when we thought all it takes to succeed is to start. Emphatically no! It’s good to start. But sadly, some never make it beyond this point. It’s possible to be Prepared but to start too early or too late. It’s possible to be Prepared but operating out of purpose. It’s possible to be Prepared but still immature to handle certain matters. It’s possible to be Prepared but lacking the character and qualities necessary to thrive and multiply. In fact, sometimes the things you Prepare for, and start, are the very things that destroy you. Because while Preparation speaks to getting you ready to run, Positioning seeks to aligning you with the course that you must follow. So that you’re not only running, but running with a clear direction and path. Ensuring that as you continue along this path, you meet the people you need, build in the manner you should, turn down the opportunities you must, walk away from collaborations and partnerships that could divert you, and so on. Because Positioning speaks to strategic alignment with the vision, which is a place beyond just being ready to implement it.

Let’s ponder on this more deeply. When you’re Prepared, you measure progress relative to degrees of preparedness. Which means that it’s possible to throw in the towel at any point should the things you face appear to outweigh or overwhelm the extent of your readiness. Since one’s judgement of success is based on daily experiences. If things are looking up, then it was the right call. And when things are looking down, perhaps not so much. However, when you’re Positioned, every day takes you a step closer to the end, come what may. Everything that happens between the beginning and the end is seen as an integral part of the overall story. Even the hard or challenging times are perceived to work out for good. And when you’re Positioned, it’s not possible to throw in the towel. Because you started at the end, which means you already made it to the end before you even took your first step. You’re already a success. Not trying to be one.

This is the difference between running with the hope of getting to a place. And keeping your fingers crossed along the way that things will work out in your favour (Preparation). And knowing where you’re running to. And doing so with an assured expectation of the end (Positioning). One is working without rest. While the other is rested while working. One is any form of trouble away from putting down his tools. While the other can’t give up no matter how tough the circumstances he may face. One will make it based on how ready he was. The other is kept by this alignment.

Preparation is necessary. We accept this. We’ve been taught its importance all our lives. Invest the time and resources necessary to upskill and empower you to achieve the desired outcomes. Be deliberate and remain focused in the doing with the highest degree of excellence. And we’ve seen the results. Many success stories have been birthed. But despite this, we’ve still found Preparation wanting in certain instances. Businesses sunk overnight; Men and women struggling to cope with the pressures of success; People sacrificing and striving to the point of near death; The ‘supposed’ opportunity cost of success – that it’s a give and take scenario; Poor leadership displayed at the top; Immature behaviours that don’t match the level of success and respect earned; Bickering and fighting; Competition; and the list goes on. Because while these were all Prepared, and have a track record to prove it, a lack of Positioning eventually exposed them.

I believe that the less we can profess to know. The more we can believe to grow. And the more we can believe to grow. The more we are. And the more we can become. We’ve got to stop defining our experiences by the past. The things we were taught. The places we’ve been. The things we’ve seen. Traditions and cultures, many of which have not evolved. If we’re ever to break into the new, and transition to a place beyond Preparation, we have to open ourselves up to the new. Although it’s never been seen before, we have to train our eyes to open to see what hasn’t been seen before. To open to new ideas. To challenge pre-existing doctrines and standards. To build on the gates opened by those who walked before us by walking through doors that they never had the privilege of experiencing. After all, isn’t this the essence of life? Every other day we’re seeing new technologies at the hands of man. Science is progressing at a rate we can’t keep up with. Men are growing smarter by the second and we’re experiencing things that the generations before us couldn’t have dreamt of if they tried. All because man continues to unlock sleeping potential and break into realms never travelled. The world around us speaks volumes. It’s telling those with keen ears that there’s more to what we already know and have seen. More than where we come from. And more to what we can do or achieve. In order to align ourselves with such a vision, we need to step out of the realms of Preparation. To think beyond simply doing what needs to be done to get started, to expanding into the realms of Positioning into that which was not possible before.

Gone are the days when businesses were sustained by Preparation. If anything, the recent times have proven the insufficiency of this standard. That beyond Preparation, one needs to be aligned in order to remain relevant. To connect to a source that will supply the vision irrespective of the natural circumstances of the day. Look back at the turnaround story of Ford from the 1980s when it was seemingly on a path towards bankruptcy. Consider how many businesses did not make it through the Covid-19 season. Ask yourself where Elon Musk came from and how is he suddenly richest man in the world. Look at the shifting world power dynamics. The United States of America has historically had the largest churches in the world, but look at the meetings taking place in Africa today. I could go on. All it takes is alignment with a greater vision in the process of Preparation. And you’ll be Positioned ahead of tomorrow.

Then you’ll live in a world where all things responds to you! Simply because they won’t have a choice not to.

Yours in baking,

Chi

I started writing this blog just over two weeks ago. But boy, has it been expensive to find time?! Though, this is no wonder. With the world opening up again and life resuming to normality, we’re getting busier by the day! To think. Many said that the Covid-19 season meant the end of life as we knew it – that things would never return to ‘normal’. But for some of us, it was always clear. There’s nothing new under the sun. The Bible tells us so. Even if you have not personally seen or experienced something before, someone else already has. And has lived through it.

Think of the Bubonic Plague, the Spanish Flu and Influenza, by way of example. All centuries apart but each brought the world to its knees just like Covid 19 did. Yet men lived through them. And life returned to normal. Not even a new normal, but just normal. And our generation is proof of this truth. Because until Covid-19 hit, life was normal. So, the generations before us somehow found their way back to normal despite their life-changing experiences. Granted, those dispensations likely introduced some new things. After all, how can you live through such experiences and go back to the exact same way things were before? If not as a society, even just as an individual? It is expected that somethings new must be borne through these experiences.

And we’re seeing this in the aftermath of Covid-19. For those of us in formal workplace environments, one of the most remarkable and welcome changes has been the shift to remote working in careers that permit this. Gone are the days where productivity was confined to the four corners of one’s office in a building with a visible logo. In the home, the value and importance of the family unit has been given greater pre-eminence than ever before. Men have a better appreciation of this foundational and ever important institution, and are investing more of everything into it (time, money, effort, etc). In business, we have learnt that if you are not dynamic, adaptable and ever evolving with the times, you may be left behind or even lose your relevance entirely. What a frightening but empowering thought! And for the Church, we hear the rumblings of a new move of the Spirit. And we eagerly await its manifestation. After all, God must speak a certain away, and do something new, in and through such experiences.

But this conversation is for another day. And is not the reason that I put pen to paper a few weeks ago for the purposes of this blog.

‘Happy Birthday’ is a phrase we hear often. Sometimes even to the point of not really hearing it at all, simply because we’ve become so familiar with these words. I mean, every single day marks the birthday of a few thousands of people on the earth. So, we’re always saying this phrase, even almost unconsciously and subconsciously. It’s not often that we take the time to ponder on what we’re actually saying – except, of course, when it is our own special day *hides face*. We have become accustomed to the event, celebrating it and then moving on to the next, but hardly pausing through it all.

Undoubtedly, the majority of our customers approach us seeking a birthday cake for a special person. And we love it. After all, we’re here to cake along with you. And so, together with you, we create beautifully themed cakes that seek to embody what that person represents. And from where we sit, this always plays out in an interesting manner. Sometimes we love the designs, and other times not quite so much. Where the customer goes wild, we get to play, and where we’re not given much room to manoeuvre, we still put our best foot forward with the aim of ensuring that the customer is satisfied. Sometimes nicknames or pet names are used, and other times none at all. In some cases, photos of the birthday girl or boy are included – sometimes even with the person placing the order; and in other cases something symbolic is incorporated. Regardless, what is always abundantly clear is that the person means so much to the customer and the cake is designed to show just that. Red Velvet, Chocolate, Vanilla, Lemon, Carrot, etc – it all turns on what the star of the show likes or the flavour that best describes him or her. And we’re always up for the challenge. We approach every cake with passion and excitement, and eagerly await the feedback of our customers. An order in, and we thank God. And an order out, and we thank God still. Whether we’re dealing with a golf fanatic or dog lover, a sweet sixteen or themed toddler’s party, a milestone birthday or one’s very first, it never takes long to land on something suitable. You simply name it, and we cake it! And the more you draw from within in expressing yourself, the more we’re guaranteed to reproduce that same love in the cake.

On 07 June 2022, Tsim & Bibi celebrated one year to the date on which it opened its doors at Morning Glen Shopping Centre in Gallo Manor, Johannesburg. And this had me pondering more deeply on these celebrations we call birthdays. While this was not a typical birthday for us, because Tsim & Bibi was established in 2011 and previously had a store at Sandton View Shopping Centre in Bryanston, Johannesburg, this milestone was nonetheless significant for us. After all, we were celebrating 12 months of continuous business from our base in Gallo Manor. How we’ve grown and evolved over that period, the team we’ve built, the products we’ve developed, the brand we’re creating, and the expansion and progression of our vision. Being the reason for our existence. That after 12 months of investment, very hard work, passion poured out, late nights, trials, errors, repeats, missteps, learnings and unlearning’s, we’re still standing. And standing strong. Definitely a pause-worthy occasion.

That said, despite the many successes of our first year in operation from Gallo Manor, what remains abundantly clear to us is that Tsim & Bibi has not even begun yet. And we’re clear that when we do get to the beginning of our story, we’ll know it. For now, we’re just getting started. And while this story is backed by a clear vision and dream, it will take the day-to-day to get there. So, with our chef jackets on, heads down, mixers churning, baking tins filled, ovens cooking, and eyes on the prize, we keep at it. When we look back, we see what started as a hobby, baking at home, but has now transitioned into a business, operating in the retail industry. We’ve gone from self-teaching to learning from those that have gone ahead of us. From dreaming as far as the kitchen can take things, to dreaming for the whole world from our bakery. Conceptualising, incubating, creating, investing and expanding. And while this may not look significant to the outside world, we’re gaining momentum with every day that passes. We’re writing a story, we can see that story developing, and we’re assured that we’re going somewhere. As Diddy (aka Sean Combs aka Love) puts it, ‘can’t stop; won’t stop’! And we’ll see you at the top (my addition)!

Our hope is that birthdays also mean the same to you. That beyond the unforgettable celebrations and the delicious cakes that come with them, the experience of age brings with it the maturity of purpose. That we use every circle around the sun to reflect. To look back at where we’ve come from, to bask in the glory of the present in all its fullness, but also to dream for the future. And, in so doing, to take the hard decisions. To forgo some things, change some things, accept correction, break a little, learn, push harder, do away with some of the lawful and permissible, and strive only for the beneficial and expedient – all with the aim of better positioning ourselves to achieve the goals set before us. To find purpose. To live meaningful and impactful lives that will be spoken of beyond the years of our lives here on earth. And that will leave the generations following better off simply because of our testimonies. Because it’s one thing to touch lives. But another to change them. And this is the key to unlocking the whole world.

So, whether it be in Business or Ministry. As a Student or Engineer or Doctor or Lawyer or Banker or Caker (like Tsim & Bibi). In whatever place or state you find yourself, purpose today to make your mark and leave your unique imprint on the earth. Because the world is waiting for you. Birthdays are brilliant reminders of this indelible truth, because we were all born for a reason and with a specific purpose embedded in us. It’s only in unleashing this that we’ll live out our fullest potential on the earth.

To the persons celebrating their birthdays today. Happy Birthday! Here’s to making your story count. Now, go ahead and eat some cake while you’re at it.

Yours in baking,

Chi

In just a few weeks, Tsim & Bibi will be celebrating a year since it opened its doors at Morning Glen Shopping Centre in Gallo Manor. And in preparation for this momentous occasion and our second year of business, we recently spent a couple of weeks in the United States of America and the United Arab Emirates, with the objective of visiting various bakeries and cake shops to sample their products, get a view of the way they conduct their businesses, search out new and interesting flavours, find creative ways of caking and, importantly, learn. About the industry, about the global cake market, about possible products and about the future of caking. So that by soaking in as much as we could through this experience, we would bring the learnings back to South Africa as we continue to drive our business forward. 

Undoubtedly, the experience was most rewarding.  Granted, we ate a lot of cake.  Like, a lot!  To the point that we didn’t want to see any more by the end of the trip.  But it was necessary.  And beneficial.  And we have returned with our eyes open wider, ears more attuned to the global cake heartbeat, and eager to pick up our tools and get to work as we improve on and expand our offering. Now, you may ask, did we really have to cross oceans and seas to gain this perspective when there are already many successful bakeries and cake shops in South Africa? And this is the purpose of today’s blog. To answer that question by bringing you into our minds a little.

So, here we go…

We started the adventure in New York City.  “The concrete jungle where dreams are made of”, as Alicia Keys aptly sings. And while we only visited 3 bakeries, our vision had evolved by the end of it. In fact, coupled with the various restaurants we dined at; we had a real sense of caking by the time we left the city. Notably, the macaroons we had at Liberty Bistro at Le District were spectacular and left us with many ideas on how to improve on our own. If you recall, we introduced our range of macaroons just two months back. But even the food trucks at Central Park had us licking our fingers clean and dreaming for more with our products.    

Our first stop was at Magnolia Bakery, a chain of bakeries founded by Bobbie Lloyd in New York City in 1996, which has since grown to a world renown brand. Its reputation precedes it and, rightly so.  We pretty much tried everything we could get into our stomachs, and then went for a second round at a different store simply because our tastebuds kept calling for more. The service was warm and inviting, the stores clean and well decorated, and the products freshly baked.  We visited the Columbus Circle and Hudson Yards stores and were impressed by the high standards at both. My personal favourite was the Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Icing, although the Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Icing, which comes highly recommended by their team, is a strong contender. Of course, we made room for their famous Banana Pudding; after all, what is Magnolia without it, and we loved it! We even kept some in the fridge at our hotel and enjoyed it over a few days.

The next stop was at Lili’s Bake Shop at Times Square, which we were pleased to find open after 8pm on a Tuesday evening.  We had a fun time choosing through the many products they have on offer, and walked away with a bag full of each of their cupcakes. Interestingly, Lili’s also has its own range of puddings, similar to those you’ll find at Magnolia, but we unfortunately didn’t try any as we already had too much! We were also pleased with their wide range of macaroons, which left us with many ideas on how to play with the flavours in our own range. Of course, we included their most popular cupcake, Strawberry, and thoroughly enjoyed it! Light, fluffy and with a dollop of sweet jam at the centre. We also enjoyed browsing through their catalogue of decorated cakes, and were impressed by the range and breath. Interestingly, a number of their designs have already been created at Tsim & Bibi, and it was satisfying to see that despite the distance and differences between us, there is still a point where we meet.

All of the above said, our favourite stop of the trip was at Dominic Ansel bakery at Soho, where the long queue just to get in had us flurrying with excitement not knowing what to expect. And boy, was it worth it! Their wide range of pastries and cakes, the various take home options, and their cake accessories, were all a wow! And so beautifully decorated and presented. The treat of the day was the Cookie Shot. Slightly warm and ever so creamy and delicious. We took a well-deserved moment to toast to a wonderful time caking-in-New York, and left with a bag of cronuts, one of each of their macaroons and a few slices of cake, all of which flew onward with us to our next stop – Dubai! Although, that was perhaps the wrong call because caking-in-Dubai took things to a whole other level!

We kicked off with a stop at Home Bakery at Al Barsha. A fitting start in a land that is filled with so many options, each of the highest quality, thus making it difficult to choose. As we stepped into the store, we were immediately impressed by the clean and chic design, and the beautiful interior. Who could have ever imagined such a glory in the desert? I mean, it was honestly a good 37 degrees outside, and the heart of summer has not even hit! That said, our first impression was matched by the products, all of which were exquisitely packaged. By its name, and similar to our own story, Home Bakery began at home and expanded to what is now a chain of stores that can be found across the UAE. We enjoyed a cup of coffee paired with their delicious Dark Chocolate Infused Banana Bread; what a yum! And later fought over a piece of their Hazelnut Chocolate Cake decorated with what looks like Ferrero Rocher, but really is their own creation.

The next caking was in Abu Dhabi, where we visited La Brioche at Marina Mall.  Interestingly, you cannot go anywhere in Abu Dhabi without a negative PCR test that is at most 14 days valid, and we were impressed that this was literally checked at every entrance. Even at this large mall with several doors! We were impressed by their vast array of decorated cakes, similar to many of the speciality cakes you will find at Tsim & Bibi. And like us, they cater for any occasion – weddings, birthdays and really whatever your heart desires. In addition to their bakery, La Brioche has a full-blown café where meals are also served. If only we had more time to sit down and have a bite, we could have dropped a review on that. Especially since it’s a direction we see Tsim & Bibi taking in the future. Nevertheless, their cakes were tasty.

Now, what really surprised us was PDL in Dubai. It’s not a traditional bakery, in fact – it’s a café, but its baked products are certainly to that standard and, as such, we could not leave the city without sampling what they have on offer. We were completely blown away by their Coconut Cake. It really is nothing like we’ve ever tasted before. Full of flavour, incredibly soft, entirely covered in fresh coconut flakes and infused with the most divine coconut syrup. It was incredible! Finger licking good! And paired with their coffee, it was exactly what we needed after a busy morning. We also tried their Pistachio Cake, and it was nothing short of delicious. Personally, I find that pistachio is a difficult flavour to bring out. In fact, I would call it ‘flavourless’ despite the distinct taste that we know it to have. I’m digressing a little, but even in the case of our own Pistachio Macaroons, which we believe do in fact bring out that flavour, it took a number of tries before we got it right. And even then, it was in a play with other flavours that we were able to enhance the ‘pistachio-ness’ of it while still ensuring that the pistachio remained the star of the show. Not an easy task! PDL’s Pistachio Cake is beautifully decorated with a mix of thin layers of cake and icing and drizzled with crumbs of pistachio. The bright pink colour of the icing is just a wow! But while we loved it, I repeat, the Coconut Cake stole the show!

Now, we all know how time sometimes gets ahead of us, and this was certainly the case on this trip. There just wasn’t enough time to do it all. In fact, while we would have loved to visit the Cheesecake Factory in New York city; after all, the USA is home to it, we didn’t get the opportunity. So, we jumped at it in Dubai with a stop at the store in the Mall of Emirates, simply because our adventure would not have been complete without it. And let’s face it, the store looked exactly as it does in the USA and, arguably, possibly even better given the glam with which Dubai executes everything! Interestingly, on our walk to the Cheesecake Factory, we passed by a few ice-cream cake stores and macaroon cake stores, but we had to resist the urge to venture out and stick to purpose. We loved sampling their wide range of Cheesecakes and analysing their beautiful designs. While Tsim & Bibi only has one Cheesecake at the moment, or rather, one absolutely incredible, decadent, and delicious Cheesecake, which actually takes a labour of love to make over 24 hours, we intend to grow this offering with time. So both our minds and stomachs were full by the time we left.

Here’s the thing about travel. Which is the purpose of this blog. The Bible tells us that without a vision, people perish. Because there is something so life-giving in seeing. In fact, seeing informs what we define in living. When one captures a specific place or state in one’s heart, writes it down, and then proceeds to run to fulfil it, nothing can stop that man. As the Bible also puts it, it’s not just about what you see, but how far. The story of Abraham is a fitting example. The Bible tells us of a moment in time when God approached him and promised to give him whatever he set his eyes upon. Now, in that particular moment, they were standing on a mountain from which many physical lands were visible to them. But while Abraham could see these lands, his eyes looked deeper. Instead of focusing on the physical terrains before him, and claiming those for himself, Abraham envisioned the whole world in that moment, in his spirit. He looked beyond the mountains and the valleys and the plains and skies and saw that which was not visible to the physical eye. The whole world, and because he captured it in his heart, it was given to him the same hour!

Sometimes, you need to get out of your box to do this. To step into unfamiliar territories and places in order to fully appreciate what you may even possibly already have right where you are, but also to expand and grow that vision. I tell you, something bigger and greater is unlocked when you do this. While there is a lot to see and be inspired and learn from in South Africa, sometimes you need to travel out of South Africa to gain a broader vision. And, quite frankly, there are some things you may never see except you do this! And so, as we continue to build on and develop Tsim & Bibi’s story, it was important for us to do exactly that. To step out, to see, to envision, to define, to redefine, and to dream.

To end caking-in-Dubai, we dined at Tashas at Al Barsha. Now, I’m sure you’re wondering the point of the mention since Tashas is not a bakery or traditional cake shop. And I’ll explain. We could not leave Dubai without recognising and paying tribute to the South African vision that is Tashas and is now becoming a world known brand. I mean, I already spend a lot of time at her restaurants in South Africa and particularly love Le Parc by Tashas at Hyde Park Mall. As expected, the restaurant was both beautifully decorated and immaculately clean, the food incredible and the cakes delicious. A fitting stop to mull over Tasha’s journey in awe. And as we did that, we became even more excited about our own journey as Tsim & Bibi. After all, she started right here in South Africa, like we have. And she is now taking her story to the rest of the world. Like we will. Just the inspiration we needed to leave Dubai pumped up. Ready to travel back to South Africa, to get back to the store, to incorporate our learnings in our business, to do more, to dream bigger, to work harder, and to take Tsim & Bibi to the whole world; one-cake-at-a-time!

Thank you for coming along with us!

Yours in baking,

Chi   

I was piqued as I read through the definitions of family, being “a group of one or more parents and their children living together as a unit”, or “all descendants of a common ancestor”, or “a group of related things”.  I quite fancy the third.  If you think about it, while the first two are correct, and give due pre-eminence to the family unit in a home and to one’s blood lineage, for us Africans, the net is cast much wider, and includes distant relatives, family by marriage, family despite divorce, and even close friends.  I’m sure you’ve heard the African saying that it takes a village to raise a child.  And no words could be truer. The association being the justifier in the circumstances.  After all, family is more than just sleeping under the same roof or belonging to the same lineage.  It’s about community, fellowship and communion.  About being there for each other and with each other.  Sharing, caring, supporting, and so on – all strengthening the bond of unity we expect to find in a family.  Because it’s really in singleness (of purpose, being, mind and spirit, to name a few) that true union can emerge.

I believe the concept of ‘ubuntu’, which was coined in South Africa and broadly stated, means humanity, captures the essence of the values underpinning the African family.  Loosely translated, it is defined as “I am because we are” but, more specifically, talks to “the belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity”.  Like the glue that bonds a family together.

There are certain behaviours that we do not expect in a family.  Granted, the reality isn’t always that simple and many of these behaviours do actually present themselves.  Which is a problem in itself.  But let’s be idealistic or theoretical for a moment.  On the understanding that families are united, there shouldn’t be any strife, wars, jealousy, bullying, competition, and so on.  Because these behaviours cause divisions and break unity, and detract from that universal bond ubuntu alludes to. 

Now, don’t lose me, because I’m going somewhere with this. 

From as far back as my Cambridge O and A Level Examinations, where Economics was one of my majors, through my Undergraduate Degree majoring in Economics and Private Law and Post Graduate Degree in Law, to Articles of Clerkship, being employed in Private Practice as an Admitted Attorney, and then transitioning In House in an investment holding environment specialising in Legal and Corporate Governance matters, the message has been consistent.  One of the factors to consider in any successful business is the ‘SWOT Analysis’, which looks at Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats.  And specifically in the context of threats, which are the focus of this blog, to consider one’s competitors and be alive to how they’re tracking in the market relative to you.  With the view that if you don’t stay ahead of them, you could potentially lose your market position to them. 

I’ll admit.  When we drew up Tsim & Bibi’s Business Plan ahead of opening shop in 2021, we too performed a SWOT Analysis.  And came up with an indicative list of competitors having regard to the market which Tsim & Bibi operates in.  This remained at the front of our minds as we progressed the business.  But the more I’ve pondered on it, the more I beg to differ with this school of thought.  And the idea that we’re competing with one another or Tsim & Bibi could reduce as a result of the success of any related business.

Competition, by definition, is “the activity or condition of striving to gain or win something by defeating or establishing superiority over others”.  It also refers to “an event or contest in which people take part in order to establish superiority or supremacy in a particular area” or “the person or people over whom one is attempting to establish one’s supremacy or superiority; the opposition”.  Competition is about gaining supremacy, defeating others, and removing all opposition.  A drive to rise above all and reign supreme.  The idea presupposes that there’s a fight for a limited space at the top.  And that the top spot is all that really counts.  The insufficient room at the top being the justification for a need to compete, and enforcing the idea that you must remain above everyone else.

Now, the universe is so vast.  As man on the earth, we’ve not even begun to travel the greater part of it.  The concept of the metaverse is becoming increasingly applicable in this generation, and who knows the intricacies it will bring in its unveiling.  What’s clear is that the earth is but a drop in the ocean.  And as at the latest count, there are about 8 billion people on it.  Which, for any business, means 8 billion persons to potentially serve.  In South Africa alone there are 59.31 million people as at the 2020 count (which we expect to increase significantly with the census that is currently underway).  If we extend this to the African continent as a whole, where there were about 1.216 billion people as at the 2016 count, all businesses operating in South Africa could potentially serve at least 1.216 billion people.

Let’s face it.  It would take one very special business to serve all of these people, alone.  Even at its greatest height of success, there would always be room for others.  So, while it’s commendable to strive to be the best at what you do, that assessment should be primarily focused on you – how you do what you do and the results you achieve.  Not on what others are doing.  Because we’re all running.  And for most of us, with the same determined focus to win and be the best at what we do.  But this isn’t a competition.  It’s a race.  To run as fast and far as we can within the time we have, and do the most that we’re able to and make the greatest impact.  But not with the aim of taking others out of the game.  Because there’ll always be room for all of us.  Even if we were all, individually, the best at what we do, there’d still be room for more to rise up and occupy their own spaces.  I mean, our races are individual, unique, and specific.  You can’t really compare them.  Bearing similarities with others shouldn’t make you competitors.  It just means as you run your race, you’ll likely see those persons running alongside you.  The difference is that they’re in their own lane.  And you in yours.

A race is described as “a competition between runners etc to see which is the fastest in covering a set course” or “to move or progress swiftly or at full speed”.  Focus is on the self and the ground that one is able to cover, and not on others with the objective of taking them down.  Undeniably, the results may be the same, but the mindset and approach is different.  And this is key.  When you have a mind to compete, you major on the minors.  Because while it may be relevant to know whom else is out there, this is not important strategically.  So, instead of cheering them on, you’re jeering at their failures and talking them down.  Instead of congratulating their wins, you despise them.  Because you think the more they win, the less opportunity you’ll have to do the same.  That the more they shine, the dimmer your light will be. 

Take a look at football, for example.  I’m an avid Manchester United supporter.  I watch every match, know all our players, and want the team to win.  Unfortunately, this has not been the case lately, which has made watching games most painful.  But I’ll leave my frustrations for another day.  My point is this.  Simply because we want Manchester United to win shouldn’t make the other teams its competitors.  In any race, there’ll be a number one and there’ll be runners up.  There’s a team that’ll take the trophy and those that won’t.  And as this all plays out, the teams shouldn’t be pitted against one another but rather against their last best selves.  If that performance secures the top spot, then hooray.  After all, the better you are at your game, the more your star will shine.  So, as we celebrate Manchester United’s wins, we commend the other teams for their successes.  Understanding that even if Manchester United were to take every cup in every season in every league until eternity, there’d still be room at the top for other teams. 

We’ve since removed competitors from Tsim & Bibi’s SWOT Analysis and replaced them with family.  And they’re no longer threats, but opportunities.  To learn, partner with, collaborate, and support each other.  Now, that may go against Economics as we know it, and I’ve studied it.  But theories evolve. Just like life.  Nobody said we shouldn’t challenge the system anyway. And in the meantime, we’re focused on doing us.  So, while it remains useful to know whom else is out there and what they’re doing, we’re cheering them.  We celebrate their successes, commend their initiatives, and purchase their products.  We don’t begrudge anyone that chooses them over us, because we know there’ll be those who choose us over them too.  Our single driving force is to be the best cake shop in the whole world, and to shake up the cake industry in a uniquely Tsim & Bibi way.  And we’re certain that if we do us with the desired excellence, we’ll only go in one direction.  Which is up. 

So, I’ll conclude by circling back to the definitions of family that I opened with.  Specifically, the one that talks to a group of related things.  I’d argue that this should be extended to include a group of related people.  Because we, in the cake industry, are family too, each with distinct roles within the broader scheme of caking.  It’s time to tear down dividing walls and be more united.  Time to quit the negative competitive mentality and be more family oriented in our dealings with one another.  Because there’s enough room at the top for all of us.  This’ll ensure a unity like never before.  And I can only imagine what the results of this would be!

Yours in baking,

Chi   

There’s something about ‘going big’.  We all know it.  And some secretly, while the rest of us openly, desire it.  We want to be a big success in everything that we put our hands to do.  And to make a big impact in the lives of as many people are we’re graced to touch.  Whether it be as a spouse, parent, child or sibling, or in society generally, the workplace, our communities, or globally, we want to achieve big.  We want to produce the results of our efforts, and we strive to do this to the best of our abilities.  This gives purpose and satisfaction.  And the recognition that sometimes comes with it is a bonus.  I mean, why bother except to be significantly impactful, hugely inspirational, and greatly content at the end of it all?

This is one of the reasons why people all over the world wake up every day, work hard at the things set before them, and invest their time and money (to name a few).  For many, the beginning of each calendar year marks the dawn of a new vision, with set targets to achieve in the periods ahead.  Everyone’s pushing and most are achieving their goals.  For this reason, there should be no shortage of people that have peace after all the doing.  Yet this is arguable for a large number. 

You’ve heard it said many times.  “Go big or go home”.  And no words could be truer.  The world is so big.  There are about 8 billion of us on the earth divided by country, language, society, culture and beliefs, yet united by education, drive, ambition, action and, ultimately, the ideas we bring to life and their impact on people generally.  The creations at the hand of man are incredible and advancing at such an alarming rate, and it’s most inspiring to observe.  For some of us it awakens the beasts lying quietly within, stirring a hunger to do more, achieve more and be more, as ‘the beast’ awaits its appointed time to shine too.  Simply because those who’ve gone ahead have shown us that it’s possible.  And we want a taste of it too.  After all, there’s enough world for all of us and room for each of us to make it big without taking from any other person.  What a comforting thought.

But, while this is true, we’ve observed several unintended negative consequences from the drive to be big.  That in so doing, some of the little things have been missed.  Because here’s the thing.  When the focus is big, everything done in the context of it is big.  Understandably so.  Whatever the man does, he uses all his efforts, invests the bulk of his time, and primarily focuses on it.  With little or insufficient attention given to the little things.  And so, you find a man who’s always pushing but hardly ever present or in the moment.  A man who’s producing great results but at the cost of something else.  Because big comes with opportunity costs.  Man justifies this as the price that must be paid to be big.  A sort of ‘success tax’.  And so, while he grows in success and stature, day-by-day he shrinks relative to the little things.  Some even to the point of becoming insignificant.  Importantly, mental health issues are increasing at a disturbing rate in the world today.  Many are citing that they suffer from depression, or feelings of inadequacy, emptiness and the like.  Something’s disturbing them, and they can’t quite figure out what it is.  A significant number are in therapy or receiving treatment.  Some get better but others just aren’t.  And the number of suicide cases is increasing.  Just recently I learnt of an elderly lady, a mother, wife, and successful businesswoman, who committed suicide.  It’s becoming increasingly apparent that despite the outward successes, something’s still missing. 

I believe that there’s an important lesson that we can learn early from all of this.  And I use the word early intentionally because the sooner we do, the sooner we can start to change this narrative.  Granted, there are also bigger issues at play, and the solution won’t always be fired in a single shot.  But we’ve got to start somewhere, right?  So, while it’s commendable to go big all the time, it’s important to go little some of the time too.  Because, after it’s all said and done, what makes you big is not only the strides you take or moves you make, but also who you become.  If that person becomes smaller and smaller inside despite growing bigger and bigger outside, something’s wrong.  Success should sit comfortably in every area of one’s life.  To be successful, you should be prosperous in all areas, with nothing broken or missing in any part.  Call me naïve or idealistic, but we have for too long accepted the idea that you must compromise on certain areas of your life in order to achieve the greater vision.    

We’ve taken these principles to heart in our business.  Because Tsim & Bibi is, after all, a separate legal entity and person at law.  While we pride ourselves in going big, with our grand wedding cakes, birthday cakes and the like, we appreciate the importance of the little things too.  That although many of the customers who walk through our doors are looking for big, a large number are also seeking the little.  With this in mind, we already have our range of biscuits, scones, cupcakes, mini cakes, toffee apples and slush, which are poised to give our customers that bite of pleasure, lick of indulgence, touch of sweetness and slither of decadence.  And going forward, we’ve been working on a range of new little products for 2022.  We’re kicking the launch of these off with macaroons, which will be available for purchase from the end of March.  The flavours include Lemon, Chocolate, Coffee, Almond, Blueberry, Vanilla, Pumpkin, Mint, Pistachio, Coconut, Orange, Peanut Butter, Strawberry and Chilli, and are guaranteed to transport you straight to Heaven (via Paris) with your first bite.  We will follow these with the launch of additional little products in the months ahead, all of which have been designed to add depth to our offering and give our customers optionality.    

Life has so many lessons to teach us which can be applied in every area, if we’re willing to hear the voices speaking, receive the guidance with humility and take positive action to implement the required changes.  This is how we grow and continually improve ourselves.  This is how we stay relevant and move with the changing times.  And this is also how we keep our uniqueness.  Because we’re constantly redefining ourselves relative to our last best selves.  Competing with no one, but running our own races with everything we’ve got, just like everyone else running alongside us.

The Greek Philosopher Plato coined the phrase “ship of state”, from the ancient and often cited metaphor that ‘big ships turn slowly’.  This metaphor was used nicely in recent times by Former American President Barack Obama who said “nations are like ocean liners: you turn the wheel slowly, and the big ship pivots.  Sometimes your job is just to make stuff work.  Sometimes the task of government is to make incremental improvements or try to steer the ocean liner two degrees north or south so that, ten years from now, suddenly we’re in a very different place than we were”.  American Writer Adam Gopnik explained it this way.  “That Former President Barack Obama wasn’t saying that big ships aren’t worth the turning, just that it takes time.  That their very bigness is what makes them turn slowly, but their bigness is what makes them worth turning”.

So, we’re here cheering you on as you go big in your individual spaces.  Give big your best shot and make it count!  But as you do, here’s a caution not to forget the little things.  Make time for your loved ones, cherish the special moments, be always present, and enjoy yourself.  And you can apply these principles more specifically relative to your individual circumstances.   Perhaps you can even make room for Tsim & Bibi too and take us along the ride.  Because whether it be in the big things or the little, whether you’re looking for that grand statement or quiet expression of love, we’ve got something to satisfy your taste buds.  After all.  The little things make a big difference.  And we get this.

Yours in baking,

Chi