We often ask ourselves the questions, “Why was I born?”, “What is my purpose on this earth?”, and “Am I fulfilling my purpose?”.  And indeed, these are important questions.  In fact, if you simply examine the behaviours of human beings over time, you’ll find an increasing trend towards men spending time and money to find the answer to these questions.  Whether it be through the help of Life Coaches or Therapists or Pastors or Mentors, men are hungry for answers and are no longer silent about it.

Looking back at the past two years where the Covid-19 virus ravaged across the whole world causing much chaos, leaving death and destruction behind its trail, but also fundamentally changing the way we’ve been doing life as we know it, it’s not surprising that many have been left asking these questions with greater emphasis and a real sense of urgency.  I mean, having witnessed a small virus that can only been seen though a microscope literally bring the whole world to its knees and question the human existence in many fundamental respects, including whether God really exists, it’s become clear to many that there must be more to life than just living.  That to be alive is a privilege and a blessing that should be walked out with intentionality and purpose.  That we must all be on this earth for a reason.  The question being whether we’ve each found those reasons and are deliberately aligned to them and walking in that destiny.

So, a good starting point would be to figure out what was in the beginning.  That is, why and how life started.  Because without an appreciation of that moment, it’s not possible to fully understand how to walk out the present and the future.  Where we come from accounts for a lot. 

For some, the answer is simple.  It all started with a ‘big bang’.  Where there was nothing.  Then suddenly the earth was.  And from that place, man evolved.  He was initially an ape.  But eventually took the form of a human.  And it’s all in the ‘bang’.  A random act and moment of science that brought life to the earth without any real purpose.  Which means that to live is the purpose in itself.  That man was born and will eventually die, and in between that gets to experience the earth doing whatever he chooses to do and walk in as his purpose.

For others, the beginning is found in the Bible.  Where God created the earth out of darkness over a period of 6 days simply by speaking it into existence, culminating with replicating Himself in man, rested on the seventh day, formed man and all living creatures after that, made woman for man, and then mandated man to be fruitful on the earth and to multiply and dominate.  Establishing a purpose in man that was known from before the beginning, in His heart, and then empowering man to live out that purpose on the earth.

Many debates have ensued between the two schools of thought over the years.  For the Scientist, the science is clear and irrefutable. Purpose is found in doing that which your heart leads you to do.  Because purpose is in you.  Established in your likes, desires, gifts and so on.  You simply look to these things to determine your purpose.  For the man of Faith, purpose is defined by God and rests in His heart.  To find yourself, you have to find Him, and then He will show you why you were born and what your purpose is on the earth.  That purpose, also known as assignment, is not necessarily tied to your giftings, strengths, likes or desires, but mandated by God according to His will.

Whichever school of thought you’re aligned to, the point is this.  There must be more to life than just living.  And at Tsim & Bibi, we take this very seriously.  There must be more to cakes than just caking-it.  And yes, we’re a Bakery.  And a very good one, might I add.  Our products have been uniquely designed to give the consumer a ‘taste of Heaven’ with every bite.  Our range of cakes, cupcakes, and cookies are delicious, light, and always freshly baked.  We pride ourselves in consistency, attention to detail and baking our products individually at all times. Excellence made manifest!  And we’re excited to be introducing new products to our range in March 2022.  We’ve been tirelessly working on these recipes over the past few months, and we can’t wait to bring them to you.  We hear it repeatedly.  Our cakes are delectable, but also a masterful work of art!  We’re caking it!  And will continue to do so and to do more.  But, there is more to cakes than just caking-it.

This is why you’ll find Toffee Apples and Slush at Tsim & Bibi.  They don’t really have much to do with cakes but, in their own way, have everything to do with them.  Delicious treats that can be enjoyed by both young and old and bring pleasure to the consumer.  You’ll also find the novel ‘Full Circle’ available for purchase in store.  This is my first novel as a published author, telling a story that everyone should read (this isn’t just my personal bias speaking).  About the journey called ‘life’, and how there is no circumstance or situation that man cannot overcome and be better because of.  That no matter how painful or difficult, we all have it in us to keep things moving.  Just think about the past two years and this message hits home!  What’s also inspiring about Full Circle is that it was published in the United States of America even though I am based in South Africa.  Showing that while the world is vast and so big, it’s also very small.  That borders aside, the whole world is at the tip of your fingers.  And available to you if you are prepared to reach for it.  I think you’d all agree that Covid-19 proved this very point.  By literally collapsing all territorial boundaries and turning the whole world into one land.  With the virus floating in the air and touching different nations, nationalities, tribes, communities and families in the very same way. 

This also explains The Cake Table.  Why I introduced the blog and its relevance to the business of Tsim & Bibi.  As you may have already gathered, the blog touches varying life topics that are applicable in this day, but always relates those back to the business.  That while the blog topics are not just about cakes, they ultimately have everything to do with cakes.  Because it’s not just about cakes.  But rather about life expressed and explained through cakes.  That, as we cake-it, we live-it.  And as we live-it, we fully appreciate-it and enjoy-it.  Never missing a moment, an expression, an articulation, a representation, or even a lesson, through cakes.

And so, I hope that Tsim & Bibi is to you that which we have set out to make it.  And that this blog will feed your soul as much Tsim & Bibi feeds your stomachs with our tasty treats.  That you are left better for having made Tsim & Bibi a part of your individual stories and also connecting with me through this blog.  If we can achieve that, I’d say we’re walking in alignment with our destiny.  After all, there is more to life than just cakes!

Yours in baking,

Chi 

We’re approaching the end of the first month of 2022. And there’s no better time to reflect on the year ahead. As is typical, many enter into the New Year with conviction and a clear vision. They have a list of so-called ‘New Years’ Resolutions’ which embody the goals for the year. These range from fitness goals, healthier eating habits and self-improvement ambitions, to personal goals, business goals, relationship improvements and the like. And everyone is certain that their set goals are achievable and will be attained during the year. In fact. This is what the new year is about. Starting over and doing it right. And the prospects of success are exhilarating.

What’s even more interesting to observe is the investment made by individuals as they strive to fulfil these goals. Buying new gym wear, cleaning out one’s fridge and stocking up on healthy ingredients, and purchasing a range of self-help books or signing up for various related courses or conferences, to name a few. All of this comes at a sizeable cost and, to the spectator, it appears almost certain that the individuals will attain the mark. I mean. How can they not after displaying such commitment?

However, as the year progresses, we see a repeated trend as an increasing number of goal setters fall off the band wagon by the day. A 21-day fitness challenge stops on day 14. A commitment to drink a healthy smoothie on a daily basis fizzles away quietly after only a few weeks. An undertaking to read a book a week becomes no more after making it through half a book.  And a promise not to drink alcohol quickly becomes a shadow as drinks fall back in hand in no time. The possible examples are endless. But the message is the same. The conviction that marked the beginning of the year begins to wane and eventually disappears, and life continues as normal as if the new years’ resolutions never existed at all. Without accountability or excuse. While this isn’t so for everyone, the same is true for a large number.

As it is commonly said, insanity is doing the same thing over again yet expecting different results. So, what then is the problem? And the answer is simple. Change does not come because a new year has come. Change only comes when you – the person – have changed, irrespective of when that takes place. Of course, this could coincide with the new year, which is great for those who attach their goals to a new year.

Let’s unpack this further. A calendar is defined as “a chart or series of pages showing the days, weeks, and months of a particular year, or giving particular seasonal information”. Pope Gregory XIII introduced the Gregorian Calendar (aptly named after him) in 1952, being a solar calendar with 12 months of 28 to 31 days each, and a year comprising of 365 days.  The idea being that it takes the sun a total of 365 days to rotate the earth, and so with each completed cycle comes a new year. The Gregorian calendar followed the thinking behind the Julian calendar, also known as the Old Style calendar, which was established by Julius Caesar in 46 B.C as a reform of the Roman Republican calendar. According to the Julian calendar, the solar year comprises of 365¼ days. The Roman Republican calendar evolved in Rome prior to the Christian era and comprises of a 304 day year.

The Gregorian calendar is regarded as one of the most accurate calendars in the world today. But the fact that it is just one of them begs a few questions. Which calendar is exact? How many calendars are there? And why are there variations in these calendars? Interestingly, the Gregorian calendar was introduced to bring the date for the Easter weekend to the time of the year in which it was celebrated by the early Church.  So, who knows the motivations for the other calendars? Thus, given the many nuances, what then is in a new year?

The purpose of a calendar is to assist with regulating civil life and religious observances and for historical and scientific purposes. The calendar was created by man as a guide. And that is exactly what it is. No exact points have been identified but mankind is able to manage itself around the indications provided. The new year serves to simply mark the sun’s rotation around the earth and the end of one solar year and the beginning of the next. While the traditions associated with the new year have meant that personal resolutions often accompany the beginning of a new year, there is nothing more in the new year than a change of date. This means that while the setting of certain goals is marked by the new year, the attainment of such goals is independent of the same. The new year does not bring the required assurances. Rather, it brings to light the prospects of possibility as a force to drive personal changes. Although this connects with the touchy feely parts within us, more is required from an individual to achieve the set goals.

Therefore, while the renewed drive, ambition and vision that may come with a new year is commendable, one should focus on substance rather than form. This is because absent of the personal changes and commitment required to attain the set goals, the prevailing trend will continue. In order to see the change you want, you must be the change you want. Transforming inwardly and then manifesting outwardly.

And so, as we all dream for 2022 and beyond, let’s not get caught up in the act of setting goals. But rather engage in the personal changes required to achieve the same goals. Buy the new gym gear. That’s necessary. But focus more on training yourself in the doing. Wake up early, be consistent, put your best foot forward, don’t give up, be accountable, and get it done!

This is the Tsim & Bibi promise for 2022. We’ve been working tirelessly on a range of new products and can’t wait to unveil them. And as we do that, we’ll continue doing what we do. But with the promise of even better. It’s a new year and yes, our vision has expanded. We’ll do more. We’ll achieve more. And we’ll be more. We invite you to walk the journey with us. You won’t be sorry.

So, with nearly 11 months left, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Happy New Year! May yours be productive, prosperous and fruitful.

Your-in-baking,

Chi

As you may already know, Tsim & Bibi has a range of standard cake flavours which include our famous red velvet cake, to name one.  What many don’t know is that in addition to these standard flavours, Tsim & Bibi has introduced a range of signature cakes, which were specially designed to bring an adventurous playfulness to our commonly accepted flavours, by combining textures and flavours, to produce one-of-a-kind treats that will satisfy every taste bud.  One of these is our Monkey’s Wedding cake, which is essentially a rainbow cake layered with vanilla frosting, entirely covered with hundreds of thousands, and topped with skittles.  What’s more.  Should you so desire, we fill the centre of the cake with sweets that pour out as the cake is cut.  A truly sweet sensation bursting with colour, flavour and lots of fun!

Notably, Tsim & Bibi has also introduced a range of signature cupcakes that mirror the play with our signature cakes, in which the Monkey’s Wedding cake has a cousin, in the form of a rainbow cupcake topped with vanilla icing and tastefully yet simply decorated with a colourful sweet.  A beautiful piece of heaven that will leave any rainbow lover satisfied. 

Why the play with rainbows, you may ask?  Because there’s something in a rainbow that deserves attention from a look perspective, but also in the significance of it.  Rainbows are not common, hence their signature aspect in our cakes.  But what’s more, no one can disagree.  Every time you see a rainbow, something special takes place.  Both within and without.

We’ve heard it said.  When it rains, monkeys are getting married somewhere in the world.  But the saying ‘monkeys wedding’ is even more specific.  It refers to a rain shower that occurs while the sun is shining.   A beautiful encounter with nature, where a seemingly intrusive and inconvenient rainstorm is meshed with those beautiful rays of that sunshine that we all love.  Where the wind and cold that usually accompanies a rainstorm is balanced with the light and radiance that flows from the sun.  Surprisingly bringing a little warmth amid the cold.  And brightening up what would otherwise be a completely dull and wet occasion.  Certainly, a sight not to be missed.

What’s more.  Monkey’s weddings are usually followed by beautiful rainbows.  And we love them.  How they literally pop up in the sky from nowhere after a rainstorm, and somewhat pave a route through eternity.  We don’t know where they begin and can’t really tell where they end, but we see the beauty.  Moreover, we tangibly feel a sense of hope with the sighting, as the sky is invaded by an arching kaleidoscope, telling of everything washed away by the rainstorm that was, but looking to the newness that will follow once the ground has settled, aptly refreshed and reinvigorated by the spell of nutritious water.

How beautifully these appearances of nature speak to life in general.  We know that the sun rises and sets every day and is always in the sky.  It’s a constant.  The variable is cloud cover.  When there are no clouds in the sky, the sun shines brightly for all to see.  And when there are clouds in the sky, they cover the sun.  The more the clouds, the less the sun.  One would even think that the sun is not out.  But it’s always there.  Shining ever so brightly in the same position.  With the same heat, intensity, and light.  Just sometimes masked behind and hidden by clouds.  But still standing strong in all its grandeur and beauty.

And that’s the thing.  If it were only sunshine, then there would never be any rainbows.  And there are no rainbows without the rain.

Life’s a beautiful and bright adventure that should be enjoyed through every experience.  We live in a world filled with so much.  So many places to go, so many things to see, so many people of different cultures to relate with, so much to invest in, and so on.  We’re spoilt for choice.  Everyday we are presented with options and opportunities to add to the experience of living our best lives.  But there’s a juxtaposition.  Despite all this ‘goodness’, we all experience moments and situations that are not so beautiful at one point in time.  Moments of trial and tribulation whose end seems afar off or possibly unachievable.  When you could curl up and give in, simply because of the adverse forces working against you.  Moments that seek to steal your joy. 

But it all turns on attitude.  In these moments, one could choose to give up and die, or to stand strong and fight through.  To resile to the fact that things will never improve and sink into a hole, or to hope for a better and brighter tomorrow.  To respond to the circumstances with a sense of hopelessness, or to remain positive despite the odds. 

And this is where rainbows step up.  To remind us that there’s still hope despite the storm.  That tomorrow is still another day.  To sweep us into moments in eternity where the outlook is still bright despite the present dark circumstances.  To inspire us not to give in by appreciating the available opportunities, and to get up and keep going.  Reminding us that while we can’t stop the rain, we get to choose how we respond to it.  To choose to see and hold on to the beauty of life through the rainstorm, and to never give up on hope no matter how tough the challenges life may throw at us. 

Some of you have heard the song ‘Cover me in Sunshine’.  It’s catchy and speaks to the positivity and goodness that we associate with sunshine.  And the good times in our life.  It’s a beautiful ideal.  One where we’re all smiles all the time because everything just works out perfectly all the time.  But it’s not realistic.  Because dark days are inevitable, in one shape or form.  Not only this, such moments are necessary parts of life, presenting opportunities for growth and development that can only be attained through the relevant experiences.  It’s in challenging times that one can reach deeper within and bring out a certain part of you that would’ve remained hidden had it not been for that situation.  You get to learn about yourself, about the people that surround you, and about life in general.  And if you navigate your way through the situation with wisdom and care, you’ll even grow through it and come out better because of it. 

Now.  I’m not saying to invite trouble and hardship into your life.  On the contrary, it’s possible to live a guarded and considered life where such trouble and hardship is minimised.  It’s simple.  Don’t place yourself in situations that cause you to compromise on your peace and stability.  Because it’s not worth the trouble!  But it’s about your attitude through those situations that can’t be avoided.  It’s often said.  Attitude determines altitude.  And it’s true.  The more positive your attitude, the higher you’ll fly despite the circumstances you face.  As you build rainbows in the sky of your mind and life, of courage, resilience, optimism, and strength, you’ll jump from the end of one challenging situation to the beginning of another with increased wisdom and peace, ensuring that nothing is taken away from your overall positive and beautiful experience of life. 

I’d say.  This is a much better way to live, than down in the dumps crying.  So, cheers to rainbows!  And to our range of signature colourful treats!

Yours in caking-it,

Chi

“Beetroot”, they said.  This is what you use to get the perfect colour for a red velvet cake.  And being my first time baking the cake, the instruction was clear.  And the modus operandi too.  Follow the advice of the experts.  So that’s exactly what I did.  I made my way to the supermarket and bought the brightest packet of beetroots that I could find on the shelves.  They were a deep red in colour, exactly what I imagined any red velvet cake could look like, and I was excited at the prospect of the same striking colour popping on my red velvet cake.  I went home ready to produce a masterpiece.  With all ingredients mixed and the final addition being the beetroot juice, I peeled the beetroots and placed them in a juicer.  And after a few seconds of whizzing, I produced half a cup of beetroot juice.  As I poured the desired quantity of beetroot juice into the cake mixture and then combined it well with a wooden spoon, being careful to ensure that the beetroot juice was evenly distributed, I could not hold back my excitement to see the final product.  Unfortunately, the more I combined the beetroot juice into the cake mixture, the more the cake mixture went from the red colour that was the beetroot juice to a pale brown colour.  It was odd.  I had followed the instructions to a ‘t’.  And done what all the recipe books had recommended…  Beetroot juice.  Nevertheless.  I decided to wait and see the final baked product before drawing any conclusions.

I slipped three level cake tins in the oven and then switched the timer on.  It beeped loudly after thirty minutes, and I knew I was almost there.  I put on a pair of oven gloves and carefully took the baking tins out of the oven.  The cakes had baked perfectly.  The three layers had all risen to the same height and looked identical in appearance.  And the skewer that I poked each with had come out perfectly clean.  I immediately turned the cakes out onto a wire rack, as I removed them from the baking tins.  Oddly, the cakes still looked brown in colour.  However, I figured that their insides would surely have the desired red colour.  I covered the cakes with a net and set them aside to cool.  In the meantime, I prepared cream cheese icing and placed it in the refrigerator to set.  The cakes took about 2 hours to cool and, once they were ready, I iced the cake and placed it in the fridge to set.  This meant another hour of waiting.  And wondering just how perfect my red velvet cake would be. 

Finally, the cake was fully set, and I could dig in!  I prepared a plate with a beautiful cake fork beside it and then cut into the cake.  But, alas, the deeper I cut, the more this unappealing brown colour was exposed.  Being even more brown in the inside than the cake had appeared on the outside.  That bright red beetroot colour had not transferred to the cake.  Not in the slightest! All I could see was an odd brownish colour.  I placed a slice of cake on the plate, looked at the photo in the recipe book and then back at my cake, and it was chalk and cheese.  Reluctantly, I decided to taste the cake and, to my surprise, it was delicious.  Light, fluffy, creamy and not too sweet.  It was just brown in colour.  And I would to have to do something about that.  Perhaps I had made a mistake in the baking process, I thought to myself as I tidied the kitchen up.

I tried the recipe again the following day.  Using bright red beetroot juice from the best beetroots that I could find at the supermarket.  And to my great disappointment, the results were exactly the same.  The cake was delicious.  But it was still this odd brown in colour.  All of the red in the beetroots had been lost in the baking process, and what remained was a brown velvet cake!  I would have to try other options for colouring my red velvet cake.  So, I tried gels, which was a complete waste of time, as those did not work out at all.  Then I moved on to powders.  However, given the many powders available in the market, and the different shades available in each colour, it was a huge exercise.  Some of the reds came out too electric.  Others were simply too pale.  And even the red velvet colour powder was a disappointment.  In fact, I think that was the worst as it was the closest to the brown velvet than all the other red powders that I tried!  What I was looking for was a deep red colour.  I eventually mixed a combination of red powders and, voila!  I produced the perfect red velvet colour for my delicious cake.  But boy, what an exercise to get there!

Today, when you bite into our red velvet cake and cupcakes, you will be met with the most striking and beautiful red colour.  It’s rich, deep in texture and and has a uniqueness of its own.  And the colour is applied consistently in our products.  Tsim & Bibi has developed a red velvet colour that is in line with its brand, and a red velvet cake that that defines who we are. 

I learnt one of the greatest lessons through this process.  Being the importance of knowing who you are.  That is, your brand.  This sets the boundaries of who you are and who you are not.  It defines what you are prepared to do and the lines that you will not cross.  The same applies equally to your personal brand as it does to any business or initiative that you may be carrying out.    

In our case.  We had to define what makes a Tsim & Bibi red velvet cake.  And integral to this was the colour.  Faced with many options out there, and even guidance from the experts on how best to produce that colour, we found that none of the solutions offered to us, worked for us.  Rather, we had to invest the time and effort and do some mixing and matching of our own until we produced a colour that best defined us.  We were not sidetracked by the many voices in the market, neither did we find ourselves overwhelmed by the many available options.  Rather, we applied our minds to all the information at hand and landed at a place that best represented us.  And since then, we have stuck to that formula.  Unwavering.  Unshakeable.  Unstoppable.  We know who we are and have set that as the boundary in which we will play in the global cake industry.

This process is so important for us in our personal capacities too. Oftentimes, we compromise on who we are at our very essence and core.  We allow the world, and the many voices out there, to define us and therefore influence who we are and what we become.  We’re afraid to step out and set ourselves apart, simply for fear of rejection or rebuke by the world.  And in most cases, we are not willing to take the time to define ourselves in this unique manner.  To do the work. Instead, we place unfounded limitations on ourselves, dealt to us by the world at large, and choose to rather operate in sync with everyone else, finding a deceived sense of comfort within the masses. 

But you must know who you are in order to be the best version of yourself.  You must define your personal brand and live by it.  Don’t let the world rob you of your uniqueness.  Your difference is your attraction.  You will thrive most in that space.  And be the freest that you can be.  Life is long.  But it is very short when you spend your time trying to make the world happy at the expense of yourself.  When you are constantly compromising your personal standards and beliefs in order to fit in.  You lose out on so much.  And in your heart of hearts, you know it. 

So, do what we did.  Go out there.  See what is out there.  And even try out what is out there.  But do you.  Unapologetically.  Even if it means going against what has become the trusted grain.  And don’t compromise on that person.  If yours is a deep rich red colour, find it and stick to it.  If you have to mix and match a few things, while also discarding some other things, to get it right, go for it. 

The world is tired of all the copycats out there.  The world is waiting for YOU!

Yours in caking-it,

Chi

Unlike cooking.  Where one has the latitude to throw in a few more spices.  To add a guesstimate of a handful of herbs.  And to literally play around with the ingredients until one arrives at a desired taste.  Where mistakes during the process can be fixed easily without any real consequence.  Which is, in itself, an art.  Baking is a science.  Where one has little or no room to play around with the ingredients.  To get that cake perfectly right, one must perfectly balance the ingredients.  Because if you get the balance wrong.  Then you’ll have to start again.  No question.  So, to arrive at this place requires trying and testing.  Mixing and matching, but always within the confines of the stated quantities.  But thankfully, once the cake is baked, then one has the room to play.  To unleash the artist inside you and create the most beautiful designs.  With the complete freedom to do as one pleases.

However, a sight : bite dichotomy exists.  Where one must also balance the science of cakes with the art of cakes.  That is, to get the sight : bite relationship just right and ensure that both the inside and outside of the cake are equally matched.  All too often, it’s love at first sight but disappointment at first bite.  Or disappointment at first sight but love at first bite.  And many times, it’s about compromise.  Where one settles for one over the other simply because attaining both seems too high a standard.  So, if the design is what you opt for, you’re left with cakes that impress on sight but are hardly eaten or enjoyed.  And in the case of the opposite.  One accepts disappointment with the design for the pleasure of being left with no traces of cake at the end of the day.  Either way.  Whichever you choose.  You’re sometimes a happy, but not completely satisfied, customer.

It’s in my musings of this dichotomy that I have coined what I call ‘the art of solitude’.  With the mind that to produce effective results at this level, it’s important to receive your inspiration and function from a higher level.  That instead of getting caught up with and primarily focusing on both the science and the art of caking, which we all accept are fundamental to the success of the process, one should firstly focus the mind at a higher level.  That is, before you do, think and imagine the process from beginning to end.  This is what has worked for me.  In my moments of personal meditation, I ponder on what I expect to see and how I intend to get there.  With a view of the production line from A to Z.  As I reflect, I play with flavours and textures in my mind, I create designs in my mind, I imagine what success looks like and what it’ll take to get there, and then I complete the picture in a single thought.  I ponder on what could go wrong, who I need to take with me on the journey, and how to be the best version of ‘me’ that can sustain the vision I’m carrying.  Of course, it’s not possible to see and cater for every eventuality in the mind.  But it’s in these quiet moments that I prepare for what I want to see, and then create and build.  And once I am comfortable on the inside, then I know that I’m ready to go for it on the outside.  Backing myself completely.  Once the substance is established in my heart and in my mind, then I’m able to translate this into both the science and the art that is required at the lower level.  That’s when I pick up my baking tools and use my hands.  Simply put.  I start grinding.

However, to do this successfully one must be able to spend time alone.  And also know how to use that time to your advantage.  The more time that you’re able to spend with yourself.  The more that you’re able to pull out from within.  If you’re more inclined to the ‘noise’ – to people, places, things and so forth, if it takes constantly being on the go to keep you going, then you’ll struggle to effectively connect with this inner part in you.  Because it’s only in the quiet that you’re able to hear beyond where those who are consumed by the noise are able to hear, and to travel to spaces in your mind that only a certain level of consciousness can discern.  To perceive that which is heard in these special moments, and then to translate those instructions into something tangible for the world to see.  When you operate from this place, your strength does not come from the numbers following or agreeing with you.  Or from what has been done successfully before your eyes.  But, rather, from your very core.  It’s about harnessing the power that is deeply within you and producing success in the physical realm using that power. 

I believe that to succeed in one’s endeavours is to firstly master this art.  That it’s not only about the cakes or what we are able and gifted to produce with our hands.  But that it’s also about how we get to that space where we’re able to build a vision, go for it, and translate it into something tangible that can be sustained for generations to come.  Were it that easy, and if it was only about the gift, then there would be many more people out there building and creating.  Because the world really is full of amazing and talented people. But something continues to stop men from chasing their dreams.  And it’s more than just fear. 

I believe that you’re your most powerful when your power comes from inside you and not from external factors and circumstances.  That you’re your most powerful when your drive is independent of what others are doing or saying.  And that you’re your most powerful when you’re doing what you do not to compete with others but to run your own comparable race.  To do something unique and specially designed for you.  But I also believe that it’s not possible to do this fully without mastering ‘the art of solitude’.

I didn’t start Tsim & Bibi with my hands.  It was in my mind.  And so, as Tsim & Bibi continues to serve you with our delectable treats.  I will continue to dream and ensure that we always have something tangible to give you.  That we get the balance between the science and art of baking perfectly right.  And that we provide you with an overall experience that imprints something positive in your heart.  Without compromise or the need to choose between one good thing and another.  This is the vision and the subject of my meditations.  And the foundation of the Tsim & Bibi story that we are writing.

May you be inspired to do even bigger things from the power that is already within you.  Let’s challenge ourselves and see just how far everyone in the Tsim & Bibi community can go, as we write our individual stories and leave footprints on the earth.

Yours in caking-it,

Chi

Tsim & Bibi's very own blog, aimed at providing a platform to engage and share with you, our esteemed friends.  We will, of course, talk cakes and all things caking-it. But we will also touch on various other topics. The aim being to keep a conversation going between us as we continue to serve you.

This first article serves to formally introduce Tsim & Bibi to you. To tell you a little bit about who we are, where we come from, what we do, why we do it, and how we do it.

My name is Chipo Pswarayi and I am the founder of Tsim & Bibi. I was born and bred in Harare, Zimbabwe, but moved to South Africa in 1998 and have never looked back. I am proud to call this beautiful country my home and to play my part in growing the economy and impacting lives on a daily basis.

Tsim & Bibi was built around its famous red velvet cake, which was first baked in 2011. It was love at first bite. People just could not get enough of it. Within months, we had introduced a range of other flavours which were just as delectable. And Tsim & Bibi began selling its cakes at mall markets in Johannesburg - Cedar Square and Melrose Arch, to name a few. The demand for our cakes spoke for itself and, in no time, it became clear that Tsim & Bibi had to move to the next level. So trading under the banner of ChipoM, Tsim & Bibi opened shop at Sandton View Shopping Centre in Bryanston, Johannesburg in 2013. We had a splendid time supplying our cakes to the market. However, we soon felt that the business had grown faster than it was ready for, and took the hard but considered decision to close shop in 2014 and to spend a little more quiet time mastering our trade.

For the next 6 years, we supplied a limited number of orders from my home, as we went back to the basics. And by the end of 2020, we knew that we were ready to go at it again. To open shop in 2021. But this time with a clearer business model and more well-defined brand. So after a few months of planning and preparation, Tsim & Bibi opened its doors at Morning Glen Shopping Centre in Gallo Manor, Johannesburg on 07 June 2021.

Tsim & Bibi is a luxury cake shop that supplies cakes, cupcakes, scones, biscuits, slush and toffee apples. All of our products are freshly made on order. We use only the highest quality ingredients and do not compromise on this at all. Our recipes and designs are unique. We have taken the time to develop them to ensure a perfect balance between flavours and textures, while also ensuring that the essence of who we are comes through clearly.  We have a highly skilled and trained team that fully understands the Tsim & Bibi brand and strives to maintain these high standards. 

Our customers attest to it.  Tsim & Bibi's cakes are light and fluffy, not too sweet, have the softest and most delicious icing, and simply look beautiful. We have a range of yummy slush flavours which are imported from the United Kingdom and give our customers the desired optionality.  Our toffee apples are individually made and packaged, using a recipe that was developed over several months of trial and error. All of our products are specially maintained according to the strictest protocols in order to ensure their freshness and the satisfaction of our customers. Again, we do not compromise on this at all. As a result, we sell a limited number of products in store on a daily basis, and pride ourselves on an made-for-order business model where we guarantee the freshness of our products for at least seven days from collection.

Tsim & Bibi's packaging has been specially designed to both match the luxurious products and to provide our customers with a memorable experience at first glance and touch. From time-to-time we have surprise experiences in store, like our recent Spring Day experience where we celebrated the turn of the seasons in a bright and colourful manner, simply because we love to spoil our customers and ensure that they receive a tangible experience of the Tsim & Bibi brand. Plans are already underway in preparation for the Christmas season that is soon upon us, and we look forward to giving our customers a marvellous experience in the spirit of the season.  You do not want to miss this!  

We love what we do and take pleasure in going all out to invest in our customers. We get it. It's about special occasions, special people, special celebrations and, importantly, value for money.

Tsim & Bibi is a family owned and managed business, named after the nicknames of Tsiamo and Sarabi, my teenage son and daughter. Tsiamo and Sarabi are both shareholders in the business and also participate in its daily affairs. Tsiamo is the Social Media Director, while Sarabi is the Art Director and a Baking Assistant. She is also the beauty and the brains behind our delicious toffee apples.  You are guaranteed to see both of them behind the counter when you pop in store during the school holidays.

Thank you for your patronage and goodwill.  The business is because you are.  We look forward to a long, fruitful and blessed journey ahead with you, as we partner together on your special occasions. To this end, we promise you consistency, excellence, attention to detail, customer service of the highest degree, to make music in your mouth, and to exceed your expectations with every bite. Simply put, "a taste of Heaven!".

Yours in caking-it,

Chi