In the bustling taxi rank of Thohoyandou, a small but thriving coffee shop is making waves. Funanani Madume, an entrepreneur from Phiphidi, started her journey of selling scones with nothing but a passion for baking and a desire to change her life. Today, her growing business offers a variety of treats, including banana bread, tea, and coffee. She also plans to open the first dedicated coffee and confectionery shop in Thohoyandou.
Funanani's journey into the baking world began out of frustration. "I started this business because I was tired of sitting at home doing nothing," she explains. With hard work and dedication, she transformed a simple idea into a thriving enterprise, expanding from selling only scones to offering a broader menu that keeps customers coming back.
Her efforts paid off when she secured a space at the Thohoyandou taxi rank, where workers and commuters now rely on her for their morning coffee and freshly baked goods.
Like many small businesses, Funanani faces competition. "Nowadays, many people are selling tea and scones," she admits. However, her ability to build a loyal customer base has set her apart. "I talk to my customers nicely and always smile. I make them feel comfortable when they buy from me," she says.
Funanani's family has played a key role in her success. Her sister helps with baking, while her brother assists with sales at the taxi rank when she is unavailable. This support has enabled her to expand beyond daily sales. She now bakes custom orders for weddings, parties, baby showers, family gatherings, and even funerals, offering bulk scones in buckets.
Despite starting small, Funanani has big ambitions. "In five years, I want to own a coffee and confectionery shop and provide jobs for those who are unemployed. I want to be the first to open a coffee shop in Thohoyandou," she says.
Funanani's success is also backed by a strong educational background. She studied at the University of Johannesburg, earning a certificate in commercial accounting and a diploma in business administration. Her business skills have helped her manage her finances effectively, leading to a major milestone - buying a car with the money she made from selling tea and scones.