SmitN - Joburg's fav online cake shop

This week I have the best-tes-test prize to give away - a cake worth R850 to add a touch of 'wow' to your next special event.  
The cake is sponsored and will be baked by the very pretty, busy & creative lady, Christa Smit, owner of, SmitN - Joburg's favourite online cake shop

While we we're planning this comeptition, i grabbed the oppurtunity to get to know a bit more about this creative entrepreneur - we can all do with a bit of inspiration. And what striked me the most about her interview, was the true love and sentiment that goes into every SmitN creation.  Enjoy.  

Tell us a bit more about who you are? How did you come up with your business concept?
As kids, my mother would ask us a week before our birthday what type of cake we'd like. This was not a simple "vanilla or chocolate" decision. Nor was it a choice between a Spiderman or Barbie cake. 
Whatever our little imaginations could conjure up at that age would be a no-brainer for my mom. 

Some of my favourite childhood memories would be sitting in front of a closed kitchen door the night before my birthday - we were banned from the kitchen while my mom was working her magic. Listening to her symphony of sounds while baking, building and brewing, she knew half the fun was in the anticipation and once the finished cake was safely hidden, we'd be invited in to lick the spoons.

I will never forget my 9th birthday cake. While going through a phase where I was obsessed with mice I asked my mom for a "mouse house". As usual, she nailed it : a perfect little house down to the very last detail. Multi-coloured tiles on the roof, a green coconut lawn and even a family of three little fondant mice.
The mommy-mouse had an apron identical to my mother's. A couple of years ago my mom was diagnosed with dementia.  Although she doesn't bake anymore I owe my passion and love for baking to her.

The business concept was born about two years ago when my husband (then still my boyfriend) was living abroad in Singapore.  He would send me flowers regularly, since you could order them online and have them delivered, but realised that it’s quite hard to find an online supplier for a birthday cake.  This then gave us the idea to start an online cake shop – customers can have a look at what’s to offer on the website, click on their choice and have it delivered. Simple.  No longer rushing to find a shop open if you need to bring dessert for a party, or busy moms who have to stress to find the time to bake a cake for their kids’ birthdays

What products and services do you supply?
I specialise in cakes and cupcakes, but I’m open to requests from clients.  For a wedding cake I did a week ago the bride asked if I might be able to do snack platters for them as well while they’re getting ready, and for a wedding this weekend the bride preferred a dessert table instead of a plated dessert, so I’m making little cake pops, London Meringues and dark chocolate fudge.  I can really tailor my services around the requirements of my clients – from baking, sweets and small scale catering.  I’ve even been a Santa at a Christmas party!

Do you do other markets – where can people find you?
I used to do markets, but as the business grew it became impossible, as most of my cakes are for weekend occasions that I then need to bake and deliver, so markets had to take a bit of a back seat.  The easiest way to get hold of me is either on my cell : 0721554607 or email : christa@smitn.co.za , but people are welcome to order directly on the website www.smitn.co.za and then there’s also the Facebook Page : SmitN Cakes and Sweet Treats.

What sets your business apart from the rest?
We were one of the first online cake shops in South Africa.  This offers a level of service and convenience that very few other cake suppliers have.  

When we started the business I also told my husband that no matter how long it will take to establish ourselves in the market, I will never, ever, EVER, use inferior ingredients just to make a few extra rands.  Every product is made with butter and love – a case of the proof quite literally being in the pudding! This really sets us apart from regular “shop cake”, as I like to build relationships with my clients – starting with a birthday cake to a wedding cake and later perhaps a cake for their baby shower.

Your three favourite cakes that you have baked?
The first one was for an engagement shoot where the colours scheme was blush, gold and white
The second favourite was a “Little Prince” cake for a first birthday
Third favourite was a dark chocolate wedding cake 


WIN one of Christa's lovely creations. 
To enter, click here:  Let me win a Cake!
Please read competition rules here: http://bit.ly/1Jimnp1