March is a special month for women across the world. Recently, when the founders of The Flour Shop confectionary heard about the appointment of Boitumelo Ndwapi as General Manager of Cbet ( Pty) Ltd, the two women could not sit idle, and not do something to celebrate this big moment.

Founded by Raihaza Masam and Aisha Melamu, both women wanted to do something small and intricate that would put a smile on the face of Ndwapi who is leading two of Botswana’s leading private newspapers, namely Botswana Guardian and The Midweek Sun. The gesture came in the form of delectable cupcakes in flavours that included vanilla, and chocolate. This gesture is just one of many that the duo is passionate about, and are always ready to embrace any challenge thrown at them by their growing clientele.

Speaking in an interview recently, the duo explained that the company is best known for the sweat treats that come in all shapes and sizes. Besides the desserts and cakes, the company is also best known for its eclectic menu ranging from Arab Mediterranean cuisines, to just about anything that one can think of. The two women who happen to be sisters are united by food and come from a family that just loves good food.

“Our family is united by food, and we eat good food,” explains Masam. She explains that their story dates back to 2016, and that in 2021, they found a spot at Gwest Industrial. But soon, the growing demand compelled them to expand and find a space that could easily fit their growing team, as well as cater to the whims and demands of their clients, hence the big move to where they are currently operating from. Today, the team comprises of seven members. Spacious, and with a potential to add other features to the business, the duo has big plans for where they wish to take The Flour Shop, presently located at Commerce Park.

“We do everything here, and everything that we make is made with passion and love. We do not skimp on quality,” explains Melamu who is currently pursuing a Pastry Chef qualification at one of the leading institu

tions in Cape Town. She also explains that the kitchen team has a close bond, and that it is this bond that allows them to give clients the type of service which they can only get from them.

“We tap into different cuisines, and try to experiment as much as we can,” the duo explains.

By nature, the duo, who are trained Chefs, are perfectionists, meaning that they go all out when it comes to their offering.

Sharing the vision that they have for the space, Masam explains that they are working on conceptualizing a walk in Coffee shop, which will allow clients to walk in, and grab a bite of their favourite slice of cake, and also have an opportunity to see them in action. The whole idea, she says is not to block off what will be happening behind the scenes. They want clients to experience this part of their creative process.

Quizzed on what sets them apart from others who are almost in the same industry, Masam explains that with them, flavour is everything. She also notes that they pay careful attention to detail. “The secret to our success is centred around taste which is everything,” she notes adding that clients love their chocolate and vanilla flavours, that can also come with different fillings.

She further says that their journey into transforming a client’s dream starts off with a brainstorming session, which will eventually bring to life the final product that they give to clients.

In future, they are also looking at offering lessons to clients, as well as other ways to diversify their product offerings.