Desiree Barnes from Qalashe, Qonce, has been named the best up-and-coming baker in the Border Kei region at this years’ Snowflake Rising Stars Bake-Off, held on Saturday, 18 October at the Blue-Ribbon Hospitality & Cookery School of Excellence.
Impressing the judges in the colour-themed mystery box challenge, Barnes wowed them with her colourful red vanilla cupcakes, earning her the top prize of R20 000, a business toolkit, PR exposure, and Snowflake stock to grow her business, DesiB Cakes & Balloon Décor.
To showcase her talent, Snowflake will host a regional roadshow where Barnes, will present her baked creations at the following malls:
- Vincent Park Mall 25 & 26 October
- Hemmingway Mall 01 & 02 November
- Beacon Bay Park 29 & 30 November
“I am overwhelmed with gratitude. From the moment I saw the competition advertised, I believed this was something I could win. I’m incredibly proud of myself and deeply thankful to Snowflake for this amazing opportunity. To all aspiring bakers, keep believing in yourselves and never stop working toward your dreams. With faith and passion, anything is possible,” says Barnes.
Each of the ten competition finalists presented a festive-themed cake, delivered a business elevator pitch, and completed a 90-minute mystery box challenge at the bake-off, attended by judges, local industry leaders, Premier staff, and members of the media. They were evaluated by the judges on taste, texture, creativity, visual appeal, and aroma, as well as their entrepreneurial potential – including innovation and business sustainability.
In second place, Bongiwe Ngqokola from Mdantsane, East London, received R15 000, a business toolkit worth R30 000, PR coverage and Snowflake stock. Third place went to Babalwa Motile from Queensview Park, Komani, who received R10 000, along with the same support package.
Now in its second year, the Snowflake Rising Stars competition is organised in partnership with the Border Kei Chamber of Business as part of Premier ’s commitment to nurturing local talent and supporting small business development through it’s Snowflake brand.
“Congratulations to Desiree! This initiative empowers local bakers by giving them the tools, training and exposure they need to turn their passion into successful enterprises,” said Sibongile Mooko, Marketing Executive at Premier. “The creativity and dedication shown by this year’s finalists have been truly inspiring. With the right ingredients and spirit, these bakers prove that what they make is simply Too Fresh to Flop.”
Several partners contributed to the event’s success, including the Blue-Ribbon Hospitality & Cookery School of Excellence, All Things Cake and Thee Gifted Hands.
For more information about Snowflake and upcoming events, visit www.snowflake.co.za.
