Extraordinaire 8: Live Martha

1.Who is Martha?

Martha Ainomugisha Mugisa is a Leadership Development enthusiast who is passionate about empowering others. Her heart is sold out to youth, children and the vulnerable. She’s been married to Gideon for the last 8 years and is a mother to 2 precious girls, Hannah and Hadassah! She loves a good read,travelling and having a good hearty laugh!

2.Genesis of Livewire.

The first LiveWire forum was held sometime in 2012. Early 2012, I was visited by 3 young men who I had mentored years back. They were at a point in their lives when they were completing university and they felt we needed to meet, catch up and chat like old times and especially talk about issues of love and relationships that were a puzzle to them at that point in their lives. We agreed to meet over some nyama choma like old times. Two weeks to our meeting, a few other friends from the good old times showed interest in coming so we opened it up and decided to find a venue, and do logistics for a real meeting. I think we had over 30 young people in attendance. At that meeting, it was agreed that another meeting should happen. When I met with the initial 3 guys for an evaluation meeting, we agreed to tentatively call the meetings live wire and this is why: I had met these precious people during a time when I worked with Scripture Union Uganda. They used to volunteer during youth conferences during which one of the most popular parts of the program was a session we called live wire (intended to mean that things were discussed as openly and bluntly as could be). And your guess is as good as mine, the hottest topic during live wire at the conferences was relationships, love , sex and everything in that line. So, without really planning to, we started having regular meetings. The name has still stuck. It was only modified to The LiveWire Forum”. We have debated over the years on whether to change it but well, let’s see what the future holds. The Spark team(a group of volunteers who plan and execute the forum’s activities) was constituted and here we are. The rest, like they say, is history.

3.How do you juggle livewire and your day to day life of being a mother and managing other ventures?

From the very start, we appointed a team of volunteers to plan and execute the activities of the forum. This means that the burden does not lie squarely on my shoulders. So I have learnt to empower others to be part of the work so that the responsibility is not heavy. As earlier said, this team of volunteers at LiveWire is called the Spark Team! There is also a group of married people who are burdened about this ministry who have come on board over the years. We call them “Elders”. They are a great source of encouragement and support.

4. How often is LiveWire held?

We hold 4 forums a year usually around March, July, September and November. The November forum is custom made for those planning to walk down the aisle. It’s code-named “Planning To Say I Do”. This September our forum is happening on 30th,dubbed ,”lad_lady in Waiting.”

5.Achievements so far?

The testimonies of impact are so many. That is what has brought us this far and gives us the grace to keep going. We have interfaced with over 500 young people over the years. Seeing young people finding courage to face tough situations, make tough but life changing decisions, arise to pursue their dreams or deciding to live right is what we live for at LiveWire. Also, we have since defined our niche and focus and also gone on to expand our scope of reach. The LiveWire forum is now a program under a registered non-profit, IGNITE Initiatives (www.igniteinitatives.org), whose vision is to empower the next generation of influential leaders. We are excited about what the future holds!

6. Challenges faced.

Like earlier stated, the start of this forum was not planned. It really just happened. So, along the way when it became clear that we needed to keep going, my team and I had the challenge of deciding where we wanted it to go and how. We have had to go before God to give us direction and guidance. We have had to embark on Long term thinking and planning. This process is actually ongoing. I like what the future looks like. Our other burden and challenge has been follow up. In this kind of work, you must follow up on people and build support systems if you are to have long term and meaningful influence and impact. But because this is something we do part time and with a small team, it’s been a challenge. However, since we have decided to think long term, we are working on processes and systems to help us be more effective.

7.How does one join the forum?

LOL!!! you don’t have to recite any creed OR be a certain way. Are you a young person keen on making godly decisions on matters of love, relationships and marriage OR are you keen on discovering God’s purpose for your life and pursue it? Just attend one of the forums or join us on the WhatsApp group and you will officially be part of the family.

8.What advice do you give to youth who are struggling to find their purpose?

My first word would be breathe in and out and go easy on yourself. Every single person you see around you goes through that phase at some point in their life (especially those who seem to have it all together)! Now, you won’t believe it but your purpose is closer to you than you think. All you have to do is look around you and inside you. I believe and have come to appreciate that our purpose is woven intrinsically into every fibre of our lives by God our creator. Who you are; your personality, likes and dislikes and your experiences in life will quickly help you define your purpose if you take a close enough look. So a good place to begin is by asking the one who made you- God. In simple terms, pray about it.

9.Social media sites

Whatsapp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/KHHqtln3GQt1sJ541y1n1T

Facebook:https://web.facebook.com/groups/244871502271995/

Twitter: @LiveWireForum

Join us!!!

©Racheal Kizza 2017

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Extraordinaire 5: Cake Culture

Cakes are accessories that grace almost every event from weddings to baby showers,staff parties,birthdays and so much more.Failure to find the the right baker can be a deal breaker but when you find a good one,you are hooked for life.

Welcome with me Racheal Atieno to our No ordinary scribbles table as we chat about her love for cake and building Cake culture.

1.Who is Racheal Atieno?

Racheal is a 30 year old lady born and bred in Nairobi ,Kenya. She is an extrovert who loves people and thrives when helping people out. She loves travelling, baking and adventure . She studied Sociology and Psychology at the University of Nairobi and was in employment for about 5 years before going into baking full-time. She has worked with Huru international on a project that provided reusable sanitary pads for needy girls in the slum plus did HIV prevention training. Later on she worked with Earthview Geo-consultants Limited as a Social Impact Assessment officer then went into full-time baking in January 2017.

Racheal Atieno handing over goodies to a client at Cake Fest

2. How did cake culture come into existence? Did you go to baking school?

While visiting my cousin some years back, her friend, a baker, had also visited and decided to randomly teach us how to bake using a charcoal stove and this is what triggered the baking passion in me. I went back home and kept experimenting and trying out different recipes, it was fun. There were disappointments but I kept at it, I’ll never forget putting a hole in my mother’s sufuria cause I had used wet sand to set up my charcoal oven. My desire has always been to be a stay at home mum and Cake culture was birthed out of an initial desire for a source of income while I stayed home to raise my children (And no I don’t have children yet). I had always baked as a hobby for family and friends and a friend of mine kept insisting on how I should turn it into a business and even helped out with the registration process which I did in July 2014. At this point I did not know much about business (never really pictured myself doing business), I had no idea of where to get baking supplies. I did not go to baking school so I learnt through google and particular bakers or bloggers who were so kind to help out. I had done various probono cakes for friends and family but my very first order came from my colleague who needed a birthday cake for the son who was turning two years (he is actually turning 5 this month) I was very nervous and not too sure of myself, it was the first time I was going to whip cream and decorate a birthday cake. It was a red velvet cake and looking back, it was more maroon than red and I’ve since changed the recipe I use to a much better one. I thank God for this particular client cause she believed in me and kept pushing me, she allowed me to experiment with her orders and was very forgiving and patient when at times it was not so perfec(thank you Lydia).I was in employment when I started the business, so I basically bought ingredients with the money the client paid and bought equipment with some of my money, I did not really need much to start. We already had an oven at home that I still use (I forever cherish those charcoal days, but a girl has got to upgrade😂😂😂)

Racheal Atieno (extreme right) at Cake Fest this year

3. Describe the journey of your start up

It has been an interesting one, It started out prematurely, well at least from how I planned it. The initial stages were more of baking for fun but eventually I decided to do it for business which is also a story on its own especially the whole concept of pricing, separating the business supplies from the home supplies, being a home baker and all. I had a day job and that meant that any baking would be either at night or on weekends. I used my (boss’s) time during the day to read and research about baking, download recipes which I would then try out back at home. Some worked out while others just backfired. This kept going for over a year, trying out different recipes and perfecting as many as I could. Orders were coming in from mostly friends and workmates and this was a good thing for it provided me both a market but also a platform to get feedback about my cakes which greatly helped the learning process. Eventually I found it hard to balance as the orders kept increasing meaning sleepless nights were fast becoming a norm. At this time too, work at my day job had really slowed down, which should have been good but if the cake business was to grow to its fullest potential then it needed to become the number 1 priority. So I made up my mind to resign from my job at the end of the year (2016) and focus 100% on CAKE CULTURE moving forward, step of faith. In terms of initial capital, we didn’t need much for a start. We have an oven at home so that went a long way in cutting the costs. The rest of the things we bought as the money came in and as the need arose. With time and research i figured out where to get supplies at the best possible deals- a supermarket could be nearer but costlier. We started with what we had and the rest has been the business growing itself.

4. Share key lessons you have learnt along the way.

Researching & adapting. I research about everything from pricing,mixing to flavors. Adapting may take the form of reading ahead about planned power blackouts so that you either bake or prepare cream ahead of time with the end goal being that you’re not caught flatfooted by the blackout.

Resilience and determination.“With trial there will be error.” This means that you will spend hours and money preparing for a cake and then it will not come out as you expected. I have learnt not to give up. One of our signature cake flavors is a result of such resilience. It backfired so many times that I almost gave up but from the day I mastered it, I think it single handedly accounts for about 50% of our revenue. You can’t be too caught up in what didn’t work. Sometimes everything is right but halfway through the baking there is a power blackout. This means redo the whole process.

We have learnt to set values for our business. At CAKE CULTURE ,we value customer satisfaction and this means that we must deliver the best product to the client every time. This calls for more than following the recipe to the letter: the whole process has to be standardized and nothing left to imagination. Continued research is a must. We can’t be comfortable with just a few flavors even if we’re the best at them. What happens after a client has sampled all our cakes? There is need to keep adding new products. We also value our products and price them accordingly.

Friendships are critical because it took more than one person to build the business. The name ‘CAKE CULTURE’ was suggested by a friend and I loved it. Our (awesome) branding was done by another friend. My first orders were from friends. Some of our equipment like our awesome stand mixer was from a friend. My biggest source of support has been my family, not forgetting mum’s oven that I use to date. The start and growth of this business has been largely enabled by people. You could do it alone but you may not finish the race and assuredly you will be slower.

Cupcakes

Toasted muesli

Cookies

5.What are your current products?

We currently have a list of 19 Cake flavors with the orange/passion chiffon being a major favorite, we also have cupcakes, muffins, quick breads, granola bars, oatmeal cookies, brownies and toasted muesli cereal. We for sure keep adding to the list.

6. Achievements for cake culture

In the last two years we have participated in the Cake Festival organized by Edumed Trust as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility. It is an annual event that brings together various bakers who get the opportunity to offer their products for sampling with the aim of raising funds to educate bright needy students through high school.

Philip,Maggie,Emma at Cake Fest 2017

Morris at Cake Fest

Philip & Maggie attending to clients

7. What challenges did you face when you started out?

I struggled with pricing because I feared to lose clients but overtime the business was not making money despite having good products and a good number of orders. I finally allowed for the prices to be reviewed and this has positively reflected in our revenues.

8.Social media sites

For any inquiries and orders reach us on;

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cake-Culture-807865545967804/

Instagram: @cakecultureke

9. Future plans for cake culture.

We plan to open a bakery shop and increase our products to include everything pastry and dessert. From that shop we hope to open a few others, particularly looking forward for a branch in Kampala, my friends over there keep asking for one.

10.Parting tip.

Friendships are critical know who to listen to and who not to listen to. I believe God sends you the right people to help you through your process.Currently,at Cake Culture it’s myself as head Baker and Morris,the tech guy who also doubles as the delivery guy.

Racheal Kizza © 2017

Lamachi: a Jack(line) of all trades?

It`s not everyday that you meet a 20-something lady doing things that many dream about. Today, I introduce you to Lamachi(did I mention that I love her name?!!well-I do), gifted musically and her hands prosper in whatever they choose to do. She has a huge personality that oozes kindness and love.

1. Who is Lamachi?

Lamachi: Lamachi apa(actually preferred as ) my new name version -Purple:is a child of God whose greatest desire is to know the love of God more and to mirror it on the earth.

2. What are you passionate about?

Wow!!…That question is ambiguous when it comes to me. I am passionate about A LOT of things. In precise order, I must add:-God, people, loving the above, the color purple, teaching the word, design (in general), fashion design, counselling, fine art, music,singing ,and just being.

Multi-media wall hanging with stained glass,local and glass beads ,calabash,bamboo,bark cloth and beaded painting on canvas. Photo credit: Lamachi

3. Are you pursuing music professionally?

Well,yes and no. For a long time, I was just doing music with people who were doing it professionally. (Talk about collabos and the background eish,hehehe.)Until recently, when I was asked to train people in music and worship by 3 institutions/ministries.One of them being a bible college. So you can say,I am doing it professionally. But ,if it were left to me, I consider myself a worshiper who is here to teach and usher people into the mysteries of worship.Then they can walk on their own from there. I also teach them fundamentals of music and singing, which is a stepping stone to ministering.Worship being a KEY word.

Photo credit: Lamachi

4. Where does fashion and design come in?

My middle name is Jackline and I often tell people I am a Jack(line) of all trades. I have this tinkering ability to do something new, and do it well. So, having been presented with a sewing machine by my mom after my first degree,I literally taught myself how to sew and then enrolled for a master`s degree where I majored in sewing(Fashion Design),more like fine art and they are both academically my professions.

5. Do you plan/intend on doing it full time?

Yes!!I work at an organization where tailoring is THE job.So, when I go home and do my personal orders, it is just a continuation of my day time job. So tailoring is my full time work.

6. How do you deal with people who take ages to pay up?

Well,I have not sewn professionally for long.I am just easing into it but ,I dont work on anything that hasn`t been already paid for in full or close to it. That`s my rule.

7. Any future prospects.

Hehehe. I will not be jinxed!!hahaha,anyway,I think it is safe to say,“watch this space”.The bible says,“man may make his plans ,but God has the final say. Jeremiah 29:11 that`s where you will find my future plans.

8. Advice to people who want to venture into the clothing/sewing/tailoring business.

I say go for it. Be sure to have what I call the 3 ps that every tailor must have:passion,patience and perseverance.

Racheal Kizza © 2017

Extraodinaire 4:Jakin

Every one of us has been called to something in life-a purpose that our creator knows. Imagine my surprise when I heard that two of my friends actually make CAKE!!??? Mind you I had known the for a while and but didn`t know the cake bit until I tasted a cake that was heavenly : only to be told it was made by Jakin. I had to quickly sit down with Jakin founders for a chat.

1.Describe Jakin a few words.

Jakin : Jakin Confectionery International Ltd is a bakery run by two ladies,co-founders; Kirabo Josephine and Namasa Sheila. We have explored a number of flavors ranging from coconut, vanilla, strawberry,mint, bubble gum to pineapple and lemon.We desire to create an environment where we are not just about hardworking, being excellent, and so on but there’s an extra ingredient of caring, to create success.

Sheila and Josephine. Photo credit: Josephine

2.When did Jakin start?

Jakin: Jakin Started in 2014 but as a part-time business or “side hustle.”We went full time in 2016 and took a step further and had it registered on the 4^th of July, 2017.

3.What does “Jakin” mean ?

Jakin :JAKIN means He(God) Establishes.

4.Did you go to baking school or are you a google student?

Josephine: I learnt from google for a while and largely from friends who bake and I am currently enrolled in a baking school – Eunice`s Kitchen. So I can say I have been both.

Sheila: I learnt some baking from an institute and now I largely use the internet,making me a google student.

5. Is baking a long time passion for both of you or was it born out of necessity? What else are you passionate about?

Josephine: Well, I didn’t know I was passionate about cake, I knew I loooved food but not specifically cake and when I got on the discovery journey, cake was what I found. All I can say is, it was a hidden passion .I enjoy doing research work and working with KIN ministries.

Sheila: I have always loved eating cake, so when the opportunity came to start baking, I never hesitated. I love to read.

Photo credit: Jakin confectionery

6.Achievements /milestones for Jakin.

• The ability to give back to society(Social responsibility). This is one of our goals and we have been able to bring it into action by giving out 2 free cakes every two months to an orphanage where we celebrate and eat cake with these children.
• Celebrate staff and their families. Much as we are about business, we are also about showing care to one another and we do this through things like; celebrating birthdays for staff and their families, having staff outings.
• Skills empowerment which has been done through carrying out of trainings, some have been on a one on one basis ,others on a group basis.

7. Challenges you have faced since the startup phase.

• Abrupt cake orders, where some clients call and want the cake that very day. This sometimes ,puts a strain on us especially, if we haven’t re-stocked yet. We don’t cancel because we want to go out of our way and be there for our clients.
• Prices on the market for cake ingredients. Prices keep increasing left and right and yet clients expect you to be consistent with your price, some of them when you increase and give reasons why, they decide to refuse to order with you.
• Transportation. Sometimes cakes get cracks because of how they were poorly transported, making the client complain.8.Share some lessons you have gained since the start of Jakin.

• Customer Care is very essential. As a starting business, it’s always to remember this, because you don’t just want to deliver your product but also to leave a good impact. Some people sometimes come back because they were treated well.
• Never forget to pay yourself. However small the payment might be, do it, it’s a way of appreciating and motivating yourself and your team.
• Always keep records of all payments and expenses. This helps one know how the company is progressing.
• Obey the law of the land. Legalise your company. Sometimes you won`t take on business deals because you are not registered. So to avoid this, one needs to legalize their business.

9.How has your social media presence impacted your business?

Well more people have gotten to know about the bakery like what we are about, why we do what we do, our products etc.

Connect with us on Facebook-Jakin Confectionery (https://www.facebook.com/JAKIN-Confectionery-1756382384674910/?hc_ref=ARSIOkY_I8Yf7tFNDn_1na6-_UUe7NOqUAbPbUjgVcgDMbUvOhNAMi_ZJnt4u2PD7i0&fref=nf)

We are Located Mutungo Zone 1,Along Kintu Road

10. Which people have inspired and mentored you since the start of the Jakin journey?

We don`t know everything and mentoring helps us harness a skill and master it. A number of ladies including ;Lynnet Birungi , Dr. Eunice Adubangu, Mrs. Sylvia and Mercelorna Ainembabazi.

Racheal Kizza © 2017

My A-u-g-u-s-t

August has had a snail pace and that alone has worked me . Just 31 days of highs and major lows that I had no control over. I am glad to say , I made it through with God, No doubt.*yaaaay*

A few lessons learnt from my August which I will be sure to carry into my September. I love personalizing my months.

#1.Beholding God and this simply means, choose to focus on Him alone like the psalmist in psalm 121 .

“I will lift up my eyes to the hills-from whence comes my help

    My help comes from the Lord,who made heaven and earth.’’

Let your mind ,body and soul behold everything God and then your situation is powerless because of who you believe in.Let your focus be on the King because He still has one more move and His plans for you are perfect.

See God in your every day and that will allow you behold Him and not lack, sickness, loss………………..

#2.New isn`t so bad after all.

I needed a new playlist of Gospel music so I took to the internet and I fell on a song by Nathaniel Bassey of the popular hit song ,“Imela”. The new song I found is Onise Iyanu which means God of awesome wonders which he did with Micah Stampley a gospel legend.

I can`t get enough of this song and my old playlist is now forgotten at least for a month  as I can sing all songs even in my sleep.

Try out something new in September ie skills, songs, movies, books to read, adventure plans, new restaurants….just try something new, you just might enjoy it.

#3.Old isn`t so bad either

I reread Redeeming love by Francine Rivers and boy this novel is a classic , I first read it in my second year at Campus courtesy of a beautiful soul and sister-Samantha . When I read it the second time , it was timely. God reminded me of His love for me in spite of what I do and will ever do. He loves me immensely and with no expectations. He keeps on looking out for me even when like Angel Hosea I go back to my old ways and shun His perfect love.

Gist of this is, go through some of your old books ,notes made in church or from a conference and see what you find.

So I journey into September with the confidence that, I am loved immensely by a good, good Father.

Have a fun filled September and follow your dreams, achieve those goals; the year just got better.

Remember your past is a prophecy for your future. “If He did it before, He will do it again. Same God right now, same God back then.”(Another song on my playlist by Tye Tribett)

Share with me some lessons from your August.

 

 

One size fits all??

If you are a lady you must be familiar with this term, “one size fits all’ when it comes to clothes. However, I have come to the realization that one size doesn`t fit all. As we embrace different seasons in our lives, we must embrace them with the motto, ‘one size will never fit all.’’

This is the reason why clothes have various sizes. It is not because they have variety of materials  but simply because some sizes flatter certain bodies and others don`t. Shoemakers know this too well and diversify shoe sizes too.

Being a 20 something girl in this 21^st century is hard or people make it hard on us. Our sengas (local word for aunt) hammer us with the “get married’ now talk. They go ahead to set conditions of what kind of man you should bring home, how the wedding and traditional function should be. They mean well however, they must know one size doesn`t fit all. There is a time and season to all things.

Ecclesiastes“ to everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.’’NKJV

If the people around you think you are ripe for marriage, certain opportunities…..what does God say not think? SAY

Since we finished campus in 2014, some of my friends have been married, others have babies and some are travelling like their middle name is travel .Oh did I mention, that some have THE jobs to die for. I am genuinely happy for them and I don`t want to be unsettled by their seasons neither should you be.

Ecclesiastes 3: 11, “He has made everything beautiful in its time.’’ NKJV

Embrace the fact that God has made all things beautiful in HIS TIME .

Be happy in your size and don`t try making it work for others nor should you try other people`s sizes. Be content in your own skin, size, time and season .

One  size will never fit all……