Member of team Arista's Artisanal Bakes

Let me introduce myself. My name is Chrizaan. I am responsible for the marketing, and administration for ARISTA’S ARTISANAL Bakes. Also, I’m Arista’s younger sister.

I do not have a hospitality/ culinary background. Instead, I have a degree in Animal Production. However, a large part of my degree program included managing/ running a business. So, believe me when I say, working in a cooking/ baking business is quite tough. Sometimes, when we have a really big order, I’ll jump in and help prepare the ingredients for Arista. I never knew how much really goes into the food/ baking preparation. And the working hours? It’s brutal. I’ve learnt a new respect for everyone working in the hospitality industry.

So, from now on I’ll be a contributor on the blog as well.

Do you have any experience in the hospitality industry, and if so, what is your honest opinion about what goes on behind the scenes?

Comments

IT IS SO YUMMY

It is so yummy yummy in my tummy (insert off key sound). We wanted to share some pictures from our latest products at the market. I think they look delicious, even if I am showing favouritism. Everything is made from scratch by Arista. Only she knows how to work and manipulate the dough, which is fine by me. I would rather man the oven anyway. Only downside...When Arista is sick or injured, no one can make the buns but her. We didn't think that part through, but it got us a spot in the market. Thankfully. Similar products can not be replicated by vendors. So we are new, and there are so many other vendors already doing fresh bakes and pastries already. Hence, our delicious cinnamon buns and mini lemon meringues.

We have been crazy busy

Wow, have we been crazy busy. It sometimes feels tough to keep this site updated. But here is what we have been up to lately. Just a few cakes.

Trying new things

The business is getting stagnant. Our clients are the same, even though they are return customers. (No disrespect intended. Because of you we can keep our business going. You even kept the business alive during Covid. Thank you) No new growth. We are working so hard, and getting burned out. Working hard and not smart. So what did we decide? To start selling at markets! We took up the challenge and joined the Willowbridge Slow Market. It suits us very well. The vibe is really relaxed. The customers are also very chilled. No one shouting for you to hurry up or giving you lip. Everyone is just minding their own business and taking their time. We will be selling at the Slow Market every Saterday (hopefully) this whole year. We will be there from 09:00 - 16:00. We were approved to sell our large fluffy cinnamon buns (variety of toppings), and our best selling item of all time, the mini lemon meringue, believe it or not. It is just so South African as can be. It might not have originate...

ARISTA'S ARTISANAL BAKES