Man Shares Journey From Selling at Taxi Ranks to Baking School Founder
- A TikTok video went viral after detailing a young man’s rise from selling baked goods at taxi ranks to success
- He started by teaching himself recipes through YouTube and renting community halls for lessons before expanding
- His success story has inspired many because he now hires his students, provides equipment to help them start businesses
South Africans were uplifted by the viral TikTok of a self-taught baker who went from selling treats at taxi ranks to creating an accredited baking school that empowers others.
Source: TikTok
A young South African baker’s journey from selling treats at taxi ranks to opening his own accredited baking school has left TikTok users inspired. A video shared by user @siscondhlovu on 19 August 2025 quickly went viral, reaching more than 200,000 likes and over 4,000 comments in just two days. The post detailed a story of resilience, creativity, and building opportunities from almost nothing.
Growing up, he dreamed of becoming a professional baker, but when his parents could not afford culinary school, it seemed like the end of the road. Instead of giving up, he turned to YouTube tutorials and taught himself how to bake luxury cakes and pastries. With determination, he began selling at taxi ranks, visiting tuck shops and garages with his goods. Many turned him away, but those who gave him a chance became stepping stones to something greater.
Turning struggles into success
After two years of hustling at taxi ranks, he saved enough to open his first cake and coffee shop. It was a small business started on a shoestring budget, but it gave him a platform to share his passion. By the age of 20, he had already begun teaching others, hiring out community halls to run his first informal baking classes.
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What started as a side hustle has since grown into a fully accredited baking school. More than 400 people have been trained so far, with many of them going on to start their own small businesses. To ensure his students do not face the same struggles he once did, he even provides baking equipment to those ready to take the next step.
As his business continues to expand, he prioritises hiring graduates from his own classes, creating jobs while giving young bakers a chance to grow. To reach even more people, he has started recording online courses for those who live far away and cannot attend in person.
Source: TikTok
Mzansi reacted to the video
Tsepo said:
"Never been so proud of a stranger."
Shavhi0 said:
"Your story deserves to go into the books of history. 👌"
Sizakelesithole said:
"God qualifies the unqualified! Congratulations, stranger. 🥳❤️"
mphosello said:
“'I crawled so they could walk,' and that’s why God trusted you! Congratulations. 🙌🏿"
Okuhle Pearl Shinga said:
"God basically said that you won’t go to Culinary School, you will become the culinary School. 😭 Indeed, our God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that we can think or ask of him. What a beautiful testimony!"
Kgosigadi said:
"Jeremiah 29:11: 'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'😌✨✨"
My leadership said:
"How do I like this a thousand times!"
noniii said:
"God doesn’t call the qualified; he calls to qualify. 🥺🤍🤍"
Check out the TikTok post below:
3 Briefly News stories related to baked goods
- A woman posted a video of the cake she baked, which looked like one from a popular supermarket.
- A woman living in Pretoria, Gauteng, plugged social media users with an establishment that lets people design their cakes.
- A woman showcased an online purchase of a baked goods bundle containing a generous selection of treats.
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Source: Briefly News
