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Recipes Filter by Level Advanced Beginner Intermediate Number of recipes found: 6 Beginner Orange Drizzle Loaf This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Intermediate Blueberry Cheesecake This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Advanced Raspberry Croissant This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Beginner Vegan Chocolate Mousse This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Intermediate Festive Cake This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Beginner Chocolate Chip Cookies This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content.

The Nic Carroll 2021 Collection Samantha Watt Founder and Owner of Say Watt Struggles are a stepping stone to your next place. When you have gone through the struggle, the prize feels all the more sweeter Samantha Watt

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NIKITA PILLAY attributes her success to a powerful cocktail of positive peer pressure, perseverance and a lucky break. She grew up in a large, loud and happy family, with three sisters and a brother, but there was no chance of a tertiary education after schoolNikita PillayNIKITA PILLAY attributes her success to a powerful cocktail of positive peer pressure, perseverance and a lucky break. She grew up in a large, loud and happy family, with three sisters and a brother, but there was no chance of a tertiary education after schoolNIKITA PILLAY attributes her success to a powerful cocktail of positive peer pressure, perseverance and a lucky break. She grew up in a large, loud and happy family, with three sisters and a brother, but there was no chance of a tertiary education after school. Determined to get a good education - and to live up to the achievements of her two older siblings - she knew she had to study part-time to get ahead. Nikita recognises that both men and women need perseverance and resilience to earn their success, but also points out that in some ways, woman may have an added advantage. "Yes, women are sometimes seen as weaker than men, but they are often stronger than they realise. Also, women are often at an advantage when it comes to emotional intelligence and soft skills - and these are certainly factors that have helped me." After several years of paying her dues in general administration jobs, Nikita got her first human resources (HR) job 15 years ago, doing payroll for a major fast food company. And at last, she'd found her niche. Committed to her career growth, she continued her studies and worked her way up to HR manager for the company, before joining DRG Outsourcing. Part of the leadership team As head of Legal and Compliance at DRG Outsourcing, Nikita is part of the leadership team, for DRG Outsourcing, DRG Siyaya and BusinessFit. She assists client companies in aligning their HR strategies with their business strategies. It's a multi-faceted role, and no two days are the same, with a variety for responsibilities from assisting companies to develop policies and procedures, to remuneration strategies and chairing Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) hearings, to consulting on wage negotiations. The company believes that all its staff are all leaders. "We are part of a team and we each have specialised skills. We just feed into each other and on projects each person is able to fill in those gaps, according to clients' needs," says Nikita. She's also involved in the training and mentoring of young emerging entrepreneurs. This is a role that's particularly close to her heart as she knows how the input and mentorship of experienced colleagues has contributed to her own growth. Nikita highlights the role that David White, CEO of DRG Outsourcing, has played in her career. "Over the last seven years David has continually challenged me and exposed me to new opportunities. He's encouraged me and motivated me to always look for new opportunities. In short, he's always believed in me and supported me - and this has helped me grow in confidence and inspired me to strive to become a more rounded HR professional and a leader in our organisation." A vital part of life Asked about her work-life balance, Nikita just laughed. Underplaying her hard work and dedication, she points that when you love what you do, your work is a vital part of your life - not separate from life itself. "Yes, there are stresses that come with this job, because our decisions impact on people's lives. And it's important to deliver for our clients. We go the extra mile in helping customers have long term relationships with DRG. But my job is also something that gives me great satisfaction, and I look forward to coming to work every day." Looking back on her career, Nikita is justifiably proud of her achievements but doesn't see herself as anywhere close to the finish line. "I'm happy - thus far! But there's a lot more I want to do." Never one to rest on her laurels, Nikita continues to study and has just achieved international recognition as a Personal Development Analysis (PDA) analyst - making her one of only 5600 worldwide. "I also have initiatives planned, and new services that are in development to give clients more value-add for their businesses. And happily, this means growth for DRG as well." Even bad decisions bring value It's easy to focus on the good, but Nikita acknow-ledges that she's made some bad decisions along the way too. "If I could offer my younger self some advice, it would be don't be so hard on yourself. Even bad decisions are stepping-stones to growth, so there's no point in agonising over mistakes. Life is never completely plain sailing, and the little hurdles that trip you up are part of your journey. Face your challenges and you'll be fine in the end - they'll make you stronger and more appreciative of your achievements later on." Cheryl Govender CHERYL GOVENDER is the founder and owner of The Cake House in Pietermaritzburg. She is a qualified chef and professional cake artist. The Cake House has become a leading provider of designer cakes including engineered life-size cakes. Cheryl's exceptional cakes, each a masterpiece, have been featured in magazines and on television, and The Cake House is recognised as a leader in new age sugarcraft. Cheryl is inspired by successful bakeries and cake artists. She explains, "This is a tough industry and requires not only talent, but a business mind, people skills, market insight, tenacity, and continuous learning and growth." One of her biggest inspirations is Buddy Valastro, an American baker who is the star of the reality television series 'Cake Boss'. Be clear about what must be achieved Cheryl believes she got to where she is now and reached her goals by being clear about what she needed to achieve and why she needed to achieve them. She says her career started when she was fourteen when she was handed down decorating tools that her sister no longer needed. "Although I was a real tomboy, beating the boys at their own games in the streets, I did girly stuff when I went home, like playing with cake decorating tools and my dolls," she laughed. Cheryl learned about sugar art by reading books from the municipal library and often left the kitchen in a mess after experimenting. Her Consumer Studies teacher recognised Cheryl's talent; arranged for her to attend a cake decorating course, and gave her a toolset, which she treasures to this day. This teacher, now a retired school principal, adopted Cheryl as a daughter, helped her to believe in herself, and became her mentor to this day. Cheryl won a Consumer Studies Inter School Award in matric due to her passion for cake decorating, but at that time she considered it a hobby, not a career. After a year at college, Cheryl married and became a mother. She joined the corporate world but kept on making decorated cakes as a hobby to supplement her income. When her son was two years old, Cheryl entered and won the Pietermaritzburg Royal Show sugarcraft competition. This led to her teaching sugarcraft on a part-time basis at the now FET College in Northdale, something she continued passionately for 25 years. This Cheryl said, was fulfilling: "empowering women has always been close to my heart". Focus on one thing and do it well Cheryl gained wide experience in the corporate world, including ten years in shipping and international travel, before she started her own export business. This business crashed during the worldwide financial crisis of 2008 and she "fell back on her hands", starting a food catering business that also provided cakes. Cheryl made a few designer cakes assuming there was little market for these due to the high prices, but word of her quality and expertise spread and orders increased. A traumatic divorce, the demands of being involved in catering, wedding décor, training and making cakes at the same time, made her realise that she needed to streamline her activities. In 2012 she decided to focus on one thing only and do it well and opened The Cake House. Cheryl, a single mom had herself, her mother's assistance, two children, and a house. As she had lost her vehicle, Cheryl went everywhere in running shoes while carrying cake ingredients and other items in a backpack. Nothing was handed to her; she had no money and could not get a bank loan. Cheryl understood the risks involved but her faith and trust in God helped her. She managed to buy all her industrial baking equipment from a helpful appliance store on a three-month cash basis. Her business remains debt-free to this day. Business skills are unrelated to gender In Cheryl's view, women and men need the same business approach, as the skills required for a successful business are unrelated to gender. "Tenacity, hard work, honesty, patience and endurance are equally required from men and women." She does, however, concede that women face more challenges. She has had to face abuse, being a mother, and a divorce. Achieving a work-life balance boils down to discipline for Cheryl. "It is necessary to make time for your family and yourself, and also to rest, but not working can be scary for a business owner with much to do," she says. "I've had to learn to set boundaries, say no, and cut myself off from work when it's time to relax and unwind." Gardening, time with her family and puppies, and doing things outside of the business help create a balance. Brand ambassador Cheryl is happy with what she has accomplished thus far and readily give others credit. Without her mother, she could not have set up The Cake House. Without the help of her husband Alan, her family, and staff members, she would not have been able to grow the business. She feels honoured having recently being appointed a brand ambassador with royal status, for Rolkem Colours, one of the world's largest food colourant providers. While Cheryl is satisfied with the place she has reached, she is not comfortable about remaining there. Cheryl dreams of making the province proud of The Cake House as a tourism attraction. With a growing support structure in place, she is prepared to take risks within her means and take the business to the next level. Back

< Back Shaleen Govender Head of the KwaZulu-Natal Division of SW360 and Founder of LIPT Shaleen Govender leads the KwaZulu-Natal division of SW360, South Africa’s leading provider of compliance and data intelligence solutions. “Through our trusted platforms, SearchWorks and VOCA, we empower businesses to reduce risk, embrace transparency and make confident decisions in a rapidly evolving world,” she explains. Beyond her corporate role, she is the founder of LIPT, a brand that began as a home patisserie and has grown into a franchise concept. LIPT now includes mobile food trucks serving artisanal creations at fairs and events. “Most importantly, I am a wife, mother of two, and chairperson of my children’s school governing body. These roles keep me grounded, strengthen my resilience, and remind me that leadership is most powerful when it balances business growth with family and community impact.” THE JOURNEY TO LEADERSHIP Shaleen describes her journey as one built on courage, systems thinking, and adaptability. “I’ve learned to integrate, not separate, the different parts of my life,” she says. “Whether growing a technology solution brand like SW360, building an entrepreneurial venture like LIPT, or guiding education as a school leader, I have treated every challenge as part of a larger ecosystem.”She believes her success stems from curiosity and resilience. “By staying curious, resilient, and committed to innovation with purpose, I’ve been able to turn opportunities into long-term growth while never losing sight of the people and communities I serve.” Her dream has always been about legacy. “My biggest dream has always been to create impact that outlives me. For me, success is not about recognition, but about building sustainable businesses and communities where people are empowered to grow,” Shaleen explains.“At SW360, that means helping businesses operate with confidence and transparency. At LIPT, it means creating a brand that celebrates culture, creativity, and accessibility. On a personal level, my dream is to leave a legacy for my children that shows them it is possible to be a leader in business and still lead with love at home.” Shaleen is clear about her children being her greatest inspiration. “They remind me that leadership is ultimately about creating futures, where possibilities are limitless, and where balance between work, family, and passion is not a compromise but a design.” She also looks to women leaders globally. “I am inspired by women leaders who challenge stereotypes, build sustainable companies, and embrace holistic leadership. They remind me that true leadership balances profit, people and planet.” MEANINGFUL ENTERPRISES Shaleen is proud of the influence she has had on both her ventures. Her many accomplishments reflect the depth and range of her leadership. “At SW360, my focus has been on strengthening our presence in KwaZulu Natal, building trust with our clients, and showing that compliance and data intelligence can drive business growth,” she explains. Her efforts have helped cement SW360’s footprint in the province through valued relationships in the compliance and intelligence sector. “With LIPT, I have taken a personal passion and developed it into a business model that has the potential to scale nationally. It proves that small ideas can become meaningful enterprises.” What began as a home-based patisserie has now grown into a franchise and mobile food venture with strong prospects for expansion across the country. Her philosophy is rooted in “innovation, empowerment and sustainability,” where ideas are transformed into structures that enable others to thrive.Beyond Shaleen’s career, she has shown that motherhood and business success can strengthen one another. Her service as chairperson of her children’s school governing body reflects her commitment to community development. She is also proud to be recognised as one of KwaZulu-Natal’s top women leaders. LEAD WITH INTEGRITY For Shaleen, challenges have become strengths. “My greatest challenge has been navigating the expectation that women must ‘choose’ between career and family. I have chosen to integrate instead of separate, and that integration has become my strength,” she notes. Another challenge has been building authority in male-dominated spaces. “I see these challenges as opportunities. They have allowed me to show that leadership is not defined by gender, it is defined by vision, resilience and authenticity.” Shaleen shares clear advice for the next generation. “Do not be afraid to step boldly into rooms where you may feel unprepared. Growth begins there,” she says. “Remember that you do not have to choose between your roles. You can be a leader, entrepreneur, mother, and change-maker all at once if you design your systems wisely. Surround yourself with people who uplift you, lean into mentorship, and never underestimate the power of your own voice. Above all, lead with integrity and build for the long term, not just the short term.” LOOKING AHEAD Shaleen’s ambitions remain strong. “With SW360, my goal is to keep expanding our impact in KZN and beyond, helping businesses harness data intelligence to build trust and transparency. With LIPT, I eventually want to scale it to a sustainable restaurant group, bringing innovation, culture and sustainability into the dining experience,” she says. “Personally, I aspire to mentor and empower the next generation of women leaders, showing them that it is possible to balance ambition with purpose and family with vision.” Balance, for Shaleen, is about alignment, not sacrifice. “I create rhythms rather than compartments, giving my full presence to whichever role I am in, whether it is the boardroom, my business kitchen, or a school event,” she explains. She finds strength in her family. Shaleen concludes, “Balance also comes from my family, who ground me, and from my work, which excites me. When passion and purpose align, balance stops being something you chase, it becomes something you live." Previous Next