Consultations & Mentorship
Master the Art of Baking & Cake Decorating with Mina – Your Personal Mentor
At Sugarplum Treats, we believe that baking is more than just a skill; it’s an art form that tells a story. With over 6 years of professional experience, Mina offers one-on-one mentorship, live classes, virtual mentorship sessions, and group workshops tailored to your unique goals and baking dreams.
Whether you’re a beginner, looking to refine your cake decorating techniques, or ready to start your own cake business, Mina’s personalized sessions are designed to help you grow with expert guidance, live demonstrations, and step-by-step feedback.
Our Offerings:
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1:1 Mentorship Sessions
Receive personalized, one-on-one attention to master any aspect of baking or cake decorating.
These sessions are customized just for you, whether you’re looking to perfect a specific technique, grow your business, or gain confidence in the kitchen.
Sessions are available via Zoom o Google Meet, or in person.
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Virtual Mentorship Sessions
Looking for ongoing support as you grow your baking skills or business? Virtual mentorship sessions are designed to offer guidance, business advice, and technical feedback from the comfort of your home.
These sessions can focus on your specific goals, such as expanding your cake business or mastering new techniques, with ongoing communication and tailored guidance.
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Hands-On Virtual Classes
Join live, interactive classes that dive deep into the essentials of baking and cake decorating. From creating flawless buttercream finishes to advanced piping designs, Mina will guide you step-by-step, ensuring you learn through practice and immediate feedback.
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Group Workshops
Perfect for friends, small teams, or baking enthusiasts! These virtual workshops allow you to learn together in an intimate setting, with everyone receiving personal attention and guidance. It’s a fun and engaging way to master new skills.
Let’s Turn Your Passion into Your Dream Business: Mentorship with Mina
Growing up, I spent my days in the kitchen with my mom, flipping through her old recipe books and trying every dessert I could. I didn’t have many friends back then, so baking became my escape and a way to bring some joy to my neighbors—I’d sell treats to the kids on my street, and later, even through university, I baked to help pay for groceries and other expenses. Every time I stepped into the kitchen, I felt a sense of calm. It became more than a hobby; it was my safe place, even helping me through difficult times, like when I lost close family members. Baking gave me a way to cope, stay grounded, and bring in a little extra cash on the side.
After graduating with an accounting degree, I thought my life was all set. I got married, moved into a beautiful apartment in Crowthorne, and even bought a sports car that I’d take out on weekends or when I wanted to impress clients. But then COVID hit, and life took a different turn. I started working from home, eventually landing a role as an Operations Lead for a startup I was deeply passionate about. I poured my heart into helping that business grow, but in the end, I was left feeling empty, and my mental health began to suffer.
One day, after coming out of a tough season, I realized it was time to follow my own dreams. I was ready to build something that was mine. Baking had always been there for me, and with the support of the people around me, I decided to go all in—and Sugarplum Treats SA was reborn.
At Sugarplum Treats, my purpose is simple: I want to make people happy. I want to be part of someone’s celebration, to make their special days a bit more unforgettable. I think of it as more than baking—I want to create moments of excitement and joy for my clients. When I make a cake, I treat it with all the care in the world, like it’s for my own family. I would never sell anything that I wouldn’t eat myself. I know what it’s like to be disappointed—I remember how crushed I felt when my 21st birthday cake turned out stale. That’s why, with every cake I make, I promise it will be freshly baked, beautiful, and as delicious as it looks.
This journey has taught me that when you follow your heart, you can create something truly meaningful. With Sugarplum Treats, I’m not just baking—I’m helping make memories that will last a lifetime.
Why Should Mina Mentor You?
Baking has been my companion through life’s ups and downs. Starting as a childhood hobby, it became my side hustle during university, helping me cover expenses and offering a peaceful escape.
As an accounting graduate, I followed the “traditional” path, moving into a comfortable life with a nice apartment and even a sports car, but my passion for baking never faded.
After going through tough times, I knew it was time to build something that was mine. With my support system behind me, Sugarplum Treats SA was reborn, driven by my commitment to quality and the joy I feel seeing others enjoy my creations.
I knew the importance of fresh, delicious cakes after my own disappointing experience with a stale 21st birthday cake, and I’m dedicated to making sure no client ever feels that letdown.
Now, after years of hard work, personal growth, and passion for what I do, I want to share what I’ve learned. Through mentoring and consultations, I’m excited to help others create meaningful careers, build a business from the ground up, and find resilience and purpose in their own journeys. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for guidance, I’m here to help you make your vision a reality—one step, and one cake, at a time.
With years of hands-on experience , I am committed to helping you achieve your goals—whether you’re a hobbyist or a future entrepreneur. Every session is personalized, ensuring you get the support and expertise needed to succeed.
Ready to get started? Book your session today and take the first step towards mastering your baking skills with Sugarplum Treats SA!
What to Expect from Our Classes/Sessions:
- One-on-One Attention: Each session is customized to your goals, whether you’re perfecting a specific technique or starting from scratch.
- Live Demonstrations: Watch step-by-step tutorials live and get immediate feedback on your progress.
- Business Insights: Learn how to price your products, market your cakes, and grow your baking business.
- Ongoing Support: Access to follow-up sessions and continued mentoring to track your progress.
Virtual Sessions
Ideal for convenience and those looking for skill-building without the travel.
- Baking: Virtual baking sessions focus on techniques that can be demonstrated through close-up camera angles. We’ll work on achieving specific textures, troubleshooting recipes, and balancing flavors. Baking ingredients, tools, and recipes will be provided in advance so that clients can prepare before our sessions.
- Cake Decorating: Virtual decorating sessions are tailored for skills that don’t require specialized tools. Techniques like piping, basic fondant work, color mixing, and texturing are easy to follow virtually with detailed guidance and demonstrations. Clients will receive material lists in advance and may follow along or practice afterward.
- Business: Business sessions are well-suited to a virtual format, covering branding, pricing, marketing strategies, and social media insights. We’ll use screen-sharing tools to review analytics, explore content ideas, and build an actionable business plan together.
In-Person Sessions
Ideal for hands-on guidance and those looking for a fully immersive learning experience.
- Baking: In-person baking sessions allow clients to practice under close guidance and receive instant feedback. This setup is especially helpful for hands-on techniques like dough handling, cake leveling, or multi-step recipes. Clients benefit from seeing, tasting, and experiencing each step up close.
- Cake Decorating: In-person decorating sessions are ideal for advanced techniques that benefit from tactile guidance, like fondant sculpting, intricate piping, or airbrushing. Working in-person enables you to offer tips in real-time and correct any issues as clients work through complex designs.
- Business: For business mentoring, in-person sessions provide a collaborative workspace to create marketing materials, design samples, or plan client acquisition strategies. There’s flexibility to explore branding ideas through hands-on exercises, like product displays and photography tips for social media.
Package Options for Virtual vs. In-Person
1 Session
- Virtual: Quick skills, targeted troubleshooting, business consultations.
- In-Person: Hands-on decorating basics or baking troubleshooting.
3 Sessions
- Virtual: Foundational baking, decorating, and introductory business insights.
- In-Person: Baking basics, beginner decorating skills with hands-on guidance, branding exercises.
5 Sessions
- Virtual: Intermediate techniques and business planning, covering social media strategies and customer engagement.
- In-Person: Refining intermediate baking and decorating skills with in-person guidance. Business sessions can involve hands-on activities for marketing and product styling.
8 Sessions
- Virtual: Skill expansion with focus areas (e.g., developing a unique style) and advanced business planning.
- In-Person: Detailed guidance on advanced techniques and personalized training for custom designs. Business sessions can include product styling and social media photography.
10 Sessions
- Virtual: Comprehensive business coaching, advanced decorating skills, and guidance on recipe scaling.
- In-Person: Full mentorship program, focusing on high-level baking mastery and in-depth decorating styles, along with personalized business training for brand growth and scalability.
Package Deals
for clients looking for ongoing support and business experience advice.
Personal Mentorship Series
Commit to mastering your skills with multiple one-on-one mentoring sessions. Save more with our discounted packages:
- 3 Sessions: R7,800 (Save R450)
- 5 Sessions: R15,500 (Save R750)
- 10 Sessions: R30,000 (Save R1500)
1 Session - Quick Skill Boost or Consultation
Overview: A focused, 1-hour session dedicated to tackling one specific challenge, technique, or business question you may have.
What to Expect:
- Baking: Master a specific technique (like creating light, fluffy textures or balancing flavors).
- Cake Decorating: Learn or troubleshoot a single skill, such as smooth frosting or simple piping.
- Business: Strategic advice on a pressing issue like basic pricing, client acquisition, or social media basics.
Outcome: Quick, actionable solutions and a boost in confidence for a specific area.
3 Sessions - Foundational Skills & Strategy
Overview: Three sessions for establishing a solid foundation in baking, decorating, or business.
What to Expect:
- Baking: Build essential skills across three core techniques or areas, like base cake recipes, texture work, and flavor pairings.
- Cake Decorating: Learn essential techniques like layering, fondant handling, and basic design styles.
- Business: Gain insight into brand identity, target market, and basic marketing principles.
Outcome: A strong grasp of foundational skills with enough knowledge to troubleshoot common issues and build confidence.
5 Sessions - Intermediate Mastery & Business Development
Overview: Five sessions dedicated to refining skills, addressing challenges, and creating a growth strategy.
What to Expect:
- Baking: Develop your unique style, refine techniques, and work on more complex baked goods, like layered or specialty cakes.
- Cake Decorating: Explore advanced design techniques, such as creating ombre or metallic effects, and mastering intricate piping and floral work.
- Business: Dive deeper into customer relationships, pricing models, and basic digital marketing strategies.
Outcome: Intermediate mastery, a cohesive style, and a clear direction for growing your skills and your business.
8 Sessions - Skill Expansion & Advanced Business Planning
Overview: Eight sessions to deepen your skill set, expand your design style, and create a strategic business plan.
What to Expect:
- Baking: Perfect a range of advanced baking techniques, such as crafting complex pastries, experimenting with unique ingredients, and achieving consistent results.
- Cake Decorating: Develop signature designs and work on highly custom orders, such as sculptural cakes or multi-tiered themes. Experiment with color, texture, and new trends.
- Business: Focus on refining your brand identity, advanced client acquisition strategies, social media content planning, and budgeting. We’ll also cover scaling your business and time management.
Outcome: A full set of skills across baking and decorating, plus a detailed business roadmap with clear steps to scale and sustain growth.
10 Sessions - Advanced Mastery & Business Growth
Overview: An intensive program for those committed to achieving professional-level skills and building a sustainable, profitable business.
What to Expect:
- Baking: Achieve total confidence with professional techniques, custom recipes, and batch scaling for higher-volume orders.
- Cake Decorating: Work towards mastery in a range of styles, refine a signature look, and explore highly specialized techniques (like 3D sculpting or hyper-realistic florals).
- Business: A comprehensive, end-to-end business plan covering branding, finances, client management, and digital marketing. Learn strategies for managing high demand, handling client retention, and adapting to market trends.
Outcome: Professional-level skills and a complete business blueprint designed to support long-term growth and profitability.
Baker’s Workshop
Dive into a variety of sessions and expand your expertise:
- 3 Classes: R5,500 (Save R300)
- 5 Classes: R10,250 (Save R750)
1 Class - Skill Sharpening Workshop
Overview: A focused workshop designed to enhance a specific baking skill or technique. Perfect for anyone looking to improve one area in a short, dedicated session.
What to Expect:
- In-Class Focus: Choose from foundational techniques (e.g., cake layers, dough mixing, or pastry basics), specific decorating skills, or a business mini-session on branding basics.
- Hands-On Practice: You’ll dive deep into this single skill with practical steps, immediate feedback, and tips for achieving consistency at home.
Outcome: Walk away with a new skill, confidence, and practical knowledge to apply right away.
3 Classes - Building Your Core Techniques
Overview: A three-class bundle for building essential baking techniques or foundational business skills.
What to Expect:
Progressive Learning Pathway: Each class is designed to build on the previous one. In baking, we’ll cover a range from basic cakes and pastries to advanced techniques like multi-layered cakes, fillings, and intricate designs. In decorating, you’ll learn piping techniques, fondant work, and signature design styles. For business, we’ll tackle brand positioning, client outreach, pricing models, and growth strategies.
Extensive Hands-On Practice: Each session offers plenty of time to practice and refine each skill with immediate guidance.
Outcome: A complete skill set that empowers you to tackle more advanced projects and confidently build a memorable brand or client base.
- Skill-Focused Pathway: Each class will cover one key aspect of baking, decorating, or business essentials. Choose to focus on baking techniques (like mastering a variety of batters, frostings, and flavorings), decoration skills (layering, frosting, and design basics), or business topics (branding, marketing basics, and client management).
- Hands-On and Guided Practice: Practice and refine techniques with real-time adjustments, and each class will build upon the last for steady improvement.
Outcome: Gain confidence in core skills, a solid foundation for baking or business, and a clear path for growth in your craft.
5 Classes - Complete Baker’s Journey
Overview: A comprehensive, five-class package that offers an in-depth exploration of multiple baking techniques, complex decorating skills, or business insights.
What to Expect:
- Progressive Learning Pathway: Each class is designed to build on the previous one. In baking, we’ll cover a range from basic cakes and pastries to advanced techniques like multi-layered cakes, fillings, and intricate designs. In decorating, you’ll learn piping techniques, fondant work, and signature design styles. For business, we’ll tackle brand positioning, client outreach, pricing models, and growth strategies.
- Extensive Hands-On Practice: Each session offers plenty of time to practice and refine each skill with immediate guidance.
Outcome: A complete skill set that empowers you to tackle more advanced projects and confidently build a memorable brand or client base.
THINKING OF THE FUTURE
Build Your Business Empire!
What to Expect from the “Thinking of the Future: Build Your Cake Empire” Mentorship Package
1 Session: Foundation & Focus
In this session, we’ll take a deep dive into your business, assess where you are, and discuss your main business goals. Get you the clarity on how to move forward.
Key Focus:
- Define your vision for your empire
- Identify your target market and ideal customers
- Get a clear understanding of your brand's story and mission
Outcome: A solid foundation to guide your growth journey.
3 Sessions: Strategy & Growth
This package will dive deeper into the specifics of your cake business growth. We’ll build on the foundation you already have and give you tools for scaling with confidence.
Session 1: Business Foundations
- Evaluate your business structure and goals.
- Clarify your brand identity and target audience.
Session 2: Pricing & Marketing
- Learn the right pricing strategies to balance profitability and competitiveness.
- Develop effective marketing tactics, including social media strategies and offline methods.
Session 3: Operations & Time Management
- Streamline your workflow to keep up with increasing demand.
- Implement time management and production strategies to boost efficiency.
Outcome: A strategic plan to expand your brand and business with a focus on sustainable growth.
5 Sessions: Scaling & Refining
Over 5 sessions, we’ll refine your business model, explore new growth strategies, and provide in-depth mentoring to help you scale confidently.
Session 1: Establishing Your Brand & Business Goals
- Focus on refining your brand, mission, and core values.
Session 2: Advanced Pricing & Financial Planning
- Dive deeper into setting prices for long-term growth, managing costs, and forecasting future expenses.
Session 3: Marketing for the Long-Term
- Develop long-term marketing strategies, including creating an engaging social media presence and leveraging customer referrals.
Session 4: Streamlining Operations for Growth
- Learn how to automate and streamline processes to manage larger orders without compromising quality.
Session 5: Expanding & Diversifying Your Product Range
- Explore opportunities to diversify your menu or add new services.
- Learn how to create scalable systems and plan for sustainability.
Outcome: A comprehensive growth plan with practical steps to take your cake business from good to great.
10 Sessions: Full Business Transformation
This extensive mentorship package offers a deep dive into every aspect of building a cake empire. Over 10 sessions, we’ll cover all areas of business growth and development, ensuring you have the tools and knowledge to scale your cake business successfully.
Sessions 1–3: Business Fundamentals & Vision
- Refine your brand, target market, and overall business vision.
- Set short-term and long-term goals for growth.
Sessions 4–6: Advanced Marketing & Pricing Strategies
- Dive deep into advanced pricing techniques and financial management.
- Develop detailed marketing campaigns, including social media, email marketing, and offline strategies.
Sessions 7–8: Operations & Efficiency
- Focus on optimizing production, managing large-scale orders, and ensuring consistency.
- Explore how to hire or outsource, if necessary, to handle demand.
Session 9: Expanding Product Range & New Revenue Streams
- Learn how to create new products, expand your offerings, and reach new markets.
- Plan for diversifying your business revenue streams.
Session 10: Scaling with Confidence & Sustainability
- Develop a scalable growth plan for long-term sustainability.
- Learn how to create systems that can handle higher volume and larger business operations.
Outcome: A fully detailed, actionable plan for scaling your cake empire, with the strategies, tools, and insights to ensure continued success and profitability.
This mentorship package is designed to guide you step by step from having a clear vision to turning that vision into a thriving cake business. Whether you're just starting or looking to refine your strategy, each option provides the right level of support to help you achieve your business goals!
team effort
Sweet Team Experience
Learn with friends or teammates and get a group discount:
- Book 1 Workshop: (R850 per person, per workshop))