Women Unlocked: Brownie queen Wajiha Chohan
Wajiha Chohan is a teacher by day and a brownie making boss babe by night.
Grade R teacher, Wajiha Chohan, started a successful side hustle after impressing her friends with her brownie skills.
The 27-year-old launched her business, Brownie Points, in May last year after a lightbulb moment at a birthday party.
"I started brainstorming after my friends tasted my brownies at my birthday dinner and joked that I should start selling them. I spoke to a lovely lady, Yasira Moolla (who I befriended on Twitter. She runs my Instagram page), and she gave me the extra nudge and motivation to start.
"I made a sample batch and got a photographer (Ridhwaan Rangraje) to do a photoshoot with my brownies and I launched them in December 2019. My brownies were first sold at the Al Ansaar Souk. A lady, Zaahida Mahomed, who has an ice cream store (which has been at the souk for many years), took my product which was new and unheard of, and gave my business a chance," she says.
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Unlike many bakers, Wajiha doesn't have a sweet tooth. But she always enjoyed getting a brownie with ice cream from Milkylane - which is why she enjoys making them.
But turning her love for brownies into a business wasn't easy - especially while working full-time as a teacher.
"I have to start baking after a long day at work. I don’t refrigerate or freeze the brownies, so whenever a customer orders, it’s always baked fresh. I burn-out a lot faster, however, with online teaching during this pandemic it has been a little easier for me to juggle between both jobs. I always ask customers to give me at least two days' notice so that I know how to plan myself."
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As much as she enjoys being a budding entrepreneur, the former Pietermaritzburg resident says teaching is her passion.
"I started teaching in 2015 immediately after completing my degree. As cliche as it may sound, I’ve always had a passion for children. I don’t have fond memories of my primary school years and I just wanted to be a teacher who makes a positive difference in children’s lives. The highlight of my day has to be getting hugs from my kids," she says.
An average day for the teacher slash brownie maker involves very long nights.
"My average day would be going to work, coming home, and having a strong cup of coffee before starting to bake. My nights have become longer and I do find myself sleeping later."
Starting a business is a lot more time consuming than she anticipated, but she makes it work.
She has also learned what every entrepreneur learns when starting a new business - not every week is busy. Some weeks she gets a lot of orders and other weeks she doesn't, but that's okay, she says, as long as you keep pushing.
Her advice for women who want to start their own business is to set goals and make it happen.
"Research your product and research the name you would like to run your business by. Set achievable goals for yourself. Get your family and friends opinions - they’re sure to be the most honest people. After all, they are your greatest support. And most of all, don’t be afraid! You will have good weeks and you will have bad weeks. Don’t let that make you feel despondent. Believe in yourself and your product. And have fun along the way!"
Wajiha is currently based in Overport and runs her business via her Instagram page, @browniepointsbywaj.
You can also contact her via WhatsApp on 071 878 8765. She delivers around Overport and as far as Westville and Durban North.
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Main image: Supplied