Balancing flour, family

DAR ES SALAAM: BAKING is more than a culinary practice; it’s a form of storytelling that reveals cultural history, migration patterns, and personal heritage. Each loaf of bread or pastry carries tales of tradition and adaptation, reflecting the diverse influences that have shaped our culinary world.

At the heart of this rich narrative is Juliana Kessy, a 28-year-old wife and mother of two and the visionary behind Juju Bakery.

What started as a simple act of baking for family and friends has blossomed into a nationally recognized business. This year, Juliana earned her first award for Best Cakes and Baking, a powerful demonstration to her unwavering dedication. Her journey is a compelling example of how baking can tell a deeply personal story.

“Baking was something I did to bring joy, but the more I baked, the more I realized it was more than just a hobby. It was a way to make people feel loved and connected,” she reflects.

“Eventually, it became a way to build something real.” That something real became Juju Bakery, named after her high school nickname, a symbol of warmth, simplicity, and a touch of everyday magic.

Here, every cake is more than just sugar, flour, and frosting; it’s a narrative of perseverance, passion, and purpose. Behind every sweet creation is an unrelenting rhythm. Juliana’s days begin before sunrise, baking while the city sleeps.

Afternoons are spent decorating, engaging with customers, and overseeing deliveries, with evenings dedicated to family, homework, and bedtime stories.

“Balancing marriage, motherhood, and a growing business isn’t easy,” she says.

“There are days when it feels like two full-time jobs, but I have learned to prioritize, ask for help, and be fully present whether I am at the oven or at home with my kids.” In a competitive and everchanging industry, Juliana knows that success requires more than talent, it demands adaptability, resilience, and a deep understanding of what customers crave.

“The market is crowded, so you have to stand out not just with taste, but with the experience,” she explains. “People aren’t just buying a cake; they’re buying a feeling, a memory, a moment.” This philosophy shines through in Juju Bakery’s offerings.

Rooted in reliable, time-tested recipes, Juliana’s cakes are anything but ordinary. Each order is personalized with bold flavour twists like passion fruit filling in a classic vanilla cake or elegant custom decorations. Her signature lemon and chocolate cake, a perfect balance of citrus brightness and rich comfort, helped earn her that recent award.

“It’s indulgent but familiar,” she says.

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“People come back for it again and again.” Turning passion into profit came with its challenges. From pricing and sourcing quality ingredients to managing staff and building customer relationships, Juliana learned through trial, error, and sheer dedication.

“We have grown so much, we have a loyal customer base, refined processes, and an expanded menu. Every step forward feels like a new chapter.”

Looking ahead, Juliana envisions launching baking classes to inspire others, expanding her business with new locations to meet the demands of a growing clientele, and, if given the chance, creating a signature cake for the president.

“I would make something bold and unforgettable, a cake that speaks of strength, elegance, and leadership,” she says with a smile.

To aspiring bakers and entrepreneurs, Juliana advises them to start small, stay consistent and never forget why they began.

“There will be long days and setbacks, but if you stay passionate and put in the work, success will follow,” she said From a humble kitchen to an award-winning bakery, Juliana Kessy’s story beautifully illustrates how baking is a powerful form of storytelling, one that transforms ingredients into memories, struggles into successes, and dreams into reality.

Juju Bakery is more than just a business. It’s a labour of love, a symbol of sweet dreams realized, and proof that sometimes, the most extraordinary journeys begin in the quiet corners of our lives, in early morning kitchens, in the laughter of children, and in the simple joy of sharing cake with someone you love.