Creating new dishes through artistry and craft: Meet Camera Molepo
1. Who are you?
I am Sedima Camera Molepo from Ga-Molepo, Ga-Rampheri. I have obtained a Diploma in Culinary Arts (Food preparation and cooking) and I am self-employed as a Chef. I cater for events of all sizes.
2. Which primary and high school did you attend?
I went to Subiaco primary school and proceeded to Mmapadi high school and I completed my matric there.
3. Which subjects did you choose?
I chose Geography, History, Afrikaans, and Maths literacy.
4. How did you decide on your career choice?
Growing up I wanted to have my own Security Company but I did not even think of that after completing my matric. I applied for a job at the Subiaco mission; I got the job as an assistant chef. I worked there for quite some time and eventually fell in love with the cooking and baking. From there, I started doing research about Culinary Schools admission processes and requirements. I applied for part time studies then I attended until I completed my Diploma in Culinary Arts.
5. Tell us about your business
Culinary services require stability and flexibility. It is highly regulated by Client’s event’s availability and it requires patience and creativity. It is not an easy business. Working with food is like working with other people’s lives. You have to make sure every time you serve people, you take into consideration health safety of the food, presentation of the food and presentation of the food at all times. One mistake can severely damage your career or business. Hygiene is the most important part this industry.
6. What made you own/start your business?
Our country (South Africa) has high youth unemployment rates and that’s why I decided to start my own small business in catering. I hope to grow and employ 4 to 6 young people soon. So that I can also help change lives.
7. Which services do you offer?
Catering services for events like weddings, birthday celebrations, conferences etc. I also do the cookings at home than do delivery after but it depends on the client requirements. I sell scones, muffins, bread, rolls and biscuits etc.
8. How is it like running your own business?
Its needs good time management skills always but running it is not that difficult because it has its own challenges. Some challenges are clients depended and vary with the scale of the catering required. However, it always satisfies my heart when a client is satisfied and pays in time.
9. What advice would you give to someone who wants to go into business like yours?
Trust yourself, have faith, perseverance, have passion, believe in yourself, be patient and do not be scared to commit. Make sure it is really, what you love. Careers in culinary sector requires creativity, which comes from motivation to create, so if you do not love it, where will you get the inspiration to create dishes? The cookings or catering also takes many hours to prepare, so you make work for hours without taking time off to rest. Usually this cookings will be made a night before delivery so they do not spoil. So if one wants to become a Chef, they must make sure they can handle the pressures that comes with cooking and food preparation.
10. What advice or words of encouragement would you give high school learners {motivational quote?}
Get some advice from parents, teachers or guardian while you are still young. Take the good advice and follow your heart when looking at career choices, then choose a career you love and are most passionate about. Also, learn a skill in case the career you chose may not workout. Learning a skill like sewing for example can come in handy if your career does not work out in your favour.
