Baking Confidence: From Cupcakes to Entrepreneurship
October marked a vibrant and transformative month for the Women’s Empowerment Program in Kandy. This is where local women engaged in weekly skill-building sessions aimed at fostering independence, creativity and entrepreneurial confidence. Across 9 classes with an average of 13 – 15 women per session, we were able to progress from foundational concepts of self-sustainability to mastering advanced baking techniques, while also gaining critical business and marketing skills.
Hands-on culinary training included cupcakes, chocolate cake, ribbon cake, butter cookies, red velvet cake, fish buns, fondant icing and even pizza-making. YUM! We were turning traditional recipes into viable small business opportunities.
Beyond the kitchen, women participated in motivational talks, explored costing and pricing models and received practical instruction on packaging, labeling, presentation and social media marketing. All of these elemnts ensures the women are equipped with both product and business know-how.
By the end of the month, many had created their own business cards, a tangible first step toward launching micro-enterprises from their homes. The ripple effect of this initiative is profound. The women are cultivating income-generating potential and establishing community leadership and now believe in their ability to thrive.
Standout Stats
9 baking & development sessions held
13–15 women attending per class
9+ sellable products taught (from cupcakes to fish buns)
3 motivational talks & business development lessons
1 set of personal business cards created per participant
100% hands-on practical training with immediate income potential
