Josese Cagica’s passion for cooking was nurtured in a food-loving family, leading him to earn a culinary qualification and establish his own bakery. During the recent Miss Hibiscus Festival, Mr. Cagica seized the opportunity to employ local youths from Nadera, allowing them to earn a sustainable income. He described showcasing his business at the festival as a valuable experience, acknowledging the difficulties he has faced in making a name for himself.
“Participating in the Miss Hibiscus Festival is a unique opportunity for me, especially as I introduce new pastries that could really resonate in the community,” he stated. He believes that events like the Hibiscus Festival are crucial for business owners like him to enhance their visibility and improve their representation in the market.
Mr. Cagica is dedicated not only to expanding his brand, ‘The Cake Lab,’ but also to uplifting the youths of Nadera by providing them with job opportunities. Driven by the festival’s community spirit, his primary goal is to give back, aiming to enhance his own living standards and those of the young people he employs. He credits the unwavering support from his parents, family, and friends as a source of strength.
Currently, Mr. Cagica receives orders from local customers as well as international clients from Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and Africa. He has navigated various challenges but views this phase of his life as a blessing rather than an obstacle.