Josese Cagica, who grew up in a family that cherished food, turned his passion into a career by pursuing a culinary qualification and launching his own bakery. At the recent Miss Hibiscus Festival, Mr. Cagica took the opportunity to employ local youths from Nadera, helping them earn a sustainable income. He described his experience at the festival as novel, even as he faced the challenges of establishing his brand in the market.
“Participating in the Miss Hibiscus Festival is a unique opportunity for me, especially as I introduce new pastries that could become popular in town,” he stated. He emphasized that festivals like Hibiscus allow business owners to enhance their representation and improve their market presence.
Mr. Cagica not only aims to develop his brand, ‘The Cake Lab,’ but also prioritizes creating job opportunities for the young people of Nadera. Inspired by the festival’s community spirit, he sees his role as giving back and strives to elevate his own living standards alongside those of the youths he works with. He credits the unwavering support from his family and friends as a source of motivation.
Today, he has received local orders as well as requests from Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and Africa. Despite the hurdles, Mr. Cagica views his journey as a blessing rather than a setback.