The sweet success of Bread Bean
Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | Monday March 16, 2026 06:00
From humble beginnings in her mother's kitchen to becoming a sought-after caterer, Modiitsane's passion for baking is evident in every bite.
'I have always loved how baking brings people together,' Modiitsane says. 'Whether it is a birthday, a motshelo meeting, or simply tea with family, baked treats add a little sweetness to everyday moments. For me, baking is not just about food, it is about creating happiness and sharing something made with care,' she says.
Modiitsane's baking journey began as a hobby, but soon grew into a thriving business. 'I started baking for family gatherings, church events, and friends' celebrations,' she recalls. 'People enjoyed the pastries and started encouraging me to take it further. Slowly, the orders grew from small family events to catering for birthdays, meetings, and community gatherings,' she adds.
One of Bread Bean's signature treats is the caramel cake and scones. 'What makes the caramel cake special is that it is homemade, made fresh to order, and the sponge is pillow soft with a melt-in-your-mouth caramel sauce,' Modiitsane explains.
When it comes to new pastry ideas, Modiitsane draws inspiration from social media, traditional flavors, and customer suggestions. 'Sometimes I experiment in the kitchen and discover new combinations that become customer favourites,' she says.
A typical day in the bakery involves preparing ingredients, baking, decorating, and packaging orders. Modiitsane also handles customer communication, planning, and social media management. 'Running a bakery means every day is busy, but it's also very fulfilling,' she says.
Modiitsane's advice for balancing creativity with business demands is to plan, set systems, and prioritize self-care. 'Remember, you cannot serve from an empty cup,' she emphasises.
One of her favorite desserts to make is cakes. 'Each one tells a story, and every cake is unique depending on the occasion and the customer's vision,' she says.
A favorite local ingredient of Modiitsane is madila, which she substitutes for milk in most recipes. 'It gives the best outcome,' she says.
Her best baking tip is to measure ingredients properly and follow the process carefully. 'Baking requires patience and precision,' she says.
As Bread Bean continues to grow, she hopes to empower the community with free life skills, such as baking. 'We want to contribute to people's celebrations and bring people together,' she says.
For those looking to try Bread Bean's treats, Modiitsane shares a recipe for homemade vanilla cupcakes. 'These are perfect for tea time or small celebrations,' she says.