another cake finished in the ACJ Bakery

The success story of ex-FairMail photographer Patricia from Peru continues. In past newsletters you could read about how she started her own bakery with fellow ex-photographer Betty and how they managed to attract foreign investment in their growing business.

Despite the setback of her partner Betty leaving the business to pursue other destinies Patricia is doing great. In the end of 2013 she won the first prize of a business competition organized by the Peruvian government. The competition was aimed at stimulating young entrepreneurs to set up their own business. After the training sessions Patricia managed to convince the judges during the pitching session to give her the first prize of 2.500 Peruvian soles (about 650 euro).

Patricia with her mother

With this money she bought a new oven and is now refurbishing her mother’s house to make it suitable to house the bakery’s facilities. This way she will become independent from the facilities she now rents from ACJ El Milagro and will spend less time commuting. Also at home Patricia’s mother and sisters can help baking the products.

Apart from the investment in her new facilities she has also managed to expand her product range including more sweets like meringues, cookies, “crema de leche” and “cocitos”. Also she has managed to formalize her business with the tax authorities, making the way free to sell (and invoice) to corporate clients.

Patricia in front of her house where she is implementing her new bakery

A big thanks from Patricia to all who have supported her with the purchase of her cards. A special thanks goes out to Marlies van Appel from our Dutch partner Context Cards who provided different baking accessories and to Pieter Parmentier for investing in Patricia’s business when she really needed it.