Deborah Nalule has found fulfillment in baking

Deborah Nalule says she was destined to be a baker. She fell in love with baking when she was young.

“I used to watch my mother bake mandazi when I was a child,” she recalls with a smile. “She sold them to support our family, and that planted a seed in me.”

Born and raised in Kireka, about 10 KM from Kampala city, Nalule’s baking started from these humble beginnings. 

The 32 year old says he day begins at 5.00 am before the sun rises. She is already up trying to plan for the day.

Nalule, who specializes in cookies, wedding cakes, and sweet buns, has become a household name in Kireka and beyond thanks to her creativity and dedication to her craft.

She says she became a baker in 2016 after losing her job as a receptionist at a plastics manufacturing company.

“I had always loved baking for family and friends, but I never thought it could be my livelihood. Losing my job forced me to think creatively about how to survive,” she explains.

Her inspiration to start her business also came from her desire to create something of her own.

“I wanted to have control over my life and build a legacy for my children,” says the mother of two.

With her savings and a small loan from a friend, she purchased an oven, baking tins, and essential ingredients. Her first products were cookies, which she sold to neighbors and friends.

“The feedback was amazing. People encouraged me to make more, and that gave me the confidence to keep going,” she says.

Today, Nalule’s baking business has grown significantly. She supplies cookies to local supermarkets, takes orders for wedding cakes, and sells sweet buns to school canteens. Her most popular product is her custom-designed wedding cakes, which she describes as “works of art.”

She takes pride in creating unique designs for each client, ensuring that every cake tells a story.

As the day progresses, Nalule balances baking with managing customer orders and marketing her products.

She uses social media to showcase her creations, posting photos of her cakes and buns on platforms like Instagram and Facebook.

 “Social media has been a game-changer for my business,” she notes. “It allows me to reach more people and connect with clients directly,” she says.

By evening, Nalule is back in her kitchen, preparing for the next day. She often reflects on how far she has come.

Challenges

However, the journey has not been without challenges. One of her biggest hurdles is the high cost of ingredients.

“Prices keep going up, especially for items like sugar, flour, and butter,” she laments.

“It’s hard to keep prices affordable for my customers while still making a profit.” Another challenge is the lack of reliable electricity. “I’ve lost entire batches of cakes because of power outages,” she says, shaking her head.

She says there were times she wanted to give up especially when things got tough but she persevered.

“Baking has not only provided for my family but also given me a sense of purpose and fulfillment,” she says.

Despite these challenges, Nalule has achieved significant milestones.

In 2022, she won a local baking competition, which earned her a cash prize and boosted her reputation.

 “That competition was a turning point for me. It showed me that my work is valued and appreciated,” she says.

She has also managed to train and employ two young women from her community, providing them with skills to earn a living.

“Empowering others is one of the things I’m most proud of,” she says.

Advice to youth

Nalule’s advice to young people is simple but powerful: “Start small and be consistent.”

She emphasizes the importance of patience and hard work.

 “When I started, I had just one oven and very few customers. But I kept going, and slowly, my business grew. Don’t be afraid to take risks and learn from your mistakes.”

She also encourages young people to explore their passions.

“If you love something, invest time and effort into it. Don’t wait for the perfect moment to start. The perfect moment is now,” she says.

In future, Nalule dreams of expanding her business. She hopes to open a bakery in Kireka where customers can walk in, enjoy freshly baked goods, and even learn how to bake.

 “I want to create a space that inspires others,” she says. “If I can do it, so can they.”