There are business plans, and then there is Iminathi Goje’s account of a first market: “I felt so happy that I wanted to scream and fall down.”

It is a lovely introduction to Rainbow Smiles, the cupcake business Iminathi started with Maya Mgcina in 2025. The two young Randburg bakers share the baking and decorating, with creations that leave plenty of room for their personalities.

In their interview with Randburg Sun, Maya said the idea first came to them when they were five. They enjoyed baking and wanted to try selling what they made.

Now they are preparing for the Meet Me FOR Little Market at Ferndale on Republic on 19 September.

Their customers get creative too

Cookie Monster, Elmo and Monster Eyes feature in their range. Then there is the Rainbow Surprise, a cupcake with sweets tucked inside.

Customers can also choose their own colours and toppings. Some combinations are ones the founders would never have thought of themselves, giving them fresh ideas to take back to their baking.

That exchange is part of what they enjoy about markets: meeting people, discovering other businesses and learning as they go.

A business that fits around childhood

School and homework still need attention, and both children want time to play.

Their families help with planning and getting ready for markets, allowing Iminathi and Maya to focus on baking, decorating and talking to customers.

They have ambitions beyond the next batch, too. They would like to offer baking workshops for children, while Iminathi imagines Rainbow Smiles eventually reaching customers across South Africa and perhaps overseas.

Those are hopes for the future. For now, they are gaining experience together, one market at a time.

Pop in and meet the young bakers

• Find them at: Meet Me FOR Little Market.
• Date: Saturday, 19 September 2026
• Venue: Ferndale on Republic, Randburg.
• Market enquiries: Confirm hours with centre management on 011 886 0663.
• Parking: The centre advertises free parking. 

The Bottom Line

The nicest part of this story is how much the business still belongs to the children: their designs, their customers’ unexpected creations and their excitement about what comes next. There is space for ambition without losing the fun that started it.