From Psychology to Pastry: A Natural Evolution
Meet Sabrina Bibby, a 23-year-old from Johannesburg with a passion for transforming simple ingredients into edible joy. “I grew up in a home where life revolved around food,” she shares. This love for all things culinary led Sabrina to pursue degrees in Psychology and Nutrition before stepping into the hospitality world.
Her journey began at Olives & Plates, where she worked as a nutritionist. However, her heart was elsewhere. “My passion for baking took over, and I took the leap to start a cookie business. Now, 10 months in, I can finally say I’m in my lane.”
Inspired by Family, Fueled by Passion
Sabrina’s entrepreneurial spirit didn’t come from thin air. “It’s definitely been passed down from my parents,” she says. Watching them build their businesses from the ground up taught her resilience and determination. These lessons became the foundation for her own venture, where she’s not just making cookies but crafting an experience.
Her mother also played a pivotal role. “Since I’ve been able to stand, my mom placed me on a chair to watch her bake. I was her test-tasting guinea pig, and I learned so much from her.” Sabrina’s childhood was filled with culinary inspiration, from Nigella’s Christmas specials to Jamie Oliver’s quick meals. “Food has followed me from a very early age,” she says.
Building a Cookie Empire
Starting in her mother’s kitchen, Sabrina has transformed her passion project into a growing business. “I’ve renovated my garage into a studio space and invested in industrial equipment to handle mass orders.” Her creations, including almond croissant cookies, salted caramel delights, and even her own spin on the famous Crookie, are now staples in coffee shops and at events like weddings and birthdays.
But what makes her cookies stand out? “I’ve mastered the art of cookie tasting, experimenting with flavors and textures to create something truly remarkable,” Sabrina explains. “Though my cookies have a minimalist look, the flavor and texture set them apart.”
The Reality of Being Your Own Boss
While the title of “boss” might sound glamorous, Sabrina keeps it real. “I’d love to say I wake up at 10 a.m., have a gourmet breakfast, and sip cocktails, but that’s far from the truth. A 5 a.m. wake-up is a sleep-in for me.”
What she loves most is wearing many hats. “I get to be the baker, recipe developer, marketer, and even the coffee-break assigner. It’s challenging but rewarding to learn every role in my business.”
Her entrepreneurial journey hasn’t been without challenges. Long hours and online criticism come with the territory, but Sabrina views these as opportunities to grow. “Criticism helps you better your business,” she says.
Finding Balance in Chaos
Balancing baking, marketing, sourcing clients, and personal life is no easy feat. “As a one-woman team, I had to learn to assign tasks. I bake on specific days, do admin on others, and use my free time for gym and recipe testing.”
Self-care is non-negotiable. “Gym is my sanity, and I make time for family and church on Sundays. It’s essential to prioritize what matters most,” she shares.
Highlights and Lessons Learned
For Sabrina, the highlight of her journey isn’t a single moment but a collection of experiences. “Being part of weddings, birthdays, and special occasions has been incredible. Knowing my cookies bring joy and bring people together is the best part.”
She also acknowledges the financial lessons entrepreneurship has taught her. “Money doesn’t grow on trees. I’ve reinvested everything back into my business, from industrial equipment to packaging. It’s an ongoing lesson in using money wisely.”
Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs? “Set a big, crazy goal, then break it down into smaller, achievable steps. Show up consistently, even when it’s hard. Growth happens outside your comfort zone.”
Personal Branding and Authenticity
Sabrina’s approach to personal branding is refreshingly honest. Through her Instagram, she shares the raw reality of entrepreneurship, late nights, early mornings, and even baking in pajamas at 1 a.m. “Some people thought it was crazy, but I wanted my clients to see the real me and the work behind the cookies,” she says.
A Vision for the Future
As she scales her business, Sabrina focuses on innovation, using social media and word of mouth to grow her reach. “I’m constantly looking for inspiration and creating unique gifting ideas that draw people in.”
At the heart of her journey is a set of values instilled by her parents: dedication and tenacity. “If you want to be successful, you have to put in the hard work and consistently show up, even when it’s tough.”
A Sweet Legacy
Sabrina’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and purpose. From her mother’s kitchen to her own studio, she has built a business that’s about more than just cookies, it’s about bringing joy to others.
Her journey reminds us that success is not just about the end goal but the lessons learned along the way. As Sabrina puts it, “I’ve never been more grateful for the opportunity to start my own business and be my own motivation.”
Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or simply someone chasing a dream, Sabrina’s story is proof that with hard work, passion, and a bit of sweetness, anything is possible.
Leave a Reply