Cynthia Jones: From banker to baker

Musawenkosi Moyo
AS the adage says, “Fortune favours the bold,” this timeless saying couldn’t be truer in the case of Cynthia Rumarai Jones, the proud owner of Cynthia Jones Cakes based in Bulawayo.
Her journey from a banker to a successful baker is a testament to the power of courage and hard work.
When faced with the decision of pursuing her dreams or staying in a stable banking job, Jones took a leap of faith in 2007 and chased after her aspirations.
This decision has not only transformed her own life but also positively impacted the lives of many others in the community.
In an interview, she revealed that baking had always been a calling for her.
Even while working at the bank, she operated a small-scale baking business.
However, when the profits from her baking venture began to exceed her bank salary, she made the bold decision to quit her job and dedicate herself fully to pursuing her dreams.
Jones stated that transitioning from her banking career was not without its challenges.
“I have faced numerous challenges on my path to success, particularly as a female entrepreneur in a traditionally male-dominated business world.
“Starting my own business required overcoming societal expectations and biases that often underestimated my capabilities.
“There were times when I had to work twice as hard to prove myself,” she said.
She further acknowledged that securing a loan to launch her business was equally challenging at the time, as many financial institutions were hesitant to support a woman-owned business.
“The requirements from financial institutions were often restrictive. Despite these obstacles, I remained and continue to remain determined and resourceful, finding alternative ways to finance my bakery,” said Jones.
She also emphasised that her background in banking, marketing, and finance has proven to be an invaluable asset since launching her bakery.
“Having a background in marketing, combined with the financial experience I gained while working at a bank, was a significant advantage.
“It allowed me to effectively manage marketing and accounting from the outset with minimal difficulties,” she explained.
Beyond growing her own business, Jones is also dedicated to empowering others, particularly young people within her community, by teaching them valuable baking skills.
“To date, I have conducted baking tutorials for upwards of 700 students since opening the bakery in 2007.
“Many of these individuals have gone on to pursue successful careers as bakers, with some now employed at hotels, restaurants, and even on cruise ships.
“I take immense pride in the empowerment of others that has occurred over the years and the subsequent positive domino effects, such as increased self-employment and the creation of employment opportunities for others,” she said.
Jones has also made significant contributions to the community by donating cakes and foodstuffs to orphanages like Isaiah Umuzi wothando and collaborating with church organizations like Celebration Church to train vulnerable children in baking as a potential career path.
Looking towards the future, she expressed her aspiration to establish a state-of-the-art culinary school in Bulawayo, where her passion for baking and food can be shared and appreciated.
“Zimbabwe has immense potential in the culinary realm. I believe we can establish Zimbabwe as a renowned destination for exquisite culinary experiences, much like KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa,” she stated.
She advised aspiring entrepreneurs to exercise patience when embarking on their entrepreneurial journeys.
“My business did not achieve success overnight. It’s crucial to start small and gradually scale up.
“As the adage goes, ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day.’ The most important step is to simply begin.
“Start with a limited menu and a small production space. As your business grows, you can expand your offerings and facilities.
“This approach will help you manage costs effectively and minimise the risk of overextending yourself,” she said.