When lockdown boredom set in at the Morris home in Athlone, it was young Gracie Clifford who decided to start baking to pass the time. And, after a few photos of the 11-year-old's delicious cupcakes were posted on social media, orders started streaming in. And so Gracie's Bakes came to be.
The business has grown exponentially since then. The "blossoming business", as mum Cher Morris describes it, now features as a weekly pop up store at Pinelands Market, where people can get their sweet fix.
"We all support Gracie 2 000% within her business. Whether it is with tasting or experimenting new recipes with her or sharing her social media pages," says Morris proudly.
Gracie has mastered the art of balancing school work and baking. Most of the money generated from cake sales is pumped back into the business. Gracie shared some of her plans for spending the remaining profits, with Weekend Argus.
"I am saving up for a Kitchen Aid stand mixer which is R15 000. I am also saving up for my own cellphone," she said.
Gracie adds: "The public has been unbelievably supportive." Chocolate cake is her top seller. "It's my favourite thing to bake," she says. Co-incidentally, her choc treats are also her mother's favourite. "Without hesitation or a shadow of a doubt, anything chocolate out the Gracie Bakes kitchen," says Morris. "From her chocolate brownie, which is lush, lush, lush, to her chocolate cakes. And not forgetting her death by chocolate cupcakes."
Gracie has recruited two tasters for her business. Her grandpa and her uncle. And the pair are popularly called "the cows", "because all you hear is mmmm, mmmmm", jokes Morris.
Not one to rest on her laurels, the young baker just launched Gracie Pops. Inspired by the family dog Milo, it is a range of doggy treats. Gracie has also launched her own range of shopping bags.
While most children her age are either spending their time playing video games, or hanging out with their friends, Gracie is building her desserts empire. She sees professional baking in her future and says she wants her own bakery one day.