FROM HOUSEKEEPER TO COOKIE CHEF

Julia, the mastermind behind Amazing Spaces, is all about making a positive impact on the world. She’s passionate about empowering peeps who haven’t had the best shot at life and helping them unlock their full potential. Now, let’s rewind to where it all started – in Julia’s office kitchen.

In that cozy little space, Mama Bongi (a.k.a. the lunchtime magician) would whip up mouthwatering lunches for the Amazing Spaces team. But Mama’s culinary talents didn’t stop there. With a little help from Hayley, their super-savvy General Manager and a baking enthusiast, the duo decided to surprise their clients with batches of irresistible chocolate chip cookies.

Naturally, everyone who tasted these incredible treats couldn’t resist asking, “Where can we buy these magical chunky choc chip cookies?” And just like that, the brilliant idea of Mama Bongi’s Cookies was born!

At first, Mama tackled the baking and packaging all on her own, while still working her magic at Amazing Spaces. Their cookies made their debut in a few local delis, and her clients loved them! But it wasn’t until lockdown hit that things really started to heat up.

With no film shoots happening, Julia found herself with a bit of free time on her hands. So, she decided to master the art of Instagram and created a page for Mama Bongi’s Cookies. @mama.bongi. Little did she know, that move would be a game-changer! Influencers quickly caught wind of this irresistible brand and loved Mama’s story.

Thanks to the power of social media, Mama Bongi’s Cookies skyrocketed into the foodie universe. Big-time food bloggers couldn’t get enough of these delicious treats, and they couldn’t stop raving about them either! They spread the word far and wide, showing off with photos of them eating Mama’s cookies and singing praises about our products. Mama even graced the pages of UCook, TASTE Magazine, Cape Town etc, and more. Plus, she made appearances on The Expresso Morning Show and had a feature in The Argus. Mama’s star was shining bright!

Fast forward a bit, and Mama Bongi’s Cookies has grown into a thriving little business with not just Mama, but three full-time bakers. We’re so proud to support Mama and her team with all the behind-the-scenes stuff like admin, accounting, and marketing. Julia spends a fair amount of time attending talks with Mama, and offering guidance and mentoring. Together, we’re making dreams come true!

Mama and our team’s “WHY” is to change people’s lives through creating employment, one person at a time.

With a little love, determination, and a sprinkle of magic, dreams can come true.

Supporting “Ons Plek” and Empowering Women & Girls

At Amazing Spaces, our work is not just a job; it’s a deep-rooted belief that every single day presents an opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives. We are driven by our “why,” our purpose, which is to bring positive change to the world around us. As an all-women organization, we are particularly passionate about supporting women and girls in need, empowering them to overcome challenges and thrive.

One cause that holds a special place in our hearts is “Ons Plek,” the home for girls. Their tireless dedication to providing a safe and nurturing environment for young girls in need resonates deeply with us. We are proud to support this incredible organization on an ongoing basis, knowing that our contributions have a direct impact on the lives of these girls.

We are grateful to have received support from Julia’s dear friend, Tracey Chambers, the founder of TCB (Taking Care of Business). TCB focuses on empowering families to break free from the cycle of poverty for good. They equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the skills and resources they need to unlock their full potential and access opportunities within the economy.

Through our partnership with TCB, we have received invaluable assistance in providing clothing for our “Ons Plek” project. Julia’s friendship with Tracey Chambers has been instrumental in bridging the gap and enabling us to make a meaningful impact together.

We firmly believe that collaboration is key to creating lasting change. By joining forces with organizations like TCB, and Julia’s network who provide amazing donations, we are able to combine our strengths and resources to maximize our impact. Together, we are empowering women and girls, providing them with some essentials to assist them to flourish and overcome adversity.

We are immensely proud of the work we have accomplished so far, delivering 18 boxes of clothes to “Ons Plek.” But this is just the beginning. Our commitment to supporting “Ons Plek” and empowering women and girls extends beyond a single act of kindness. It is an ongoing cause that we are dedicated to championing.

As we continue our journey, we invite you to join us in making a difference. Together, we can uplift and empower those who need it most. Stay tuned for updates on our ongoing initiatives and the impact we are making in the lives of women and girls.

If you would like to assist in any way, please get in touch with Julia directly on [email protected]

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