• Home
  • Blog
  • Community
  • Knowledge
  • Cover Stories
  • Startup Stories
  • Playbooks
  • Podcasts
  • Português
    • Events Homepage & Booking
    • Start-Up Night Africa Series
    • Lioness Lean In Series
    • Lionesses of Africa Annual Conference
    • Harvard University / Lionesses of Africa Conference
    • Young Lioness Lean In Series
    • About Us
    • Impact Partners
    • Contributor Team
    • Contact
    • Join the Community
    • Signup for FREE Newsletters
    • Share Your Startup Story
    • Share Your Lioness Launch
    • Share Your Lioness Co-Lab
    • Become a Contributor
    • Nominate to '100 Lionessess'
    • Become an Impact Partner
    • Contact LoA
Menu

Lionesses of Africa

276 5th Avenue
New York, NY, 10001
(212) 634-4540
The Pride of Africa's Women Entrepreneurs

the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

  • Home
  • Blog
  • Community
  • Knowledge
  • Cover Stories
  • Startup Stories
  • Playbooks
  • Podcasts
  • Português
  • Events +
    • Events Homepage & Booking
    • Start-Up Night Africa Series
    • Lioness Lean In Series
    • Lionesses of Africa Annual Conference
    • Harvard University / Lionesses of Africa Conference
    • Young Lioness Lean In Series
  • About +
    • About Us
    • Impact Partners
    • Contributor Team
    • Contact
  • Connect +
    • Join the Community
    • Signup for FREE Newsletters
    • Share Your Startup Story
    • Share Your Lioness Launch
    • Share Your Lioness Co-Lab
    • Become a Contributor
    • Nominate to '100 Lionessess'
    • Become an Impact Partner
    • Contact LoA

Tinyiko Mareane and Boitumelo Mogoai - The startup story of a South African social enterprise uplifting the lives of young girls by creating a business that bakes for change

July 3, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Tinyiko Mareane & Boitumelo Mogoai, founders of Nik Muffins (South Africa)

Tinyiko Mareane & Boitumelo Mogoai, founders of Nik Muffins (South Africa)

Recognising a need in society to help young girls to learn essential life skills and get access to inspirational mentors, was the catalyst for two South African entrepreneurs to create their social enterprise, Nik Muffins, to make a difference. Tinyiko Mareane and Boitumelo Mogoai are turning a passion for baking into a means of raising funds to build a sustainable and effective social enterprise with a big impact.

 

LoA spoke to Tinyiko and Boitumelo this month to find out more about this creative enterprise that is positively changing the lives of young girls in South Africa.

What does your company do?

Nik Muffins is a Social Enterprise which sells muffins and customised cupcakes and cakes. We also use a portion of our profits to assist a group of girls in Soweto by teaching them life skills, giving them access to mentorship, and providing them with useful information they are unable to access.

Tinyiko Nik Muffins 1.jpg
Tinyiko Nik Muffins 2.jpg
Tinyiko Nik Muffins 4.jpg
Tinyiko Nik Muffins 5.jpg
Screenshot 2016-07-03 14.40.48.jpg
Screenshot 2016-07-03 14.39.37.jpg
Screenshot 2016-07-03 14.38.54.jpg
Screenshot 2016-07-03 14.39.15.jpg

"When we initially started we were a group of students thinking back to our first few years of University and remembering how hard it was for us to get certain things done, merely because we did not have accurate or the right information and guidance from people who have been through the process."

What inspired you to start your company?

When we initially started we were a group of students thinking back to our first few years of University and remembering how hard it was for us to get certain things done, merely because we did not have access to accurate or the right information and guidance from people who have been through the process. We then thought of a sustainable way to address the issue that promotes a culture of independence. Baking was a passion we used to raise funds so that we could develop our social program. We then decided to create a business out of it and use a portion of our profits to address this social need for mentorship, life-skills and information.

Why should anyone use your service or product?

Our products do not only taste good, but they bring a unique personal experience to the consumer because they are customized and also when consuming our products you know your money has gone to a greater purpose. We are a brand with a purpose, baking for change.

"Baking was a passion we used to raise funds so that we could develop our social program. We then decided to create a Business out of it and use a portion of our profits to address this social need for mentorship, life skills and information."

Tell us a little about your team

We are currently two co-founders - myself and my partner Boitumelo Mogoai, who is currently completing her Accounting Degree at Wits University. We are responsible for running the business, as well as the baking for now. We have hired two University students as re-sellers and are currently looking for more re-sellers to assist with the distribution of our products to students.

Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?

My journey has been one of learning. I have learned things about myself that I couldn't have learned any other way. Mostly it has been a journey of self discovery. My parents ran small businesses on the side and the same with my grandparents. However, I decided to use my degree to enhance my business rather than to seek employment. I believe it's a great risk but I am very brave and it's a risk I am willing to take, and a goal I will fight to achieve no matter what.

"We are a brand with a purpose, baking for change."

What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?

We would like to grow in South Africa and have Nik Muffins Girls Clubs in all provinces where there is a need. We also want to be able to reach out to the rest of Africa and one day expand to the rest of the world.

What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?

It satisfies me knowing that I am actively contributing to solving a big problem in our country which is unemployment. When I was doing my Economics degree, I realized I don't want to write about the issues and solutions to help better the economy, I want actively solve them, and it’s the most fulfilling thing to know that you are serving not only your country, but your continent.

"We would like to grow in South Africa and have Nik Muffins Girls Clubs in all provinces where there is a need."

What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?

Do not give up no matter what. Fight for your dreams. When people can't do something, they want to tell you that you can't. Don't let them. You made a promise to yourself to succeed, so be a woman of your word to yourself.

 

Contact or follow Nik Muffins

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | EMAIL tsmareane@gmail.com


Why LoA loves it….

At LoA we love those social entrepreneurs who are passionate about making a difference, harnessing their skills and talents to create enterprises that can connect with consumers and at the same time get key messages across that can change lives. Tinyiko Mareane and Boitumelo Mogoai are two social entrepreneurs on a mission to uplift the lives and futures of young women in South Africa, harnessing their talents for baking and creativity to help them achieve their goals. --- Melanie Hawken, founder and CEO of Lionesses of Africa
In Startup Story
← Essential Read: Shut Up and Do the Work - The entrepreneur's guide to creating massive success by Stephanie SynclairLebo Shange and Thembi Nkosi - The startup story of two South African entrepreneurs on a mission to address feminine health issues in their country →

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS


LATEST PODCAST

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · AI Series Ep. 2 : AI-Human Collaboration in the Workplace

Lioness Radio Show: AI Series Ep. 2 : AI-Human Collaboration in the Workplace - Tune in for an engaging conversation designed to equip you with the knowledge to embrace AI and unlock its possibilities for your business.


LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORIES

LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY
Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas
Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas
Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy
Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy
Sydelle Willow Smith, a pioneer of solar-powered mobile cinema in Africa
Sydelle Willow Smith, a pioneer of solar-powered mobile cinema in Africa
Babette Kourelos, a passionate artisanal bread-baking business builder
Babette Kourelos, a passionate artisanal bread-baking business builder
Thandekile Moloko, an entrepreneur empowering her clients’ financial futures
Thandekile Moloko, an entrepreneur empowering her clients’ financial futures

IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

Image of the Day / Oryx Desert Salt

Sustainable salt and pepper…At Lionesses of Africa, we are passionate about supporting  sustainable brands, and a great example is Oryx Desert Salt, founded by Samantha Skyring in South Africa. This growing
Image of the Day / Reform Studio

Sustainable fashion accessories…We love showcasing women business innovators, so this morning we are featuring the work of sustainable lifestyle brand, Reform Studio, an inspirational eco-focused manufacturing
Image of the Day /Femi Handbags

Full Bloom Style…Add a touch of summer florals to your wardrobe with one of the beautiful new Bloom handbags from Femi Handbags in Nigeria, founded by Femi Olayebi. With their eclectic pops of colour, there&rsq
Image of the Day / Melvins Teas

Time for tea…If you love tea, then this Cool Chamomile tea from the Melvins Tea brand, founded by Flora Mutahi in Kenya is just what you need. The brand is part of Melvin Marsh International, the Kenyan-based f
Image of the Day / Afropian

Storytelling through accessories…Afropian, the Pan-african lifestyle brand founded by Ethiopean entrepreneur Hortense Mbea, is a rare, fully hand-made in Africa brand. It uses traditional know-how in a modern way t
Image of the Day / AAKS

Vibrant Ghanaian craftsmanship,…We just have to share one of our favourite accessories of the year, this beautiful hand-woven bag created by award-winning designer Akosua Afriyie-Kumi and her AAKS brand in Ghana. We lo
Image of the Day / Ledikana

Contemporary South African Chic…Knowing exactly how to spot a gap in the marketplace is key to the success of any fashion brand, and Mapholo Ratau, founder of Ledikana in South Africa, has achieved that goal. For h
Image of the Day / The 1964 Brand

Modern relaxed fashion…Olakunmi Oni is the founder of The 1964 Brand in Nigeria, a fashion business that proudly promotes self-care through minimalist clothing for the modern woman. Loyal patrons of The 1964
Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Big bold accessories…We are big fans of luxury jewellery and accessories made with love and passion on the African continent, and Adèle Dejak in Kenya is the epitome of handmade luxury. The brand c
Image of the Day / ReelFruit
 
Healthy snack treats…We love showcasing Africa’s women agribusiness builders, and ReelFruit, founded by Affiong Williams, is inspirational - it’s the largest fruit processing, packaging and distributi
Image of the Day / Oryx Desert Salt

Sustainable salt and pepper…At Lionesses of Africa, we are passionate about supporting  sustainable brands, and a great example is Oryx Desert Salt, founded by Samantha Skyring in South Africa. This growing Image of the Day / Reform Studio

Sustainable fashion accessories…We love showcasing women business innovators, so this morning we are featuring the work of sustainable lifestyle brand, Reform Studio, an inspirational eco-focused manufacturing Image of the Day /Femi Handbags

Full Bloom Style…Add a touch of summer florals to your wardrobe with one of the beautiful new Bloom handbags from Femi Handbags in Nigeria, founded by Femi Olayebi. With their eclectic pops of colour, there&rsq Image of the Day / Melvins Teas

Time for tea…If you love tea, then this Cool Chamomile tea from the Melvins Tea brand, founded by Flora Mutahi in Kenya is just what you need. The brand is part of Melvin Marsh International, the Kenyan-based f Image of the Day / Afropian

Storytelling through accessories…Afropian, the Pan-african lifestyle brand founded by Ethiopean entrepreneur Hortense Mbea, is a rare, fully hand-made in Africa brand. It uses traditional know-how in a modern way t Image of the Day / AAKS

Vibrant Ghanaian craftsmanship,…We just have to share one of our favourite accessories of the year, this beautiful hand-woven bag created by award-winning designer Akosua Afriyie-Kumi and her AAKS brand in Ghana. We lo Image of the Day / Ledikana

Contemporary South African Chic…Knowing exactly how to spot a gap in the marketplace is key to the success of any fashion brand, and Mapholo Ratau, founder of Ledikana in South Africa, has achieved that goal. For h Image of the Day / The 1964 Brand

Modern relaxed fashion…Olakunmi Oni is the founder of The 1964 Brand in Nigeria, a fashion business that proudly promotes self-care through minimalist clothing for the modern woman. Loyal patrons of The 1964 Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Big bold accessories…We are big fans of luxury jewellery and accessories made with love and passion on the African continent, and Adèle Dejak in Kenya is the epitome of handmade luxury. The brand c Image of the Day / ReelFruit
 
Healthy snack treats…We love showcasing Africa’s women agribusiness builders, and ReelFruit, founded by Affiong Williams, is inspirational - it’s the largest fruit processing, packaging and distributi

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
Gladys Kgorane, an entrepreneur creating special events and wellness retreats for those looking for rest and relaxation
Gladys Kgorane, an entrepreneur creating special events and wellness retreats for those looking for rest and relaxation
Drienie Botes, an entrepreneur empowering women to achieve economic independence through beekeeping
Drienie Botes, an entrepreneur empowering women to achieve economic independence through beekeeping
Tumelo Tshwagong, a South African agri-entrepreneur contributing to finding sustainable local solutions to addressing food insecurity
Tumelo Tshwagong, a South African agri-entrepreneur contributing to finding sustainable local solutions to addressing food insecurity
Gloria Sellwane Phala, a South African entrepreneur helping clients benefit from the transformative impact of yoga
Gloria Sellwane Phala, a South African entrepreneur helping clients benefit from the transformative impact of yoga
Nondumiso Leshaba, a South African business builder providing professional business advisory and accounting services to SMEs
Nondumiso Leshaba, a South African business builder providing professional business advisory and accounting services to SMEs

LIONESS DATA & INSIGHTS


LIONESS PLAYBOOKS



Screen Shot 2020-01-27 at 6.01.32 PM.png
Screen Shot 2020-01-27 at 5.34.58 PM.png

Sign up today to receive the #1-rated newsletters for Africa's women entrepreneurs.

* indicates required
Required: Please select your newsletter(s):


LIONESS BOOK REVIEWS

Featured
Women Entrepreneurs Rewired To Rise: Powerful Habits that Break Through Burnout, Silence Your Inner Critic, and Build a Thriving Business from the Inside Out  by Fiona Soutter
Women Entrepreneurs Rewired To Rise: Powerful Habits that Break Through Burnout, Silence Your Inner Critic, and Build a Thriving Business from the Inside Out by Fiona Soutter
Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business by Liz Elting
Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business by Liz Elting
After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup by Julia Austin
After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup by Julia Austin
Feminine Intelligence: How visionary leaders can reshape business for good by Elina Teboul
Feminine Intelligence: How visionary leaders can reshape business for good by Elina Teboul
Bridging the Confidence Gap: How Empowered Women Change the World by Sheena Yap Chan
Bridging the Confidence Gap: How Empowered Women Change the World by Sheena Yap Chan

About Us  |  Contact Us  | PRIVACY POLICY | terms OF SERVICE  | Community Guidelines  

© 2025 LIONESSES OF AFRICA public benefit corporation. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.