Young Randburg bakers take centre stage at Ferndale market
Randburg residents will get a taste of a new local business this month when Rainbow Smiles — a cupcake venture run by two young entrepreneurs — opens a stall at the Meet Me FOR Little Market in Ferndale on 19 September. The duo, who started the business in 2025, have built their brand around bright colours, playful flavours and a hands-on market presence.
The business was started by Iminathi Goje and Maya Mgcina, who, according to earlier local reporting, turned a childhood love of baking into a small enterprise. The pair said the name came together naturally: “We had a cupcake, then we had a rainbow, and then a smile. So, we thought, ‘Rainbow Smiles’.” They also said they make an effort to show that branding in person by smiling at customers and wearing rainbow colours.
Both founders described their first market experience as exhilarating. Iminathi said the reaction made them want to “scream and fall down,” while Maya described feeling “very excited.” Those first positive responses gave them the confidence to expand their market presence and refine a menu aimed mainly at children.
- Character-inspired flavours — The menu includes names such as Cookie Monster, Elmo and Monster Eyes, designed to draw children’s attention.
- Rainbow Surprise — A notable seller, this cupcake contains a hidden candy centre that reveals itself when bitten into.
- Hands-on production — Iminathi and Maya share baking and decorating duties and say they support each other throughout the process.
“Monster Eyes is a little bit scary, but scary can be fun,” Maya said, emphasising that even spookier flavours are presented in a playful way.
What to expect at the stall
The pair have focused on products that appeal to younger customers, emphasising colour, character and surprise. The Rainbow Surprise has already become a fan favourite because of its hidden candy filling. Iminathi said: “It has candy inside. You don’t know what you will get until you bite it!”
| Flavour | Description |
|---|---|
| Cookie Monster | Character-themed cupcake aimed at children who love cookies |
| Elmo | Bright, friendly design inspired by a popular character |
| Monster Eyes | Slightly spooky visual, playful taste |
| Rainbow Surprise | Hidden candy centre for a surprise with every bite |
Rainbow Smiles grew out of a childhood idea, the founders said: they “came up with the idea when we were five.” Since launching in 2025, they’ve taken lessons from early market experiences and applied them to product development and customer interaction.
Local context and why this matters
Market culture remains a central part of Randburg’s local economy and social life, providing an accessible platform for foodpreneurs, crafters and small traders to test products and build a customer base. For young entrepreneurs such as Iminathi and Maya, markets offer low barriers to entry and immediate feedback from shoppers — crucial for refining recipes, pricing and branding.
For shoppers, the Meet Me FOR Little Market is an opportunity to support neighbourhood businesses and to see how local youth are turning hobbies into small enterprises. The emphasis on child-friendly flavours and playful branding also fills a niche at family-focused market days.
Residents planning to visit on 19 September can expect a colourful stall and a range of cupcakes aimed at younger palates. The founders said they will continue to experiment with flavours and designs as they grow the brand.
Where: Meet Me FOR Little Market, Ferndale
When: 19 September
Who: Rainbow Smiles, founded by Iminathi Goje and Maya Mgcina (started 2025)
Their story is a reminder that small local markets remain an entry point for aspiring entrepreneurs and a place where community meets commerce.
