Creating Goodness - Jeanne Nyangoma - Jollity Healthy Treats

Jeanne Nyangoma, Entrepreneur Academy & Fast Track Accelerator

Country: Uganda

Business: Jollity Healthy Treats

Industry: Food

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Jeanne Nyangoma’s Jollity Healthy Treats was born from her personal quest for baked goods that were low in sugar and refined wheat. When she realized how difficult it was to find pre-made products in Kampala, and how expensive it was when she did find them, she decided to try her hand at baking at home. After eight months of testing and inviting feedback from friends, she landed on a line of cakes, breads, and snacks that tasted good and were healthy. And then the phone started ringing. Word quickly got out about her products, and people all over Kampala started flooding her with delivery orders and requests for gluten free and vegan items. Jeanne had discovered the pent-up demand for specialty baked goods, and Jollity became a premier source for gluten free and vegan bakery goods in the city.

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What started as a kitchen experiment quickly grew to a thriving enterprise. Jeanne explains,

“Before I officially started my business, baking was just a way to get some fun money. As my customers grew, I realized I needed to learn how to do this.”

She enrolled in the 16-week Sinapis Entrepreneur Academy and learned how to run a business. Everything she learned was practical. “I learned pricing, how to break down costs, how to target my market and develop a sales funnel. If I hadn’t done the Sinapis course, I would have closed the business by now.” Jeanne also participated in our first Uganda Fast Track Accelerator and pitched in our 2019 Ugandan Business Competition.

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All her training was tested when COVID hit. As Uganda shut down and the bakery orders dried up, Jeanne shifted to selling gluten free flour mixes directly to her customers for home baking. She launched a social media presence to connect with customers, including a Facebook page with recipes and how-to cooking videos on her YouTube channel. She also added a wholesale line for her flour and contracted with local bakers who are adding gluten free items to their inventory. Since COVID, wholesale flour orders have added 40% to her profit margin with projected growth that will soon eclipse her in-house bakery sales. As a result of this unexpected success, she plans to shift her business model over to wholesale flour orders, bake-at-home mixes, and teaching.

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She credits Sinapis and the biblically-integrated training she received as a major factor in her success. Jollity Healthy Treats is more than a company, it’s a mission.

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“We live in a community. It’s not just about the money, I am helping people with a need -- it’s a service.”

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This year has been full of challenges, but she is leading her business with faith. “God is with me. I’m not afraid to take risks; I learned there is always a positive side. My slogan is healthy is the new happy because it matters where you place your focus and your attitude. Don’t give up, don’t be afraid.”

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