#WCW: Netania Loyyd's Mary Ruby is a Durban passion project!

It's one of our favourite days of the week, because we get to marvel at some of the wonderful and inspiring women of KZN.

This #WCW, we're drooling over the deliciousness that we're experiencing courtesy of Netania Loyyd - owner of Mary Ruby Bakeshop in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

Mary Ruby brings you premium bakes, confections, and custom treats with homemade charm.

Everything that you purchase from the growing brand has been made by hand in small batches to ensure the finest quality.

We sat down with Netania for a chat about her journey - and you will quickly come to realise why she is out #WCW this week!

Tell us about yourself... have you always wanted to own your own business?  

My name is Netania Loyyd and I am 26 years old. I currently reside in Durban. I am the owner of a quaint little online bakeshop called Mary Ruby. I am also an aspiring psychologist and hold an honours degree in clinical psychology. After returning from a year abroad in 2020, I was looking for a way to supplement my income while applying for my master's programme - and Mary Ruby was born. This was supposed to be a passion project while I finished my master's, but what I envisioned and what happened were two completely different things. To my complete and utter surprise, people in Durban responded so well to the brand and in 2021, this became my full-time job.

Is this your passion - baking and decorating?

Baking and cooking has become my passion now, but it wasn't always the case. When I left home to study in Cape Town I hadn't cooked or baked much before - I had to become more independent.

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Tell us about your business and some of things you have learned since starting out...

This business has so much meaning and sentimentality to me. It’s name comes from my grandmothers Marian and Ruby, who were two powerhouses that didn’t have much growing up. As a result, they were strong, fierce, and hardworking, even in a time when being a woman carried many challenges. They were pillars in their communities who did not let their circumstances dictate their capabilities. Because of them, this business is passionate about empowering and uplifting other women.

Marian and Ruby were also absolute kitchen bosses and could turn the most simple and modest ingredients into an incredible dish. They didn’t always have much to work with, so they had to be creative. This tenacity and innovation, is what I try to translate into this business. We use simple, honest, local ingredients to create wholesome and premium bakes.

What's your favourite quote and why?

I’ve always loved the story about a king who grew tired of always being sad and subsequently assembled a group of wise men to create something that would make him happy when he was sad. Many thought it was an impossible task set forth by the king to ridicule their wisdom, until one day one of the wise men gifted the king a ring with the words, “This too shall pass”, inscribed on it. 

This quote has always resonated with me and I’ve carried it with me through all my obstacles and challenges because it reminds me that even the most difficult days will eventually pass.

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If you had to give advice to someone starting off as an entrepreneur, what would it be?

I still see myself as someone who is very new to the industry, and I am constantly in a state of learning. But to those who are starting their own businesses or thinking of starting something, I would firstly encourage you to be fearless in your pursuit of your dream - even if it seems small. Don’t doubt and second guess yourself with the fear of failure hovering over your shoulder. They say that the brave don’t live forever, but the cautious don’t live at all. Be brave and take the first step. You never know where it could lead you.

Secondly, if you are passionate and fierce about your dream, then no challenge or obstacle will waiver that determination. And believe me, the forces of nature will have a good time trying. Don’t underestimate the amount of time and sacrifice your own business takes. I remember when I started this, I thought I would just bake and be able to share that with people, but there is SO much more to it than the simple expectation I once held. You will find yourself fulfilling many other roles such as delivery service, customer service consultant, social media marketer, liaison with suppliers, and so on and so forth. It can all be overwhelming and this is something I am still trying to balance, but lean on your loved ones and friends and you will be pleasantly surprised at the willingness of others to help

Tell us about your plans for the future...

Mary Ruby will very much remain an online service. I believe that the online industry is growing and thriving and that is where the future is. It has never been my vision for the business to own a physical store, however, we are aiming to expand our collection points and partner with retailers to make the products more accessible. 

Furthermore, I have always referred to the brand as ‘Mary Ruby’ and not ‘Mary Ruby Bakeshop’, as I never wanted to restrict the brand to solely being a bakery. It will always be a forefront of the business, but I would love to see my baby expand to incorporate cooking and wholesome food.

All in all, my dream became something tangible, because of the love and support of my incredible customers. Without the messages of encouragement, the social media engagement and, of course, the orders, this small business would cease to exist. For this, I am so appreciative, grateful, and humbled that something I built from the ground up has connected with all of you.

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Images courtesy of Netania Loyyd