Some businesses are born out of research and focus groups, while others emerge from the love of creation - like Melissa's, which blossomed from a passion for good, wholesome food. Melissa van Hoogstraten, young, newly married and still figuring out what to do for a living, opened her first store 21 years ago in Kloof Street, Cape Town. Her husband, Mark, had suggested she open a little shop selling things she loved and had baked herself. Shortly after, they stumbled upon the Kloof Street premises around the corner from their flat. It was too big for their needs but they signed the lease anyway, with just enough money to cover the first month's rent. The day the store opened, Melissa baked all the rusks and biscuits and packed and labelled them. "I had no idea how to run a restaurant, but people actually came and loved it and naturally ended up spending more and more time there. I had to figure out a way to feed them. For me, the most obvious solution was to feed them as I would gues...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.