When we think of Andriette de la Harpe, vibrant colours and delightful sweet treats come to mind!
Following her retrenchment due to the COVID-19 lockdown, Andriette faced a challenging period where she found it difficult to get out of bed for a week, clinging to her now-lost job title. However, within a few months, she reinvented herself as the owner of ‘n Mondvol (“a mouthful”), a charming cakery in Stellenbosch she affectionately calls “home-made therapy.”
Through ‘n Mondvol, Andriette’s baking journey flourished, culminating in her participation in MasterChef South Africa season 4. Her talent and passion earned her the runner-up spot – and if there’s one thing that we truly love and appreciate about Andriette, it’s that she’s just as sweet as the treats that leave her bakery.
As one of our inspiring women for our Inspirational Woman of the Month series, we caught up with Andriette on her sweet culinary journey and the challenges and peaks of building her brand and business:
As a previous Master Chef competitor, how has being on the show shaped your passion and drive moving into starting Mondvol?
I am very proud of my small business, my bakery – Mondvol. After MasterChef, I went full in and have been working extremely hard to make it a success. Masterchef taught me that I am strong and brave enough and maybe a little bit crazy enough to do anything! I wanted to make sure to use this opportunity to its full advantage.
Who was your biggest female inspiration when starting your baking venture?
I am inspired by so many local businesswomen: Minki, Hannah Lavery, Madri from Masch, Errieda du Toit; Cake Canteen co-owners, Jandri van Zyl and Nicky Albertyn; and many more. Internationally, I look up to other bakeries that have done incredibly well, like Brooki & Levain; all female-owned businesses are rock stars to me! They have inspired me a lot to have the brand I have today.
Of course, an honourable mention to my mamma! She taught me how to work hard. Within her industry, she has made a name for herself. She also fights for what is right, and for that, I love her and look up to her.
What advice do you have for young female bakers who might feel demotivated whilst learning various techniques?
Be kind to yourself and allow room for making mistakes. That is how you learn (and these are delicious mistakes…) Read & learn as much as possible. Google is your friend and YouTube is filled with wonderful tutorials! Push yourself by making things outside of your comfort zone. Practice makes everything!
What were some of the initial challenges you faced as a woman when starting out in the industry?
One of the biggest challenges is to know when to take risks and when not to. Always being ahead of the game, trying to stay relevant. For me, the balance of finding inspiration around me and having my own authentic and creative voice is crucial to your success. As a female owner, knowing when to stand your ground can be daunting, but the more you do it, and the more you believe not only in yourself but your product, the more you get confident to take up your space, trust your instincts, and stand your ground.
What is one quote or motto that you live by that continues to drive and inspire you to achieve your goals?
If it doesn’t scare you, you’re not dreaming big enough. I try to always be a bit uncomfortable, a bit scared, and a bit nervous. This means I’m busy pushing myself, trying something new, and taking a risk! That’s being brave!
When looking at everything you have achieved as a businesswoman what advice would you give to your younger self when you felt unsure?
Your authentic voice, creative gifts, and unique views are worthy and needed in this world. You, just as you are, built the way you are, the way you think and believe, the way you create and move will be seen by others and will noticed as authentic. Stay true to who you are.
What are your long-term goals for ‘n Mondvol?
To build my team! The more jobs I can create, the more women I can empower, the more joy I can spread, the better! Seeing my team thrive and grow is what it is all about! I would love for Mondvol to become a household name associated with joy, excellence, love, and value.
What challenges do you feel are the hardest for women who are trying to start a business in the baking industry? How did you overcome them and how would you guide young women through this process?
Finding your authentic voice is crucial to building your brand. There are tons of inspiration around us, and we need to be inspired. But it is so important to make your business your own. Add your own flare, your own flavours, and your own unique packaging. People connect to authenticity. Women receive more judgment and scrutiny in the industry. Therefore staying true to yourself and being excellent at everything you do, they cannot win.
What impact do you want Mondvol to have as a business and how do you continue to find inspiration?
I want people who receive a Mondvol box of cookies or baked goods to feel worthy of being celebrated. Many times we associate treats with a guilty pleasure. I don’t want any guilt surrounding the Mondvol brand. With us it is you are worthy of being spoilt, you deserve to be treated and you are worth celebrating.
By keeping my standards extremely high with the best ingredients and excellent services, I try to continue to find inspiration all around me. My heritage, my country, trends & the classics. I believe by adding the above-mentioned, you will have a recipe for success and impact!
How has the community inspired you during your journey?
There is no way Mondvol will be where it is now without the incredible community surrounding it. I call them my family, as the care, support & love for me is more than just a client. So many influencers, actors, and creatives generously promote me for free. That is truly what makes us South African. Our generous spirit and our love for local. We are such lekker people!
Follow Andriette and Mondvol on the following platforms:
Instagram: Mond_vol
Website: Mondvol.co
Facebook: Mondvol Bakery
ALSO SEE: Inspiring women of the month: Lize Mouton on building a legacy
Inspiring women of the month: Lize Mouton on building a legacy
Images: Supplied/ Mondvol Instagram
