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Rejoyce Sibanda, Chronicle Reporter

RUNNING two businesses that are kids-oriented is what defines her passion and love for children.
Ms Dumolwenkosi Nyoni (36) from Bradfield suburb runs child-oriented businesses, Kids Bake and Kids Haven.
The single mother of a five-year-old son has used her love to create a space exclusively for children of up to 14 that would make money for her.
Kids Bake which she established two years ago in Hillside suburb specialises in teaching tots how to bake.

Ms Nyoni said parents pay US$15 for a baking class or US$50 which will cover the whole month when the child attends classes every weekend.
She said children mostly attend on weekends and on holidays when they will not be at school. She said at Kids Bake there are baking parties and activities such as jumping castles, art, beadwork and swimming, among others, that will keep them entertained.

“I prefer dealing with children because they are innocent, fun and it makes going to work not feel like you are going to work. It makes you feel like you are going to play yet you are running a business. I love kids because they bring inner peace,” said Ms Nyoni.
On Friday, she held a grand opening for Kids Haven, a salon only for children, which she started with a partner.

She said the idea came through the strong drive to establish a kid-friendly place when they are getting their hair done.
“I realised the need for parents to find a safe place for kids where there is no noise and too much commotion like these adult salons. Another drive is that I once had a nasty experience when I went to the salon to do my hair and my son was restless because of the noise and overcrowding that is there,” said Ms Nyoni.

Ms Dumolwenkosi Nyoni with her assistants

She added that children will be granted the opportunity to have fun while they do their hair and they will be exposed to highly clean, sanitised and custom-made machinery for whatever services they need.
Ms Nyoni said the salon located near corner Fife Street and 12th Avenue will be starting with three employees, one barber and two hairdressers.

“Kids Haven is a salon that gives haircuts and hairstyles for children in a child-friendly environment. There are also snacks served and toys to play with while they are doing their hair,” she said.
She told Chronicle that her competitive businesses are doing well although, like most ventures they are seasonal.

Parents, Ms Nyoni said, should take their kids out to such places where they mingle with other children because it develops their cognitive, language skills and social life.
She said parents should desist from thinking that kid-oriented setups are a waste of time as they actually develop the child in ways that they may not see on the spot, but would later come in handy. — @ReeSibanda