Asha Batenga Talks Shoes, Jumpsuits and How She dealt With A Wardrobe Malfunction

Asha Batenga is the founder of Cakely Uganda, Kampala Cake Fair and The Cake Fair Magazine. The biggest lesson she’s had all through her career is to never be mean with knowledge. “If you are mean you do not grow,” she shared. That’s why she was kind enough to talk to Satisfashion UG about wardrobe malfunctions, wearing jumpsuits and owning over 50 pairs of shoes

What do you normally wear to work?

I like to wear pants because they are flexible, and the tie up apron before I hit the oven! When going for work meetings, I do office pants or dresses.

What’s your go to work makeup?

Red lipstick and Mac powder if I’m in a hurry on regular days.

How long do you take to get dressed for work?

Thirty minutes. Deciding what to wear takes most of my time because, sometimes the clothes arranged for me to wear may not fit my feeling for the day. I just try on this and that until I find the right outfit.

Do you have a special outfit you wear for big meetings or a tough work day?

I love jumpsuits because they are comfortable, and if they are in black, much better. I love black. It’s a glamorous color that can go with anything. When going for work meetings, I wear dresses or office pants.

How many pairs of work wear shoes do you own?

Every time someone walks into my house, they leave with a pair or two! Haha but now I own approximately 50 pairs, 70% are heels, and 30% are boots, flats, sneakers and gym shoes.

Where do you shop comfortable work clothes and shoes?

I shop in many places, lately I’m obsessed with Glitz by Nalu.  It’s where I buy my jumpsuits and other clothes. If I want something specific, I go to Renzioni, where I also buy my beauty products. I buy shoes at Cake Shop Marketday. People sell stuff in the Facebook group.

What’s the most expensive thing you’ve bought and not used?

Shoes! I always buy shoes only to find out that they are either uncomfortable to wear or don’t fit. And also baking products. I once bought a mixer that cost me 5 million but when it was delivered, it was a bread mixer. I’ve never touched it again since then.

Have you ever had a wardrobe malfunction? How did you deal with it?

I had gone for a Miss Uganda event and had these fancy high heels on. I had never worn them, so this seemed like an opportune time to debut them. As I got out of the car, the heel of one of my shoes broke! I fled fast since I was near the unforgiving Ugandan paparazzi photographers. As I was fleeing the scene, the other heel also broke. I took the shoes off, laughed to the core and walked barefoot the rest of the evening. Oh gosh, that was a moment!

What are the ups and downs of your job?

There are many fake suppliers in the market. Some clients tell you that they have cancelled after you bake the cake and you end up selling it at a giveaway price.

Baking is seasonal, demand is high in December and other specific months and other times, it’s like cake is forgotten. These are the slow days.

How many times do you eat or taste cake in a day?

Not that often. I only taste if it’s a new recipe or when a client complains about a specific taste. Otherwise, I don’t have to taste, I’m confident about the quality of what I make.

What style rules do you swear by?

A lady should always try to look her best, no matter the circumstances. Lipstick or lip balm is enough if you prefer to not wear makeup. Cracked dry lips look really horrible on a lady, don’t go for a job interview with them. Always keep your hair in order. Your face is the first thing someone looks at before they listen to your intelligent words.

This interview has been edited and condensed.

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