High Tea Tighty began as a small home-based baking business and has grown steadily over time Built on a love for creativity and detail, the brand focuses on celebration cakes, pastries and baked treats that balance presentation with flavour.
Founder Zaheera Musa, who has a background in Fine Art and formal training in patisserie, has shaped the business through a hands-on, evolving approach to entrepreneurship. What started as a small operation has gradually developed into a more defined brand, now entering a new phase with a rebrand and a stronger focus on premium brownies and gifting.
She chats with GLAMOUR to reflect on the journey so far — from starting at home to navigating challenges, learning business lessons along the way, and continuing to grow a brand built on creativity, consistency and connection.
GLAMOUR: High Tea Tighty started as a home business and has grown into a recognisedbaking brand. What inspired you to take the leap into entrepreneurship?
Zaheera Musa: I noticed early on that there was a gap in the market for quality products and exceptional service being offered together in the cake and dessert space. I wanted to create the kind of experience I would want as a customer, something that felt premium, tasted incredible and met an international standard.
People often say they're used to cakes that either look beautiful but don't taste great, or taste amazing but lack visual appeal. We've always aimed to deliver both, and I believe that's what has helped set High Tea Tighty apart.
GLAMOUR: You have a background in Fine Art and formal training in patisserie. How have those experiences shaped your creative approach to baking and product development?
Zaheera Musa: Many people don't know that I have a BA in Fine Art, and I think that creative foundation influences everything I do. What I enjoy most is the opportunity to create, whether it's through cakes, desserts or new product concepts.
High Tea Tighty has always been known for its specialty cakes, and over the years we've experimented with a wide variety of desserts and high tea treats. In fact, the name itself reflects that diversity. When I opened my first bakery in Claremont in 2013, it was built around that idea of offering something creative and varied.
GLAMOUR: High Tea Tighty recently underwent a rebrand with a stronger focus on premium brownies. What inspired this shift, and what does the future of the business look like?
Zaheera Musa: We've recently undergone an exciting rebrand and are now focusing on a hero product that has always been one of our bestsellers: our triple chocolate brownies.
We've elevated the product with premium ingredients, introduced new flavour variations and launched national delivery. While cakes and cupcakes will remain part of the business, our focus is on scaling our brownie range and positioning it as a luxury gifting product.
Our goal is to become South Africa's premium brownie gifting brand, whether for events, corporate gifting, hotel amenities or thoughtful gifts for loved ones.
GLAMOUR: You graduated top of your class in patisserie and earned an international Gold City & Guilds medal. How has your formal training influenced the standards you set for yourself and your business today?
Zaheera Musa: I hold a Diploma in Patisserie and an international Gold City & Guilds gold medal, and while I'm incredibly proud of those achievements, they only mean something if you're willing to maintain those standards every day.
Running a business requires discipline, consistency and hard work. Qualifications may open doors, but it's dedication and perseverance that sustain long-term success.
GLAMOUR: Many people see the polished final product, but not the journey behind it. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while building High Tea Tighty, and what kept you going during difficult periods?
Zaheera Musa: Building a business is never a straight line. People often see the polished result, but behind that are countless highs and lows, setbacks and victories.
I've experienced difficult personal circumstances and financial challenges along the way, but those moments taught me resilience. I've always tried to focus on growth, look for opportunities within challenges and trust the process.
Having a strong support system and a great team has also made a tremendous difference. No one builds a successful business entirely on their own.
GLAMOUR: You have had opportunities to learn from renowned culinary figures such as Buddy Valastro and Reza Mahammad. How did those experiences come about, and what lessons did they leave you with?
Zaheera Musa: Although those experiences were relatively brief, they were incredibly valuable. Buddy Valastro was the judge of a cake competition I entered many years ago, and receiving feedback from someone of his calibre was a significant moment.
I also had opportunities to work behind the scenes with celebrity chefs at various events. Seeing how they approached their craft encouraged me to think beyond technical skills and consider the bigger picture of positioning, branding and innovation within the industry.
GLAMOUR: Your creations are known for their elegance, attention to detail and beautiful presentation. Where does that aesthetic come from, and how do you bring it to life through your brand?
Zaheera Musa: I firmly believe that excellence lies in the details. The smallest touches often make the biggest difference and help transform a good product into a memorable one.
I love creating beautiful things and take great pride in every aspect of the customer experience, from the product itself to the way it's packaged and presented. I think my personal style naturally influences the brand because I appreciate beauty, refinement and thoughtful details in every area of life.
GLAMOUR: Food trends move quickly, especially on social media. How do you balance staying relevant with creating products that have lasting appeal?
Zaheera Musa: We definitely embrace trends because they're fun, engaging and allow us to connect with our audience in new ways.
At the same time, trends come and go. The key is finding a balance between introducing fresh ideas while maintaining the quality and timeless appeal that customers already know and love. New flavours and creative twists help keep things exciting without losing the essence of the brand.
GLAMOUR: Beyond baking, you've built a strong online community through behind-the-scenes content and storytelling. How important has it been for people to connect with the person behind the brand?
Zaheera Musa: Since our rebrand earlier this year, we've made a conscious effort to share more behind-the-scenes content and show the people behind the business.
Storytelling allows customers to feel connected to the journey. Rather than simply seeing the finished product, they become part of the process and develop a deeper relationship with the brand.
GLAMOUR: What have social media platforms taught you about your customers, and how has that influenced the way you engage with your audience?
Zaheera Musa: Social media has taught me that connection is everything. People want to feel seen, heard and included. The more we engage through comments, questions and conversations, the stronger that relationship becomes. It transforms content from a one-way message into a genuine community.
GLAMOUR: As a mother and entrepreneur, how have those two roles shaped your approach to leadership, resilience and building a sustainable business?
Zaheera Musa: Being a mother has influenced my leadership style in countless ways. My children motivate me to build something meaningful, and many of the lessons that apply to parenting—compassion, discipline, resilience and leading by example—also apply to business.
I always encourage my children to focus on being better than they were yesterday, and I approach business in much the same way. Growth comes from continuous learning, self-awareness and a willingness to improve.
GLAMOUR: Looking back, what is one business lesson you wish you had learned earlier in your entrepreneurial journey?
Zaheera Musa: A business cannot survive on passion alone. Passion is important, but understanding your numbers, knowing your customer and implementing the right systems are what create sustainable growth.
GLAMOUR: As High Tea Tighty enters this new chapter, what legacy do you hope the brand will leave behind, and how do you want people to remember it?
Zaheera Musa: I hope people remember the moments they shared around our products—the celebrations, milestones and memories that our cakes and brownies became part of.
As we grow our brownie range, I want High Tea Tighty to become synonymous with gifting and indulgence. I want us to be known for creating products that people genuinely look forward to receiving, sharing and talking about long after the last bite.
Recent stories by:
Sindeka Mandoyi
Pride Month: South Africa remains Africa’s only country with legal same-sex marriage
Exclusive: Gugu Gumede opens up about playing Joyce in Netflix's The Polygamist
Exclusive: Sue Nyathi on The Polygamist’s journey from debut novel to screen adaptation
Youth Month: Drummer Tanatswa Pepukai on music, purpose and the rise of Nala Collective
Naomi Osaka's viral tennis looks are redefining sports fashion
GLAMOUR Recommends
Meet the African Storytellers On Our Radar
Dismantling ageism in fashion: Women redefining style beyond numbers
The Anti-Inflammation morning routine experts swear by
Women Who Made Me: Sindiswa Zulu on the women who inspired and shaped her career
Women In Charge: Dr Athambile Masola on literature, language and the legacy of Steve Biko
Women In Charge: Bonang Matheba reflects on mother’s day, matriarchs and South African women
Miss South Africa Qhawekazi Mazaleni and first-runner up Luyanda Zuma set to take up space at Metro FM Music awards 2026
