A Sweet Departure: Rejecting Corporate Life for Cake Dreams

While many graduates aspire to high-paying jobs in large corporations,Rehan Budi Setiawan (26) took a different path. Instantly after graduation, he plunged into the world of cake making, transforming a simple hobby into a flourishing business.

The Genesis of Mauku Cake: from Dessert Boxes to a Booming trend

Rehan’s entrepreneurial journey began during his final year of college. He and his then-girlfriend (now wife) created dessert boxes as farewell gifts for interns and friends. The positive feedback, coupled with the rising popularity of Korean bento cakes in 2021-2022, sparked an idea. Rehan saw an possibility and started promoting his creations on social media.

Initially, it was just a distraction before working on my thesis. We sold dessert boxes, and with the Korean cake trend booming, we decided to get serious and post on social media. After graduating, I dedicated myself to this.

Rehan Budi setiawan

The initial investment was modest,around Rp 100,000,used to purchase basic ingredients and packaging. Within six months, growing demand prompted Rehan to open his own shop, marking a notable step in the evolution of Mauku Cake.

Building a Brand: Family, Flour, and a Growing Fortune

mauku Cake started as a family affair, with Rehan’s wife playing a crucial role. The business quickly outgrew its humble beginnings. What started with a Rp 100,000 investment has blossomed into a venture generating an average of Rp 120-130 million per month, with a daily production of approximately 25 cakes of varying sizes.

currently, daily revenue hovers around Rp 4 million. The approach of Eid al-Fitr has further boosted sales, with hamper orders driving turnover up by 40%. This Ramadan alone, Rehan anticipates a turnover of approximately Rp 175 million.

Navigating the Business landscape: Learning and Adapting

Despite lacking prior experience in the professional world,Rehan now employs 11 people. He continuously enhances his business acumen by learning from online resources like YouTube and participating in webinars. This self-directed learning has been instrumental in navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship.

Running a business like this isn’t easy. There are struggles every year, especially since I’ve never worked in a corporate setting. I learn by watching YouTube and joining webinars, which gives me a clearer picture.

Rehan Budi Setiawan

Rehan’s Recipe for Success: Strategy, Action, and Consistency

Rehan emphasizes the importance of a well-defined business strategy, consistent execution, and proactive customer engagement. His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple: take the leap and start. If you only think about the strategy, it will never materialize, he says.

A Taste of Mauku Cake: From Korean Designs to Festive Hampers

Mauku Cake offers a diverse range of products, including Korean-style birthday cakes, cupcakes, and special hampers for Lebaran. prices range from Rp 90,000 to Rp 400,000, catering to various budgets and preferences.

Visit Mauku Cake

for those eager to sample Rehan’s creations, Mauku Cake is located on Jalan Veteran Raya, Bintaro, pesanggrahan, South Jakarta. You can also explore their offerings and place orders via their Instagram account: @maukucake.