Lillian Mataitini Williams has always drawn inspiration from her children.
Whether she worked an 8 to 5 job or ran a business, it was her boys who always pushed her to do more with her skills.
From Nukuni Village in Ono-i-Lau with maternal links to Lomanikoro, Rewa, Lillian runs a small home business called The Chocolate Mama.
Four years ago, she realised her potential when she created a character-themed cake for her three-year-old son.
That special experience altered her direction and inspired her to start a cake business.
“Seeing the joy on my child’s face that morning when he saw the cake changed everything for me,” she said.
“What keeps me motivated every day is my family, my faith, and the joy of seeing a child’s face light up. That feeling never gets old.
“They are my motivation. Their excitement, their imagination and happiness pushed me to turn a simple hobby into something more meaningful.
“I didn’t always dream of owning a baking business, but I always knew I wanted to create something of my own.”
She started her business in 2022, and orders soon began pouring in when friends and family saw her work.
“What began in my kitchen for my children turned into The Chocolate Mama.”
It was during COVID-19 that she picked up baking as a pastime and something she found therapeutic — a passion that quickly developed into something far greater.
“Baking became that one thing that allowed me to express myself creatively while still being present for my children.”
Operating from home
Like many small businesses, operating from home has proven ideal for Lillian
“I chose to operate from home because family comes first for me.
“Running my business from home allows me to balance motherhood and entrepreneurship. It gives me flexibility while still growing something meaningful.
“Some of the biggest challenges when I first started were self-doubt, limited equipment, and learning how to price my work properly. There were long nights, mistakes, and moments of doubting myself. But I kept going.
“My family has supported me in so many ways. From taste testing to encouraging me when I felt overwhelmed – their faith in me really gave me strength.
“The most difficult part of running a home-based business is balancing everything. Being a mother, running the household, and meeting deadlines. That can be overwhelming, but time management is key.
She said there have been moments when she wanted to give up.
“Late nights, exhaustion, slow weeks – they test your ability to do things. But my family, my faith, and the smiles on my customers’ faces keep me going.
“Since starting, I’ve learned about patience, consistency, and the importance of believing in myself. I’ve learned that growth takes time, and every mistake is a lesson.
“Balancing home life and business is not always perfect. Some days are smooth, some are chaotic. But I plan, involve my family when I can, and remind myself why I started.
Specialty
Lillian specialises in children’s character cakes and custom celebration cakes.
“I love bringing children’s imaginative creations to life through cakes. There’s something magical about turning a theme into something edible and beautiful.
“My best seller is my custom character cakes. I think customers love them because they’re not just cakes, they’re memories.
“Every detail is made with care, and parents trust that I will make their child’s day extra special with the cake.”
Future Plans
Most of her customers find her through social media and word of mouth.
“Social media allows people to see my work, and word of mouth builds trust. Both have been a blessing to my business.
“In the future, I would love to expand, whether that’s a small shop or a bigger kitchen space. But for now, I’m grateful to grow step by step.
“My goals for the next few years are to strengthen my brand, improve my skills, expand my customer base, and maybe mentor other women who want to start their own baking journey.
“To other women who want to start a home business: start with what you have. Don’t wait for everything to be perfect. Believe in yourself. Stay consistent. Your beginning doesn’t have to look big to become something great.
“To young people with a passion for baking: practice, be creative, and don’t be afraid to try. Your gift can open doors you never imagined.”
With every cake she creates, Lillian continues to turn love, faith and creativity into something tangible – one that not only celebrates special moments but also tells the story of a mother who dared to build something of her own from the heart of her home.
Lillian Mataitini Williams works her magic on a themed cake. Picture: SUPPLIED
