Launching a business might feel like you’re biting more than you can chew or it could lead to a mouthful of possibilities. At least, that was Andriette de la Harpe’s experience when she started mondvol™ with nothing but her Ouma’s Kenwood mixer and love for baking. With her blind belief and talent, Andriette not only became a MasterChef SA runner-up contestant, but also created a female-owned and run business that sells delicious cookies, nationwide. This Women’s Month, we chat with de la Harpe about all things mondvol™, her Cookie Club, and the women who inspire her in work and life.

What inspired you to create mondvol?

In 2021, I became part of a statistic and was retrenched during COVID. I was completely devastated. I’ve been playing around with cakes [for a while], and as a way to keep the lights on, I started selling my cakes and baked goods in the estate where I was staying. Creating these treats brought me so much joy during a tough season, and so mondvol was born!

We love the name! Is there a story behind it?

I was sitting with one of my best friends during this tough season when she suggested I start a food blog. She was the one who came up with the name — I wish I could take credit for it! I love the play on words. Mondvol means ‘mouthful’ in Afrikaans, but it can be used in many different ways: ‘dit was ‘n mondvol,’ meaning ‘that was quite the story!’ And, of course, a mouthful of cake, cookies, and all the lovely things.

Many people watched your MasterChef journey. How did that experience impact your career?

MasterChef taught me to believe in myself. It gave me the fire to grow even bigger and chase my dreams. I am extremely proud of my business, mondvol — the ups and downs, risks and rewards — and where it stands today. From creating new products to getting a website and starting cake decorating classes and the mondvol cookies range, these small milestones are shaping into one big and beautiful one. All these moments lead to continuous achievement, a success that is still growing.

I am also proud to have a female-owned business supporting other women. I am passionate about spreading joy and making people feel worthy of being celebrated.

Did you face any challenges when starting mondvol?

Being an entrepreneur is not for the faint-hearted. It is a rollercoaster of a journey! I started in my small kitchen with a bar fridge and my Ouma’s Kenwood mixer. Slowly but surely, I could get better equipment. Taking risks is also a massive part of it. [Knowing] when to take a risk, mainly financial, can be daunting. As an entrepreneur, you have to get used to the constant tension of making your business a success. There will always be a need to improve, new marketing strategies, and new ways of growing. The biggest way to overcome these challenges is to trust in your vision. Do not wander away from it. Stay true to your authentic self and believe enough that it outweighs the risks.

When you’re not busy baking and running a business, what do you do in your spare time? If that even exists…

Haha! Spare time is just that… it comes sparingly, so I try to honour that free time and spend it with my family. I have the most incredible family — a little girl and a fiancé. My favourite thing is to spend time with them. And yes, that involves me cooking — I can’t seem to stay away from it!

Secret tips for baking the best cookies?

It sounds so silly, but by adding the best quality of chocolate, you are guaranteed a delicious cookie. And when baking, don’t be in a rush. When the recipe says ‘wait an hour’… wait; if it needs to be frozen, freeze it! I know it is tough, but I promise you, it is worth it.

Ultimate guilty pleasure?

A mondvol cookie!

Current food obsession?

A mondvol cookie, hehe! Other obsession… ginger and lemongrass. At the moment, I am living for Vietnamese flavours.

What makes mondvol treats distinctly delicious?

Using the best ingredients (I don’t hold back), as well as creating unique flavour profiles. Sometimes [incorporating] proudly South African [flavours] makes my baked goods different in all the right ways.

Any exciting products or projects coming up?

I am extremely excited about the mondvol Cookie Club! Being a part of this club will give you so much joy; you get 4 drops of mondvol cookies a year. [With this] special and limited gift, you can build your own box and get a 10% discount on everything. But most of all, you are a part of a community that values joy, loves celebrating others, and supports local. Now that is lekker!

For Women’s Month, we launched our ‘ Get it, Girl!’ Box. Customers will get to experience four new limited-edition flavours (Eclair, Granadilla Cheesecake, Smore’s & the Crolo) that guarantee a smile with every bite. With two classics (Peppermint Crisp and Nutella) joining this box, we really are living in our cookie era. We only use Lindt Chocolate, locally sourced butter, and the highest quality ingredients. We also make, shape, and bake each cookie by hand. The ‘Get it, Girl!’ box is almost sold out. If you’re on the fence, grab it today!

Who are some women who inspire you in work & life?

I am inspired by so many local businesswomen: Minki van der Westhuizen, Hannah Lavery, Madri Scherman from Masch, Errieda du Toit; Jandri van Zyl of The Velvet Cake Co.; Nikki Albertyn from Sweet LionHeart, and many more. Internationally, I look up to other bakeries that have done incredibly well, like Brooki & Levain; all female-owned businesses are rock stars to me! They have inspired me a lot in building the brand I have today.

Of course, an honourable mention to my mamma. She taught me how to work hard. Within her industry, she has made a name for herself. She also fights for what is right, and for that, I love her and look up to her.

What’s been the most rewarding aspect of this journey?

Spreading joy! The feedback from people – experiencing so much joy when eating my mondvol cookies – gives me life. I love knowing they feel loved and valued. Being celebrated is such a beautiful part of being human. I am also so proud of my team. Equipping them and seeing them grow has become my favourite part of my business.

Best advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Believe enough in yourself and your vision that the risks are worth it. Surround yourself with people who believe (even more than yourself) in you and always be generous. Be kind and see the kindness in others. Most people want to help and want you to succeed. It is hard and it won’t get much easier, but it is so worth it!

For delicious treats, order mondvol™ cookies and more at their online store. 

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