At 43 years old, Viveshni Joseph is not just a devoted mother and wife; she is the founder and macaron maven of Madame Macaron, an innovative boutique business dedicated to bringing the art of French macarons to South Africa.
Joseph has turned the delicate art of macaron-making into an accessible celebration, showcasing her love for these vibrant French confections over a thriving 13-year journey.
Born and raised in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, her journey into the world of macarons began in 2012, a time when these delicate confections were far from commonplace in SA.
Initially made for fun and to impress friends, her macaron experimentations captured the attention of many, transforming a casual pursuit into a thriving enterprise.
Through encouragement from a relentlessly entrepreneurial friend, she took the exciting step of selling her creations at local food markets.
The name “Madame Macaron”, a tribute created by her older sister, Niresha Govender, reflects Viveshni’s vision of elegance and approachability.
“I wanted to create something that feels both luxurious and approachable,” she explains.
“Whether you’re indulging in a treat, gifting someone special, or learning to make your own macarons, it’s about joy, colour, and connection.”
Today, the business has evolved beyond a simple bakery, offering baking classes, bespoke supplies for events, and even an interactive macaron bar for those looking to create their culinary masterpieces.
The business operations reflect Viveshni’s commitment to quality and community.
It operates from her custom studio kitchen in Riverside, where she facilitates hands-on classes, including the newly launched Bake Club – a welcoming social environment for baking enthusiasts.
With several branches, including bespoke macaron orders and ready-to-use macaron premixes, the business caters to a diverse clientele while fostering connections through the art of baking.
Interestingly, she was not a seasoned baker when she first attempted macarons.
“I had recently left my job to be home with my twin babies,” she recalls.
A chance encounter while watching “MasterChef Australia” ignited her curiosity.
“The macaron challenge came on, and my husband jokingly set me a challenge to try making them myself,” she continues.
Intrigued by their intricacy and aesthetic, she embarked on a delicious journey that opened up new creative avenues and converted her kitchen into a vibrant space for experimentation.
Among her proudest achievements, Viveshni cites the launch of Madame Macaron’s premix line as her career highlight, a product that encapsulates her growth and dedication to the craft.
“Seeing them out in the world, being used and enjoyed by others, has been incredibly fulfilling,” she reflects.
Yet, the journey is not without its challenges, particularly when balancing her roles as a mom, a wife, and a small business owner, all hindered by the physical toll of managing lupus, a condition she was diagnosed with three years ago.
Viveshni’s approach to challenges embodies her beliefs in resilience and consistency.
“Staying connected to your why keeps you grounded,” she stresses, highlighting the importance of building a community among fellow small business owners and valuing every customer interaction.
Amidst the sweetness of her creations, Joseph shares a secret behind the perfect macaron: “Take your time! This delicate art shouldn’t be rushed – every step matters.”
This mantra resonates with her students and clients alike, encouraging them to embrace patience and creativity in their baking endeavours.
As a devoted mother and an aficionado of perfumes, Viveshni seeks to find joy in all aspects of her life.
Looking ahead to 2025, she aims to promote the Macaron Bar experience further and to relaunch her popular Macaron of the Month Club.
Additionally, she has partnered with a collective of inspiring businesswomen to showcase Desi-centric event services infused with their shared heritage.
With every macaron she bakes, Viveshni not only delights palates but does so with heartfelt passion, ingenuity, and an unwavering commitment to her craft, making each experience uniquely special.
