‘The Lil Blondie Bakery’ …where delectable treats are created

May 01, 2022 News

---

Young Entrepreneur On The Move…

“Young entrepreneurs are testaments to the innovativeness of young people. They are proof that young people can change the game and break boundaries.”

By Allyiah Allicock

Kaieteur News – As we continue to shed light on young entrepreneurs and small businesses in Guyana, today we turn our attention to ‘The Lil Blondie Bakery’, a business that has been stimulating the taste buds of many people since it was introduced. The Lil Blondie Bakery, which offers a variety of ‘blondies’ and sweet treats is one being pioneered by 23-year-old Chantal Jagoo.

Jagoo is currently a final year student at the University of Guyana, majoring in Literature and Linguistics. In a recent interview with Kaieteur News, the young entrepreneur revealed that her bakery business was not one she had long envisaged but rather it was brought into being as a result of the pandemic –the pandemic made her decide to hone her passion for baking. “In the early months of the pandemic in 2020, when we were all in lockdown, I decided to get into baking. It was something that I already knew how to do, as I grew up around family members that baked, and it was something that I had always wanted to get into but I just never had the time,” she said. Jagoo added that when she made the decision to get into baking, one of the first treats she tried was baking blondies, since it was something new she had heard about through a television show. Blondies, according to her, are essentially white chocolate brownies. They do not contain cocoa powder. They instead have a rich white chocolate and vanilla flavour, and because of this, it can be enhanced in a number of different ways with the addition of other items such as Oreos, M&Ms, various types of nuts and fruits, peanut butter, and even alcohol. Following months of making blondies, she decided to have some of her friends “test it out” at a small gathering they had.“My friends loved them and began to encourage me to start selling them. They said that I would be providing something new and unique and that I would definitely attract customers. I was hesitant for a long time because I didn’t know anything about running a business and I lacked confidence in myself and in my abilities, but after a few months of encouragement, I finally decided to take the leap and open ‘The Lil Blondie Bakery’,” Jagoo shared. It was with that encouragement, the young woman officially kick started her business venture in January of last year. Since being in operation, the young woman said that the support for her business has been “really great.” But although business has been thriving, Jagoo said it has not been without challenges, some of which she is still trying to overcome. “Learning how to run a business has definitely been one of my biggest challenges as I have no prior experience or training. Marketing my products has also been a huge challenge as I have also had to learn how to market. Learning how to balance my studies alongside running my business has also been one of my biggest challenges. This has taught me a lot about managing my time and my schedule in order to both maintain good grades and to continuously put out high quality products,” she highlighted. Another big challenge she faces is that people do not know what her products are, since it is something new and as such she has trouble attracting a wider customer base. She noted that people tend to go for things they’re familiar with and as such her aim is to introduce as many people as possible to blondies. “I wouldn’t say that I have exactly overcome these challenges. Instead, it has been a gradual and continuous process of learning and adapting strategies and tactics to become better. I have learned so much already and I know that there is still so much more to learn,” she added. When asked about her business goals, our featured entrepreneur disclosed that while she is still unsure as to whether she wants to open a physical space, she definitely wants her business to grow, especially in terms of its online presence. Jagoo, who noted that there is still a long way to go with her brand, is of the belief that “Young entrepreneurs are testaments to the innovativeness of young people. They are proof that young people can change the game and break boundaries.” She suggested that events which allow small businesses to showcase their products can be an excellent way to boost local small businesses. Also, she is of the view that government can direct more support to small businesses as a motivation factor, especially for young entrepreneurs.. For persons who would like to try Jagoo’s delectable blondies, contact can be made via Facebook @thelilblondiebakery and on Instagram @the_lil_blondie_bakery.

 

 

---

---