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D’s Cupcakes & Things: A Journey of Love, Loss, and Resilience
By Renay Sambach
Kaieteur News – In the cozy village of Little Diamond, East Bank Demerara, Guyana, sits a haven of sweetness and comfort known as D’s Cupcakes & Things. Behind its inviting doors lies a story of love, loss, and unwavering resilience, embodied by its founder, Dianne Benjamin-Khan.
Owner of D’s Cupcakes & Things, Dianne Benjamin-Khan
During an interview with The Waterfalls, Benjamin-Khan shared that her journey into the world of baking and entrepreneurship was not a conventional one. It was fueled by the encouragement of her late husband, Warrant Officer Class II of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Jason Khan, whose memory continues to inspire her every day. Khan was among the five GDF servicemen who died in a helicopter crash on December 6, 2023. He has been inducted as a Guyanese hero for his brave and selfless acts towards defending his country.
Benjamin-Khan recalled that her husband would often encourage her to use her cooking talent. The business owner stated, “My late husband and my kids, I usually explore baking and cooking and when I do, my kids would be like mommy why you don’t open your own business…”
“‘D, why are you sitting on your talent?’” he would often ask, nudging her to pursue her passion for baking and cooking. Little did they know their shared culinary adventures would lay the foundation for D’s Cupcakes & Things.
Dianne Benjamin-Khan and her late husband Warrant Officer Class II Jason Khan
She shared, “In my younger days. I was actually aiming for cosmetology until I found a love for cooking. My late husband was my first taster and critic, he encouraged me to continue on this Avenue.”
On September 26, 2020, D’s Cupcakes & Things was established and it quickly became a cherished spot for locals seeking delicious treats and comforting meals. From savory chicken patties to indulgent cheesecakes, Dianne’s menu reflects her dedication to culinary excellence and her desire to bring joy to her customers’ lives.
However, the path to success was not without its challenges. Dianne learned valuable lessons in patience, time management, and resilience as she navigated the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Despite facing criticism and setbacks, she embraced each experience as an opportunity for growth, continuously honing her skills through cooking and bakery classes.
She said, “I have started to explore different food stuff and venture into cooking and bakery classes to improve my skills.”
Beyond her culinary prowess, Dianne is now a single mother of three, determined to create a sense of normalcy for her children despite the absence of their beloved father.
“Life has not been normal,” she admits, reflecting on the void left by her husband’s untimely passing. Yet, she finds solace in the love and support of her extended family and friends, who have rallied around her during her darkest days.
“Before, I used to look forward to the nights because that’s when he usually comes home to us, now I look forward to the daytime. The kids’ grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins have been doing their part in making everything comfortable. Some of Jason’s friends have become family stepping up to show how much Jason meant to them and for that I am truly thankful,” Benjamin-Khan shared.
She added, “The little things just mean so much more now. I appreciate every smile, every moment I spend with my loved ones. I intend to be happy and allow my kids to grow in the way my husband and I have always planned.”
Today, D’s Cupcakes & Things stands as a testament to her resilience and unwavering spirit. With dreams of expanding her business across Guyana, Benjamin-Khan remains committed to honoring her husband’s memory and providing a legacy of love and perseverance for her children.
As the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls fills the air and laughter echoes within the walls of her bakery, the widow finds comfort in knowing that her late husband’s spirit lives on through every bite of her delectable creations.
On April 27, on Hadfield Street, Lodge, Georgetown, the businesswoman will host ‘Team Khan” annual takeaway lunch. This will be her first year hosting the event without her husband, who she started the takeaway lunch with sometime ago. For those who wish to support D’s Cupcakes and Things visit them on Facebook at D’s Cupcakes and Things or WhatsApp/Call (592) 668-7172.
- and unwavering resilience, Diamond, Dianne Benjamin-Khan, Dianne Benjamin-Khan and her late husband Warrant Officer Class II Jason Khan, East bank Demerara, embodied by its founder, Guyana, loss, Owner of D’s Cupcakes & Things
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