From joblessness to success

Apr 13, 2025 Features / Columnists, News, Waterfalls Magazine

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How Rayanna’s Little Bakery rose from $15K and no car to supermarket shelves

“My advice is to start with what you have and believe in the power of your passion… Don’t wait for the perfect conditions; create them. Focus on what you can control, and use every challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow. The journey won’t always be easy, but with perseverance and a relentless belief in your vision, you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.”

 By Christal Yong

Kaieteur News-  The smell of vanilla and warm sponge cake now floats through supermarket aisles, attached to labels that read Rayanna’s Little Bakery. But not long ago, that scent came from a small rented kitchen, where a mother balanced mixing bowls on countertops while a child played nearby, and where a husband and wife dreamed not just of baking, but of building a life.

While success now brims, before the bakery, before the branding, before the orders, the deliveries and the sweet recognition, there was a struggle. A struggle the couple overcame, during the journey of starting their business on October 27, 2023.

   ‘We were jobless but we had a dream’

When Vandon Worrell and Satti Thomas found themselves unemployed with a child to care for and only $15,000 in savings, they faced a crossroads. The odds were heavy, and the questions were constant: How do we move forward? How do we provide? Where do we begin?

“Well, being in a position where both my wife and I were jobless, with our child to care for, was undeniably one of the most challenging moments in our lives at that time, we were renting as well,” Worrell told The Waterfalls.

“The weight of responsibility was heavy, and it often felt overwhelming. However, we realised that this hardship could either define us, or push us to take control of our circumstances.”

Instead of succumbing to fear, the couple saw their challenging situation as an opportunity to create something meaningful for their family. They embraced a mindset of resilience and optimism, grounded in the belief that with hard work and determination, they could build a brighter future.

They said it wasn’t easy, especially while raising a child, but the vision of a better life kept them focused. Their dream of starting a bakery was more than just a business venture; it became a way to build a lasting legacy and shape a future they could be proud of.

“My husband and I always believed that food has a special way of bringing people together, and baking had been a passion of mine for a long time. We started small, just making things for family and friends, and the happiness it brought them inspired us to turn it into something bigger. We wanted to share that love with our community and create a bakery that feels like home,” Thomas said.

But the beginning was far from glamorous. There was no storefront. No delivery van. Not even a car. Supplies were limited. Time was tight. And every cake was a lesson in hustle and hope.

Thomas recalls, “honestly, it was tough in the early days. Not having a vehicle and working with limited resources meant every step felt like a challenge. There were times when I felt overwhelmed, especially trying to balance family life, baking and making deliveries without reliable transportation but at the same time, it made me more determined.”

She continued, “I kept reminding myself why I started, and I leaned a lot on prayer, my husband, my amazing friend Candy from Candy’s Delight for their support, and believed that small beginnings can lead to great things. Those struggles taught me to be creative and grateful for every little progress.”

With no formal business background, Worrell and Thomas learned through trial and error. There were late nights of perfecting recipes, early mornings of missed ingredients, and moments when orders were slow and motivation even slower.

She said, “The most challenging part was definitely balancing everything with very limited resources, while trying to build a name for myself. I was learning as I went, and there were a lot of trial-and-error moments. Some days, things didn’t turn out right- recipes failed, supplies ran out, or sales were slow. It was discouraging at times, especially when I put in so much effort and it felt like I wasn’t seeing progress. But I kept reminding myself that every business has its tough start, and I kept pushing forward.”

Encouragement came from many places, especially from Thomas’s mother.

Thomas said, “My mother’s support has meant everything to me. From the very beginning, she believed in me even when I doubted myself. She always reminded me of my potential and encouraged me to use my talent to bless others. Seeing her dedication to our family inspired me to push through the hard times.”

The first order

Then came the first big test. Late one night, an order came in at 22:00hrs. The customer needed it by 08:00h the following day, said Thomas.

She said, “I was so excited, but at the same time, I felt a bit nervous because of the design they requested, it was something I hadn’t done before but even with the pressure, I was just grateful that someone trusted me to create something special for them. When I finally finished it, I felt such a sense of accomplishment. That order really marked the beginning of everything.”

And from that one cake, word spread.

The couple’s reputation grew one baked good at a time. Soon, Rayanna’s Little Bakery was supplying local supermarkets with their signature strawberry shortcake, sponge cakes, and pastries.

“To see our products on shelves now… it honestly feels like a dream,” Thomas says. “One night, we were in the supermarket, and we saw a little girl holding our strawberry shortcake. The look in her eyes almost brought tears to mine. That’s when it really hit me; we’re part of people’s lives now.”

For Worrell, it’s about more than business. It’s about meaning.

He told The Waterfalls, “The most rewarding part of running Rayanna’s Little Bakery is witnessing the joy our creations bring to others. Every order we fulfill is more than just a product—it’s a part of someone’s special moment, whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or simply a gesture of love. To be trusted with those moments is both humbling and deeply fulfilling.”

Looking ahead, the couple has big plans for Rayanna’s Little Bakery. They dream of a storefront where people can walk in, smell the fresh pastries, and feel at home. They want to expand across the country, bringing their nostalgic treats to even more communities.

“I want to recreate the treats that bring back childhood memories, the ones that made us smile as kids and that we can now pass on to the next generation. Things like soft coconut buns fresh out the oven, fluffy sponge cake, and those simple but delicious pastries our parents and grandparents used to enjoy.” Thomas says.

The bakery’s rise wouldn’t have been possible without the community.

Thomas said, “Our community is the reason we’re here today. From the start, they’ve lifted us up with their love and support. Whether it was someone placing order, leaving a kind comment, or simply encouraging us to keep going, it all made a difference.”

She added, “I remember moments when I felt overwhelmed, and then I’d receive a message saying how much they enjoyed our cakes and just like that, my spirit would be renewed. They’ve walked this journey with us, step by step. Our success truly belongs to them as well. We are so thankful and our hope is to continue serving and making them proud with every treat we create.”

A Message to Dreamers

To anyone who’s struggling but holding onto a dream, the couple has a simple but powerful message.

Thomas related, “My message is simple: never give up on your dream, no matter how hard it feels. There were so many times I could have given up when things were slow, when I doubted myself, but I held on to faith and kept working, step by step. Pray over your journey, trust the process, and don’t be afraid to start small.”

Worrell said. “What truly matters is your commitment and determination. It’s easy to be intimidated by the idea of starting something from scratch, but the key is to take that first step no matter how small and trust in your ability to figure things out along the way.”

From joblessness to success, from a rented kitchen to supermarket shelves Rayanna’s Little Bakery is more than a business. It’s a story of faith, family, and flour.

Rayanna’s Little Bakery can be ordered directly through their WhatsApp, or call on(+592) 694-5794 or 677-1955.

(From joblessness to success)

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• Christal Yong, lasting legacy, optimism, supermarket shelves, The Waterfalls

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