In the buzzing village of Sparendaam on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD), a 25-year-old entrepreneur is stirring up sweetness and joy.
Alanna Gittens, the creative force behind Lannayum Cheesecakes & Desserts, uses her business to tantalise one’s taste buds with her tasty cheesecakes.
Alanna Gittens, the creative force behind Lannayum Cheesecakes & Desserts
CHILDHOOD CHRONICLES: A FOUNDATION OF LOVE AND VALUES
Alanna’s childhood was a tapestry of joy and wonder in the embrace of both parents and a loving younger sister.
Childhood for me was fun and beautifully amazing. I grew up with both parents and my smaller sister. We were loved and cared for. In comparison to now, just more responsibilities I have now as I’m grown, but nevertheless, I would say I am appreciative of life and all that it has to offer. I still have my loving family who is always there, and that means a lot to me.
She added that the teachings from her childhood have shaped her into a humble and empathetic individual with a strong moral compass.
ACADEMIC JOURNEY: NAVIGATING HIGH SCHOOL AND BEYOND
A believer in God, Alanna attended Gabriel’s Nursery School and Comenius Primary School, where she sat the common entrance examination, now known as the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA).
She was awarded a spot at President’s College, where she wrote the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination and did a one-year Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) at The Bishops High.
I was mostly reserved during high school. It was bittersweet. Some days, I looked forward to going; some days, I didn’t feel like it. I was a dedicated student to the books but wasn’t the ultimate bookworm. However, I realised the importance of having a sound education from an early age, so I tried my best to maintain good grades. High School exposed me partially to the meaning of friendship, among other things.
Balancing academics and social activities were skills this 25-year-old East Coast resident mastered with discipline.
THE RISE OF LANNAYUM CHEESECAKES & DESSERTS
Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and Marketing, this 25-year-old considers herself an ambivert. She relayed that her passion for baking, nurtured during her spare time, became the inspiration for Lannayum Cheesecakes & Desserts.
One of my biggest hobbies is baking, and I love desserts, so from that, I got inspired to venture into business by baking cheesecakes and desserts for all the cheesecake lovers and persons with a sweet tooth!
I realised I had a passion for making desserts when I just couldn’t stop myself from thinking about what I could bake whenever I had some slack time at home. I found myself always going through recipes online or experimenting with whatever ingredients I laid my hands on in the kitchen. On the weekends, I enjoyed treating myself and my family with cheesecake, and they also looked forward to having it.
Some of Alanna’s creations
BUILDING A BRAND AND OVERCOMING DOUBT
Starting a business is never without challenges, and Alanna faced her fair share.
Doubt and self-questioning loomed large, but she persevered. The first step into the world of entrepreneurship was marked by a sale in December 2021.
Despite the anxiety, the 25-year-old accumulated her starting capital, meticulously planned her offerings, and braved the uncertainties.
During the plans, thoughts of cancelling the idea started to creep into my mind. But I really wanted to challenge myself with this one. So, I braved it up and went through with the sale. I was confident that my clients would like the product, but sometimes overthinking gets the best of you. For the decision process, questions such as how much to bake, the flavours I wanted to offer, when I would call the sale, and who I would inform about the sale were considered.
The business needed a name, a brand that would encapsulate the essence of her creations.
After much contemplation, ‘Lannayum Cheesecakes & Desserts’ was born, a unique moniker that incorporated a part of her name.
My mom was my encourager and assistant when I felt overwhelmed with the work and preparation for starting Lannayum Cheesecakes and Desserts’ first sale. Her proactiveness and excitement to spread the word about her daughter’s new venture reminded me that even when you are unsure about an idea you may have, there’s always someone who believes in you and wouldn’t hesitate to root for you.
Lannayum Cheesecakes & Desserts offers a variety of cheesecakes in various flavours, including strawberry, cherry, blueberry, chocolate chip, and sizes.
The option to have a mixed flavor whole pan cheesecake is always available, and some of my clients never hesitate to mix the flavors to spice things up a notch. The target market is definitely for anyone who likes cheesecakes and desserts, basically.
CHALLENGES: STEPPING STONES TO SUCCESS
The journey to success is paved with challenges, and this businesswoman is no stranger to them.
Time management was an early hurdle, but she overcame this obstacle through thorough planning and discipline.
Once you identify the issue at hand, don’t waste time focusing too much on it but instead, garner all your attention and mindset towards finding the solution to the problem. That way, I would see past the struggles and archive them as lessons and opportunities to gain more experience and wisdom. If a case is beyond my control, I acknowledge that as is and facilitate what I can within my powers.
SWEET SUCCESS: LANNAYUM CHEESECAKES & DESSERTS TODAY
Alanna’s dedication to her craft is evident in every aspect of her business – from the design and packaging to the flavours and quality.
Beyond personal success, she envisions bringing value to society by conducting business responsibly and sponsoring initiatives that benefit the community.
With my business, I am dedicated towards its expansion and quality consistency. In addition, in everything that I do, I always try to ensure that my clients receive excellent customer service and great products. It’s a must for each client to be satisfied and happy with their purchase from Lannāyum Cheesecakes and desserts.
As she continues her ascent up the ladder of success, this 25-year-old businesswoman has a message of encouragement.
Never doubt yourself or question your potential. Don’t sleep on that business idea because someone else might very well pick it up and bring it to fruition, and all you will have to say is, ‘I had that idea.’ Just make that start, and you will see how things will fall into place as you go along. Not all your friends and acquaintances may be your clients or supportive of your venture, and that’s okay. While this can be discouraging or disappointing for some, you should never allow that to demotivate you from pursuing your goals. That’s all part of being in business. In many cases, strangers find and support your business more than you can imagine, and there are instances where you encounter genuinely nice people, and before you know it, there’s a blossom of new friendships you never foresaw. In all that you do, continue to persevere until you get your desired results.
Contact information for Lannāyum Cheesecakes and Desserts
- Facebook: Lannāyum CheeseCakes & Desserts
- Contact: +592 646 8907
- Email: [email protected]
