You probably heard the name Chef Whitney on TikTok or purchased one of her mouth-watering cookies or cakes, but have you wondered how she became the culinary sensation she is today?
Whitney Greenidge, the founder of Cookie Glow.
EARLY LIFE IN CHARLESTOWN
Born in Albouystown and raised in Charlestown, Georgetown, Whitney Greenidge came from humble beginnings.
It wasn’t the best place to be, but at the end of the day, I still had a roof over my head. What I love about Charlestown is that it’s close to a lot of amenities, including schools, markets, and hospitals.
She attended the Alleys Nursery, Ketley Primary School, and Charlestown Secondary Schools.
THE MADAM OF THE HOUSE
Describing herself as an “ordinary child,” Whitney, at the age of 12, found herself cooking on a kerosene stove as she was short, preparing meals for her sister and herself while her parents were at work.
It was so nice because I felt like I was the madam of the house, but all in all, I am grateful for those days because they helped me to be the chef I am today. I’m very proud!
While in secondary school, this Georgetown resident was in the science stream, but the universe had other plans for her.
She recounted that after sitting the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination, she wanted to do her work attachment at a hospital.
Chef Whitney
However, her Home Economics Teacher, Ms. Drakes, thought it was best for her to work in the kitchen at the Princess Hotel.
I remember Mr. Nevin. He was the General Manager or Human Resource Manager then at Princess – I can’t remember exactly. But he was telling me he thought I should go to Carnegie to get the certificate, and my mom was another person on my bone about going to Carnegie since she went to Carnegie, too. So, I decided to go, and that was the best decision ever.
In 2015, this offshore chef enrolled with the Carnegie School of Home Economics and completed her Diploma in Catering and Hospitality.
She also boasts certificates in cake decorating, security awareness training for all seafarers, basic safety training, ship cooking, and more.
COOKIE GLOW – THE WHITNEY TOUCH
In 2023, Whitney launched Cookie Glow, an exceptional cookie experience that offers a wide variety of flavours, including red velvet, coconut, mint, oats, oreo, and more.
Early September 2023, I was thinking of something I could do to make money, and that’s what I came up with to sell cookies.
While the business is seasonal, as Whitney works offshore, she also provides holiday cakes and other sweet treats.
Despite facing challenges with delivery due to traffic, she ensures her business stands out with top-tier flavours and impeccable presentation.
I have customers all over Georgetown, and due to traffic, the delivery schedule doesn’t always go as planned. Right now, I do not have my own vehicle as yet, so if one customer is delayed, it puts a strain on the others, but I’m working on that.
Asked what sets her apart from the competition, the 26-year-old chef said her commitment is to providing customers with the best.
You really can’t put a price or a value on flavours, and what I do is top-tier. I’m a chef by profession, and I have standards, so sticking to them is my goal, which is providing my customers with the best. People eat with their eyes. I put alot into presentation and also taste.
VALENTINE’S DAY PACKAGES
With Valentine’s Day approaching, Whitney has curated two special packages for customers to surprise their partners or treat themselves to a sweet delight from Cookie Glow.
Looking ahead, Whitney envisions expanding Cookie Glow with a permanent pickup location. She also plans to introduce a barcoding system for supermarket sales and hire additional staff.
Despite the challenges that small businesses face, Whitney is determined to see her dreams come to fruition.
Contact information for Cookie Glow
- Facebook: Whitney Greenidge
- Telephone: +5926014065
- Instagram: cook.ies7513
- TikTok: Chef Whitney
