KAYLAN Duncan aspires to become the best version of herself and has adopted a mature mindset to take on responsibility at a young age.
She is an entrepreneur striving for a better life and is paving her path to success through her small baking business. She is the owner of KK’s Sweet Treats, a home-based bakery, where she bakes delectable cinnamon rolls with toppings, cheesecakes, and sponge cakes.

As a city girl, she balances her personal life alongside her student life and incorporates God as a vital part of her daily routine, keeping her focused and motivated. Duncan is a first-year student at the University of Guyana (UG) and aspires to become a lawyer, inspired by her mother, who also attended UG and is a Probation Officer.

The 19-year-old said she does online studies, and in the times she isn’t researching or doing homework, she decided to use her free time wisely by starting a small business. Kaylan told Pepperpot Magazine that baking is in her genes; both her mother and grandmother are caterers, excellent cooks, and bakers who fulfil orders for food and cakes.

She grew up watching them bake and, one day, had a sudden craving for cinnamon rolls, so she made a batch for herself. She was pleasantly surprised when they turned out better than expected and, in a short time, were completely sold out among family members.
Duncan explained that she became excited, and a lightbulb went off in her head, leading her to start her own small baking business. She makes cinnamon rolls from scratch with toppings like strawberry, cookies and cream, double chocolate, white chocolate, and cream cheese, along with sponge cake and cheesecake with strawberry toppings.

In June 2023, her life changed as she took on the responsibility of launching her venture into a small business while also balancing her studies, and her personal life. Her business was named after her childhood nickname, KK, and she decided to use it for her logo, brand, and packaging. Duncan advertises the small business on social media, including Instagram and TikTok, and she has three baking days per week.

According to Duncan, managing a small business isn’t always profitable due to the high cost of groceries. She buys in bulk to offset costs while keeping her products affordable. “I’ve learned to accept that sometimes I won’t make a profit, but it’s worth it because I want everyone to be able to buy my products,” she reasoned.

She added that she can keep her business going due to strong family support, for which she is grateful. Duncan says she gives more than she receives, but that’s fine since she was taught that it is more blessed to give than to receive.
The young entrepreneur, from North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, comes from an extended family with her parents, grandmother, uncle, and three younger siblings.

Although her hobby turned small business isn’t highly profitable, she loves it, and with her motto, “Love at first bite,” KK’s Sweet Treats is her first love. She is also seeking job opportunities to gain experience and knowledge.
Duncan explained that the hardest part of being a small business owner is starting; once it gets going, the will to persevere comes naturally. She added that starting a business when young is better because, though risky, once you have the confidence to take the first step, it gets easier.

“Being a small business owner at my age isn’t easy, but I am disciplined enough to manage it. It has groomed me into a more responsible person, financially and otherwise,” she said.
With two more years at UG, Duncan explained that she needs a stimulating job to stay active, but she has set her sights on opening her own cosy little bakery one day. Duncan believes her cinnamon rolls are more than classic because she has introduced her unique homemade toppings.