SHAUNDA Yarde, the entrepreneur behind Golden Crunch Coconut Biscuit, hails from Patentia, a farming village nestled along the West Bank Demerara.
In 2013, fuelled by a fervent ambition to not only establish a thriving economic venture for herself but also to empower the women of her community, Shaunda embarked on this remarkable journey.

She drew inspiration from cherished childhood memories spent in her grandmother’s kitchen, where the fragrant aroma of coconut delicacies filled the air. Shaunda sought to preserve these culinary traditions while adapting them to modern palates. Thus, Golden Crunch Coconut Biscuit was born—a delightful fusion of tradition, innovation, and familial heritage.
Determined to ensure the success of her enterprise, Shaunda forged partnerships with local female farmers, securing a sustainable supply of premium ingredients.

In 2016, she participated in President Obama’s prestigious Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative Professional Fellows Programme, a transformative five-week mentorship programme aimed at nurturing entrepreneurial skills among emerging leaders from Latin America and the Caribbean.

In 2022, Golden Crunch was awarded a US $30,000 grant from the Guyana Economic Development Accelerator Programme, sponsored by USAID. This funding was instrumental in facilitating the transition from conventional plastic packaging to elegant, export-ready boxes.

Today, Golden Crunch Coconut Biscuit stands as a testament to Shaunda’s indomitable spirit, entrepreneurial acumen, and unwavering dedication to community empowerment.

A Business Rooted in Family Traditions
Giving a background on how the business started, Shaunda told the Guyana Chronicle that she remembers, as a little girl, when her grandmother used to make coconut biscuits, buns, salara, and bread for them on weekends.

She recalled that the aroma was unlike any other coming from the family home, which housed an extended family. After baking, her grandmother would give them their share of the goodies and sell the rest right in the village.

Shaunda stated that it was something she looked forward to as a child, and she would always remember the taste of her granny’s coconut biscuits—something that stayed with her.
She added that while pursuing her degree in Communications at the University of Guyana (UG), she was required to create a product and introduce it to society as part of her integrated marketing course in 2006.

It was then that the coconut biscuits idea came to mind. At that time, only the square versions were packaged and sold in shops. She went around to supermarkets but could not find any other varieties.

“I did my coconut biscuits presentation for my class at UG. They loved it—the taste—and said to me, ‘Shaunda, this can become a real business.’ And I hadn’t even started then. The business was birthed after I completed UG and became pregnant with my first child,” she said.

Shaunda added that when the business started, she quit her job and told herself, this business will provide for us. And so, Golden Crunch Coconut Biscuits was established.

Empowering women through business
“We employ mainly women from right in Patentia, Wales, and Good Intent because we are committed to women’s employment in rural communities and empowerment to contribute to their families,” she said.

Although Golden Crunch Coconut Biscuits isn’t her grandmother’s original recipe, Shaunda had to make some adjustments to suit today’s health-conscious consumers. The sugar content is sparse to fit modern taste preferences and market demand.

Golden Crunch Coconut Biscuits are certified by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) and are a quality product made locally for both export and local sales.

It is made from fresh, local ingredients sourced from women and family-owned farmers. These biscuits are perfect for parties, tea time at the office, snacks, and gifts for families overseas.
The business has redefined what it means to create quality products right here at home, with each proudly carrying the GNBS Approved Made in Guyana mark.

A family support system
From traditional craftsmanship to cutting-edge innovation, Shaunda’s dedication to excellence is a testament to the spirit of real Guyanese entrepreneurship.
She told the Guyana Chronicle that she operates her business at her mother’s premises, Kim Yarde, and for that, she is grateful.

Shaunda also expressed appreciation for her husband, Roul Carroll, whose fresh perspective has brought new meaning and expanded reach to the business, as well as her brother, Koaito Grant of Koaito’s Studio, for all the photography work.