Meet Samesha Dominique | Owner of Chef Dominique’s Bakeshop

We had the good fortune of connecting with Samesha Dominique and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Samesha, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind the success of my brand is without a doubt consistency. Being consistent with the way I bake my goods, converse with my customers and manage my time and money led to my success. I have standardized recipes that I’ve developed since the start of my business and my customers love them. I’m always happy to talk to and discuss orders with new and loyal customers. I’ve formed many long lasting friendships through my business; ones I’ll forever be grateful for. Lastly, I manage my time and money in the best way possible. I budget and save especially for long-term financial security because you never know what the future holds. I make time for work and play because balance is definitely important in the life of this baker.

What should our readers know about your business?
Chef Dominique’s Bakeshop came into existence September 2019; a few months after I graduated with honors from the T.A Marryshow Community College Culinary Arts program. I operate from home and offer both pick-up and delivery services to different areas in Grenada. We are all unique and I believe that definitely shows in my creations. My customers always mention how creative and innovative my products are; in taste and looks. My goal in life is to always try something new and so, in May of this year, I launched my first Frost and Sip event and since then I’ve successfully hosted two. I love getting to interact with and meet new people so this event was great for that. Persons came to decorate cupcakes in a fun environment with me and that helped to set me apart. I have also used some of my profits to purchase groceries for families in need and I plan to do that more in the near future.
My consistency in what I offer always lead to persistent positive reviews and that motivates me to keep doing what I do. I’ve always loved baking but I never thought I would own my own baking business. I am very passionate about what I do. I love having creative freedom and working for another company would mean doing things their way; limiting my creativity. I enjoy trying new things so that inspired me to start my own business. I bake from home now but I do plan to open my own physical bakery some day.
I have faced challenges along the way. Doing everything alone most of the time can be a bit overwhelming but I try to tackle that by making to do lists and doing the most important task first. I’m also never afraid to ask friends or family for help when needed. In the beginning, I had financial and emotional hiccups but prayers and faith kept me going.
I have learned that it is okay to start small and go at your own pace; life is not a race. It is important to be consistent in what you offer and pay close attention to the quality of your goods/services; that helps with your success.
Wedding cakes, birthday cakes, anniversary cakes, whole cheesecakes, cheesecake jars, cinnamon rolls ( red velvet cream cheese filled, cookies n cream, apple cinnamon etc), brownies, cakesicles, cupcakes, and more can be found on the bakeshop’s menu.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am always excited to hear when persons would like to visit Grenada. I would take them to One Love Restaurant to try their Grilled fish and mashed potatoes as well as their amazing mango gelato. We’d have lunch at Umbrellas, drinks at Esther’s then head straight to Grand anse beach. On the days that they don’t feel like dining at a restaurant, we can order lunch or even breakfast from Kreative Chef. On Sunday, we can head to Fort Jeudy to enjoy some jet skiing. Franko’s is also a great, chilled spot to have amazing burgers and pizza but if they’re feeling for a vegan lunch we can call on Joachim to satisfy their taste buds. River tubing, kayaking, snorkeling to the underwater sculpture park, visiting the Sulphur springs and boating to Sandy-island would all be on their itinerary.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have received so much love and support since the start of my journey. I definitely wouldn’t be here without God and the tremendous support from my customers; new and repeat. My family and friends have also been so great to me. Firstly, Thank God for his overflowing blessings; He has gotten me through some of my toughest battles. Secondly, thank you to my love Marcus Otway for being there to listen to me on my toughest days and for continuously investing in my business in all the ways that he does. I’m thankful to my parents, grandparents, my aunty Gemma, my siblings, cousins and Keron Simon. Thank you to the lovely staff at Khymari’s and Packaging House. Thank you to Kreative Chef for all his words of advice and mentorship at the start of my journey. Thank you to the X-perience by Chef X-treme for trusting me to bake the desserts for his dinner services. Thank you David Hopkin for creating my logo as well. Finally, thank you to everyone who recommends me, supports me and shares my business with others. Thank you!

Instagram: @_chef.dominique._

Other: Google: Chef Dominique’s Bakeshop

Image Credits
Damion C. Jacob Samesha J. Dominique