Meet Thandika Thompson | Baker & Future Counselor

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

Hi Thandika, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My friend suggested that I turn my passion into a business…because, why not? Before 2017, baking was something I grew up seeing my mom doing; something I did just because I loved it, which then morphed into a weekend ritual with my oldest nephew. When I put pen to paper in 2017, I wanted a name that stuck close to my Jamaican culture; one that was catchy and that was me. It took a quite a while to come up with a name for my brand, but  I bounced a few ideas around with a group of my friends and I was able to narrow it down. The next step was just for me to design a logo. “Think You Know Jamaica” was the company that was unrelenting in helping to bring my ideas together. I just knew when I saw the proposal that it was not only perfect, but perfectly mine. Originally, I wanted to focus on small treats and appetizers, hence “Likklebites” but as faith would have it, I now specialize in pastries big and small.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
For me it’s two things: baking brings me peace; it’s my happy place that I disappear to with my thoughts and I always feel calm even when I’m under pressure, once I’m in my baking zone. Secondly, it’s the nervous knots that I get each time I get an order. I think it humbles and centers me. The knots remind me to always be prepared, always be ready and to treat every order like it’s the first time I’m ever baking; extremely nervous and wanting to knock it out the park. There is a professional milestone that I have set for myself and I don’t think I’m there yet, but working hard each and everyday towards it. It’s not easy getting to that milestone, and to overcome each obstacle that arises along the way. Prayer, motivation and good energy are very important. Lessons I’ve learnt are being persistent will pay off and putting good energy into your work can go a long way. I would love the world to know that I love what I do and every Likkle Bites item was made with love.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The beach is a must to just walk or take an actual swim. Pre- Covid, we would definitely party hop between different events; Jamaican parties, afrobeats events, Hispanic clubs ( which are very live) and we love brunch parties. My friends love to indulge when they are in Miami so Go-Jerk is the spot we usually get the best food, especially fried or steamed fish. Im also a participating vendor for Go-Jerk so providing good food, good music and something sweet to top it off is always a vibe worth indulging in. Other go to spots for us are in Wynwood.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mom- and not just because she is my mom and it’s the first thing people usually say- because I definitely learned and got the the skills from her. I grew up seeing her bake almost everyday and I was sure every Sunday there would be something in the oven. The funniest thing is, I never really baked with her back then. I was more of a taste-tester, but I would also help to decorate; that was more my forte. I also run designs and IG posts- pretty much everything- by my friends/support team who are pretty much family. On days when I feel like I hadn’t done my best with a cake, they rally around and give encouraging words that push me to strive to be better everyday. My dad, is such a girl dad and my biggest cheerleader for everything I send him from Likkle Bites. My brother is a big brother who has just now realized that I can cook because he assumes little sisters can’t bake or cook, but he actually ended up purchasing my first mixer.

Website: Likklebites

Instagram: @likklebites

Facebook: Likklebites

Image Credits
Omanzo Barrette @thinkyouknowevents