Exhibition puts spotlight on cake makers, interior designers

One of Yvonne Pilgrim’s cakes at the Cake and Décor Exhibition yesterday.
One of Yvonne Pilgrim’s cakes at the Cake and Décor Exhibition yesterday.

For many persons in the cake-baking and interior design industries, this weekend’s Cake and Décor Exhibition is a rare chance for them to show Guyanese their creativity and talents in their respective areas.

The exhibition, which is currently ongoing at the Umana Yana, is the first of its kind to be held in the country. It was organised by the Chief Executive Officer of Kingdom Designs, Germaine Broomes. Approximately 17 booths have been set up at the Umana Yana displaying cakes, decorated wedding and party settings, along with craft and jewellery. The exhibition is scheduled to conclude tonight. Apart from the exhibition, persons were yesterday invited to sample a variety of cakes, each of different flavours and vote which cake tasted the best. Today there will be an icing cake competition and the winner of the best tasting cake will be declared.

For many of the entrepreneurs who are participating in the exhibition and many of whom have recently joined the industries, the exhibition is a rare occasion to showcase their talents and skills. For others, it is a chance for them to improve their talents while some simply want Guyanese to see and experience the creativity of small businesses.

Germaine Broomes in one of Kingdom Designs’ booths.

When Jowel Layne first heard about the Exhibition, he was overjoyed. It was his chance to show Guyanese that not only women are talented in the area of interior design. “It (the exhibition) is a great idea. When people see what we have to offer a lot of small businesses will expand and this is a rare opportunity for us and people should know that they have a variety of choices,” he commented. Further, he said, persons tend to focus to other things that are not cake or décor related. “I will be willing to partner so it can be held next year,” he concluded.

Dionne McAllister, who is showcasing her home-made décor pieces in one of the booths at the exhibition, also applauded the exhibition. “It’s a very good experience. We need a lot more of this so persons can showcase. In Guyana, there are a lot of hidden talents. You can find talented people in their homes doing what they love and in a very creative way but no one knows about them and are not exposed,” she stated. She has made an impression at the weddings and parties she catered at.

Meanwhile, Yvonne Pilgrim, the owner of Sprinkles and Crumbs, hopes that the exhibition will highlight her weaknesses, which in turn will motivate her to be more creative improve on her cakes. Like McAllister and Layne, she applauded the initiative and hopes that the emerging entrepreneurs will benefit from the exposure.” It’s a nice opportunity for young entrepreneurs to come and showcase their talents in their respective areas. For me it is also a great opportunity because it gives us a scope to see and communicate with other persons in relation to business and how we can improve on our skills,” she stated. Pilgrim revealed that she loves sculpting cakes because it brings out her creativity.

Patricia Hewig, who is the owner of Despat Catering and is displaying cakes, crafts among other items, says she hopes that the exhibition will be successful and will continue to be a success if it is held annually. She hopes that more people will attend the exhibition today so they can see the talents of everyone who is participating in the exhibition. Further, she said, she hopes that it will become an “annual thing.” “Guyana needs more events like these and this is a very good initiative coming from a young man who has been in the area of designing for years,” she stated.

The “young man,” Broomes, first had the idea for the exhibition four years ago and can’t believe he is living his dream. However, it was only months ago that he and his team of three persons began organising the event. “The reason I did this is because in Guyana a lot of persons are not aware of cake bakeries or interior designing businesses. A few of the businesses are well-known but others, which are very talented, remain in the background so I just want to show the people what other businesses have to offer. They are so talented and creative, Guyana needs to showcase that,” he stated. He then disclosed that he plans to make the exhibition an annual event considering the fact that Guyana has been gaining a lot of attention tourism-wise. “ I want not only Guyanese but foreigners as well to taste the different flavours of our locally-made cake,” he said. He promises to make next year’s exhibition, which will be during the month of September, “bigger, brighter and better.” He said that when he spoke with the exhibitors Friday Night, they were all enthusiastic and excited about the event, which is enough motivation for him.

Sponsors of the event include Kingdom Designs, Cloud Nine, Namilco, Jonas Bridal House, and Star Party Rentals. Participants include Tessa’ Creations and Designs, Willows Fabric, Kingdom Designs and The Trendy House. The exhibition continues today from 2pm. Admission is free.