Sweetness and scripture inspire student’s business venture

In a time when many young people struggle to balance academics with financial pressures, one determined baker is proving that passion, creativity and perseverance can open doors to opportunity.

Armed with a small kitchen, a love of baking and a vision for a brighter future, Amanda Samuels has turned her hobby into a thriving business that now helps fund her schooling.

Her journey began modestly. Weekend experiments with cupcakes, cookies, banana bread and family-favourite pastries soon blossomed into a demand-driven venture. Friends, neighbours and teachers began requesting baked treats, praising her distinctive flavours and professional presentation.

“Both my aunts are bakers. I grew up seeing them baking and I would ask them how they did certain things. They would encourage me to come and help them. I would grease the tins, cut the grease paper, and putting together the boxes,” Samuels said.

“I would help to rub the cake mix, and, although it might seem easy, it required good strength. I also got to taste the mixture after it’s done, and the ‘empty’ container was mine after the mixture was poured out,” she added.

Recognising the potential, she made a bold decision: to turn her love of baking into a business that could help pay for school fees, supplies and transport.

Samuels, from Jointwood in St Elizabeth, is a fourth-year Communications Studies student at Northern Caribbean University in Mandeville.

“I needed an avenue to assist with my school resources. One Sabbath, the Holy Spirit said to me … ‘you can bake’. That same night after Sabbath, I starting putting the moving parts together. I was up until 2 a.m., putting the name together, designing the logo, and planning the recipes,” she said.

Ministry-focused Mission

Thus, Bites and Boxes by Amanda was born. A “ministry focus mission” took shape, spreading the gospel through fresh, home-baked cookies, banana bread and brownies. Its tag line — ‘Sweetness & Scripture, one cookie at a time’ — captures her aim to spread joy, faith and encouragement.

Each product carries a biblical theme — milk and honey, rainbow, fruit of the spirit — and is packaged with a short note or verse to uplift customers.

Orders come throughout the week, and Thursday mornings begin before dawn. While many students sleep, she is whisking batter, piping frosting and packaging deliveries before rushing to class.

Despite the demands, she maintains strong grades and remains active in extra-curricular activities. She is described as hard-working, polite and exceptionally goal-driven.

Her professionalism sets her apart. She manages customer orders via social media, keeps a ledger to track profit and expenses, and reinvests earnings into ingredients and equipment.

Her most popular products — chocolate chip cookies, banana bread and brownies — have become favourites in Mandeville, Santa Cruz and Montego Bay. As her customer base grows, so does admiration for her drive.

“Customers describe my baked goods as delicious, consistent and made with love, while parents in the community often purchase simply to encourage my ambition,” she said.

Although baking funds her education, Samuels intends to pursue higher studies, possibly in culinary arts, business or hospitality management. Her long-term dream is to own a café or bakery that trains and empowers other young people.

“Colonel Saunders, who started KFC, did not give up. So, why should I give up on my business? Once you put your mind to do something, make your work your authentic self,” she said.

Samuels is currently taking orders for Christmas cakes.

keisha.hill@gleanerjm.com