Sweet 'Tidbits'

Sheena Gayle, Gleaner Writer

Trinidad-born Liz Toby is wooing her way into the hearts of Jamaicans through her sweet treats. The western city of Montego Bay is buzzing with anticipation to try her delicious hand-made pastries and cakes.

The owner of My Tidbits Pastries and Cakes, Toby, explained that her entrepreneurial desire to create gourmet cupcakes that people could enjoy, coupled with the fact that not many companies in western Jamaica offer them, was her motivation.

"The cupcakes that I do have more flair and finesse about them. You can taste the difference, taste and see the effort that is put into each. I just want to ensure that when persons get a pastry item from us it is just perfect," a soft-spoken Toby told Food.

Living in Jamaica for the past 18 years, she explains that she is very integrated into the culture, as her mother is a Jamaican, and hopes that her one-year-old business venture will continue to flourish with Jamaicans' desire for pastries.

From her red velvet and coconut cupcakes to the crowd favourite banana rum cheesecake, Toby's treats have begun to gain traction in the Second City.

"I really appreciate the responses I have been getting so far, considering that we are still growing as a business and there is still a lot I need to learn. But so far, I really appreciate the traction My Tidbits Pastries and Cakes has been getting," she notes.

It has not always been smooth sailing for the entrepreneur, who confessed that she had to tailor her services based on the demand of her clientele. While cupcakes are the company's speciality, Toby admitted that she has had to add cakes to her list of offerings.

Toby also has a full-time job at Vista Print in Montego Bay, and revealed that balancing her responsibilities have been a challenge. But it will continue to be until her business grows into her sole income generator.

"I have always loved to bake since I was a child, but it wasn't until recently that I decided to do this on a professional level. My mother has been instrumental in this business, and while I did a brief pastry course, most of the creative elements are self-taught," Toby confessed.