Rochelle Persad, 11, takes orders for Sweet Treats: 'I love to bake'

Rochelle Persad is 11. She owns Rochelle’s Sweet Treats which sells lots of baked goods like cakes, cookies and breads. Rochelle also has Down syndrome.

Newsday Kids recently visited Rochelle at her Fishing Pond home in Sangre Grande to learn more about her love for baking and was even lucky to try a few of her scrumptious cupcakes.

“I love to bake. My mom taught me how to bake and make all the different stuff, it was great.

“I love to make cookies, cupcakes and different treats. I also love to sell my treats to the different people in church,” said Rochelle.

She started her sweet treats business in 2019. She learned about baking from her mom, Joan Persad, and also through baking classes hosted by the Fishing Pond Village Council.

Her mom said, “She got certificates and stuff from doing the community baking classes. She did it in 2018 and 2019.” She also said the Down Syndrome Family Network (DSFN) helps Rochelle continue to reach her fullest potential.

Through the DSFN, Rochelle got the chance to visit the kitchens of a few restaurants to cook with their chefs. The network has even printed a banner for Rochelle’s business.

When it comes to business, Rochelle is never lacking customers. Her most frequent customers include her fellow churchgoers at New Testament Church of God in North Oropouche, community members and members of the DSFN.

But the word has been spreading and she has been attracting clients across Trinidad. She has also catered events like her church’s World Down Syndrome Day celebrations, birthday parties, the DSFN Buddy walk and a Valentine’s Day celebration at her school.

When Rochelle isn’t busy whipping up delicious treats in the kitchen, you can find her in church enjoying praise and worship sessions. She goes to church regularly and has a deep love for God.

To relax, Rochelle likes spending time with her two pet dogs (Chapo and Granger) and two pet parrots (Rico and Woody).

You might also find her eating dumpling and crab which is her favourite meal.

She’s a standard three student at Fishing Pond Presbyterian School. She told Newsday Kids, “I love to learn Maths, language arts, science and my favourite thing is recess time. I want to say thank you to all my loving teachers.”

Rochelle wants to be a nurse when she grows up. She can’t wait to get a driver’s licence and own her own car. To expand her business, she would also like to give baking lessons in the future.

Rochelle wants everyone to know she is very thankful for the help of her mom, dad Harry and brothers Rennie and Ronel.

Rochelle’s mom couldn’t be anymore proud of her accomplishments. She said Rochelle’s success comes from making sure people with disabilities get opportunities to continue exploring and building their skills like everyone else.

“I see the need for inclusion and inclusive education because she has been included in all of her education and everything she has done.

“My daughter has been blessed to be included at home and from her church family.

“I feel very proud, appreciative and I thank God for it (Rochelle’s success). Most of all, I believe Jesus is the centre of it all,” said Joan.

Joan encouraged parents of children with disabilities to continue building their children’s skills in whatever area they may have a passion for and do not let them be defined by their disabilities.

If you'd like to order from Rochelle’s Sweet Treats, call 389-7818.