A passionate baker, devoted mother, and entrepreneur, Holly Yumelle Daniels, has turned her love for cooking into a thriving business that brings joy to countless families, especially during the festive season. This is the life of a woman who started with simple finger foods for her children which blossomed into Yumelle’s Kitchen.
Hailing from West Ruimveldt Housing Scheme in Georgetown, fondly known as “Cool Square,” she shared during an interview with this publication, her journey into the world of baking.
Daniels’ story began five years ago when she formally launched Yumelle’s Kitchen, but the seeds were planted much earlier. While working as a supervisor at Palace De Leon, she began preparing lunches and finger foods for her young daughters to take to school. To her surprise, their classmates loved them.
“One day I went to collect them from school, and the teacher asked if I could make some sandwiches and cheese straws for the children’s school party. I thought, sure, why not,” Daniels recalled. The requests kept coming, and soon she found herself catering for school events.
A conversation with a childhood friend encouraged her to turn her passion for cooking into a business. “The thing is, it was not something I believed I could pursue, especially on a large scale. I remember thinking, where do I even begin?” she admitted.
With unwavering support from her family, especially her mother Rose Rodney, sister Melody Daniels, and daughters Lashauni and Serena, Daniels took the leap. Her daughters even became her taste-testers and extra hands in the kitchen. “What at first felt like a mountain soon became something I could climb because of the community and support I have been offered along the way,” she said.
For Daniels, Christmas is about family and togetherness. “Everything slows down, and for me, lots of love and laughter fill the air,” she shared. Whether it’s sharing recipes or discussing decoration themes with relatives, the festive season is all about gratitude and connection.
During the holiday season, Yumelle’s Kitchen is a whirlwind of activity. Daniels starts her day at 1am preparing for the influx of orders.
“I always want my customers to have quality food, so my team and I take our time to ensure that nothing is rushed,” she said. Despite the busy schedule, her team keeps the mood light with music and dance breaks.
Reflecting on her journey as a business owner, Daniels noted, “The biggest lesson I have learned this year is that I will always be learning.” She was keen to note that she embraces the challenges of running a business, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, authenticity, and trust in oneself. “I am a student of life, and having a business teaches me so much about myself and how to tend to my customers.”
This Christmas, Yumelle’s Kitchen offers an array of traditional Guyanese delights, including black cake (rum cake), sponge cake, and fruit cake. For savory lovers, there’s pepperpot, duck curry, paratha roti, fried rice, and herb-infused oven-roasted chicken. Best-sellers like chicken puffs, cheese straws, fruit tarts, patties, and dessert boxes are also on the menu.
Daniels newest creations—snack and dessert boxes—offer customizable assortments of savory and sweet pastries, perfect for any occasion.
Once the holiday rush is over, Daniels plans to unwind with loved ones. “Throwback, put my feet up, and relax for three days with friends and family,” she said.
For those eager to find Yumelle’s Kitchen, it is located at 530 West Ruimveldt Hibiscus Street, Georgetown. It is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 8 am to 1 pm. Orders can be placed via phone at 618-0152 or through Instagram: @yum_elles_kitchen.
