In the culinary industry, where flavours dance and aromas tantalise, there exists a breed of individuals whose passion for cooking and baking transcends mere necessity. Among them, there’s one man whose culinary journey is not just about crafting delicious meals but about weaving stories through food, igniting joy, and fostering connections. Meet Royden Simon, a connoisseur in the art of culinary delights whose love affair with the kitchen knows no bounds. From a young age, he found solace in the kitchen. While other kids were engrossed in video games or outdoor activities, he was drawn to the warmth of the oven and the sizzle of a pan. Watching his grandmother effortlessly whip up delectable dishes sparked a curiosity that would later blossom into a full-blown passion.
He grew up in Union, West Coast, Berbice. He attended Trafalgar Nursery School, #29 Primary School, and Bush Lot Secondary School. At Bush Lot Secondary, he spent 5 years there and copped 5 passes. He grew up with his parents and sister. He described his childhood as fun and exciting, as he played many outdoor games and had many backdam & waterside trips and cookouts with his cousins and sister. He is the eldest child for his mom; his sister passed away in her teens; however, he has other siblings on his father’s side. After high school, Simon attended the Carnegie School of Home Economics, where he pursued elementary and advanced cake, cake decoration, and pastries.
When asked about his culinary skills, he mentioned, “My mom and grandmom were excellent cooks and bakers. They taught me everything, as they were entrepreneurs – they prepared many delicious meals and sold them to get an income. From the early age of 6, I was in the kitchen with my grandmother, helping her cook, and I fell in love with the kitchen. To see the smiles on people’s faces when they see what you can create with some raw materials aided in fueling my passion,” Royden told this publication.
Further, he added, “There were days when my late sister and I would practice cooking. However, I went to Carnegie to learn more, be certified, and improve my skills.” He also mentioned that he always wanted to have his own business and be his own boss. In achieving his dreams, he faced many challenges, but that did not deter him from utilising his skills to make an income.
He also took some other courses online in the areas of business management, oil and gas, and human resources. Simon is the father of an amazing daughter who is five years old. He loves kids, and cooking. In the future, he aims to open his own restaurant. He bakes on a small scale and has received both good and bad feedback, which has helped grow and improve his craft. One of his biggest challenges right now is finding a place to complete his dream of opening that restaurant.
“Never give up on your dreams. No dream is too big. With hard work and dedication, you can accomplish your dreams,” is his advice to youth.
Simon wishes that more agencies and business professionals, can act as mentors to young entrepreneurs, providing opportunities and educating them about how one can start a small business and manage it effectively.
Simon knows that no matter where his culinary journey may take him, one thing will always remain constant: his undying passion for the art of cooking. Simon’s love for cooking and baking will continue to inspire and uplift all those who have the privilege of tasting his creations.
For him, the kitchen is not just a place where food is prepared; it’s a sacred space where memories are made and dreams are brought to life, one delicious dish at a time. For him, the kitchen was not just a place to showcase his talent but a sanctuary where he could express himself freely and connect with others through the universal language of food
