Virgin Gorda resident Alonya J. Ophelia is not your average teenager, her creativity and passion for desserts has led to the creation of a sweet business, ‘Alonya Delectable Delights,’ the home of unique desserts and pastries in the VI. Photo: Provided

An oreo biscuit treat created by ‘Alonya Delectable Delights.’ Photo: Provided

Our Young Professional said she wishes to turn, 'Alonya Delectable Delights' in a restaurant into the future. Photo: Provided

Cheesecake tacos from made by ‘Alonya Delectable Delights'. Photo: Provided

Cinnamon rolls. Alonya J. Ophelia said while the pandemic has not really affected her operations, however, delivery of treats to Tortola customers has been hampered. Photo: Provided

A 2015 graduate of the Bregado Flax Educational Centre- Primary Division, Alonya is currently a 12th-grade student at the school's Secondary Division of the same institution and will be doing the dual enrolment programme at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC), beginning August 31, 2020.

Our Young Professional said she enjoys cooking/baking and marine life and is looking forward to attending Johnson and Wales Culinary Programme to improve her culinary skills.

Young Businesswoman

Turning attention to business, Alonya said, “My business entails creating exciting and unusual pastries and I enjoy seeing my customers reviews and their exciting faces when they receive their treats,” Young Professional Alonya told VINO.

She said, one challenge; however, is not being able to source her fresh ingredients often, which can sometimes hamper production and customer orders.

She pointed out that those challenges, neverthless, were nothing compared to the displacement caused by Hurricane Irma in 2017.

“My biggest life lesson so far has been adapting to change that includes my temporary move to Barbados after Irma to complete my 4th form year.”

She said she overcame those challenges with the support of her parents, extended family and teachers.

“I have a very creative mind and I love experimenting,” she said, adding that those characteristics eventually led her to becoming a baker.

Before venturing off on her own, our Young Professional said she worked at Fischer’s Cove Beach Hotel as a part-time assistant chef.

Serial Entrepreneur

Outside of the pastry business, Young Professional Ms Alonya J. Ophelia said she also owns a lip care business called 'LIPMEDIC'.

“It started off with the assistance of my mom and I later saved from the profits I acquired.”

Speaking on the growth of her business, Alonya said: “I try my best to do something every day for my business, whether it’s looking for new ideas or surfing my social media business page.”

However, while COVID-19 has been impacting several businesses in the Territory, Alonya said the pandemic has not significantly affected her operations, although delivery of treats to Tortola customers has been hampered.

She noted, however, that the virus has impacted her personal, family and academic life. “I’m not able to enjoy my senior year like I planned, but I’m still grateful that we’re able to be safe.”

Parting Advice

To young people looking to venture into a business, Alonya said being unique is a driving force to set one aside from the competition.

“A hundred persons can sell the same product but it’s on you to make your product stand out the most. Promote yourself as much as you can and always believe in your business and yourself.”

“Balance your passion with wisdom, the passion you have for your business will push you to indulge more and more resulting in huge growth of your business. Never stop. You got this,” she left as final parting advice to persons looking to pursue a passion.

Persons looking to learn more about the business or place orders can follow the business page on Instagram via “Alonya’s Delectable Delights”.