In the rural village of Bethanie, the comforting smell of freshly baked biscuits and warm scones often fills the air.

Behind these delicious treats is a determined Black woman, Patriciah Gaffen, whose baking journey began many years ago in her grandmother’s kitchen. Patriciah is the owner and founder of Gaffens Treats, which she started in 2017.

What started as a simple lesson in making traditional steamed bread has grown into a small but thriving baking business that brings joy—and sweet treats—to her community.

Her love for baking began in childhood, when she watched and helped her grandmother prepare food for the family. One of the first things she learned to make was steamed bread, a traditional staple in many households.

Her grandmother patiently showed her how to measure ingredients, knead dough, and understand when food was ready—lessons that went beyond recipes.

Today, she bakes and sells a variety of treats, including:

• Biscuits
• Scones
• Jam tarts
• Queen cakes
• Birthday cakes

Her baked goods are known in the community for their homemade taste and freshness. Many customers say her recipes remind them of traditional home baking, something that is becoming rare in many places.

Local residents often stop by to buy something sweet for tea, school lunches, or family gatherings. Birthday cakes have also become one of her most popular orders, especially for children’s celebrations and special occasions.

Running a small baking business is not without challenges. Ingredients can be expensive, and production depends on the resources available. Despite these obstacles, she continues to bake with dedication and passion.

Her story reflects the resilience of many rural entrepreneurs who use their skills to create opportunities for themselves and their families.  The tradition continues to inspire her work today. Every biscuit, tart, and cake she makes carries a piece of the knowledge passed down through generations.

With growing support from her community, she hopes to one day expand her baking business, possibly opening a small bakery that can serve even more people.

For now, her kitchen remains the heart of her work—a place where tradition, hard work, and creativity come together to produce the sweet flavours loved by her village.

Her journey proves that sometimes the most successful businesses begin with something simple: a grandmother’s lesson and a passion for baking.


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Profile compiled by Kamogelo Makgaka, Marketing Officer, NWDC