The Woman Behind the Caribbean Baking Awards

by Semaj Bernard

Shanda Webster-Glasgow

It takes dedication, resilience, and a clear purpose to build something meaningful.”

Shanda Webster-Glasgow’s story is one of resilience, passion, and a deep-rooted love for Caribbean culture and cuisine. As the founder and CEO of the Caribbean Baking Awards, Shanda has poured her heart and soul into creating a platform that celebrates Caribbean bakers and honours the region’s rich culinary heritage. Balancing the demands of entrepreneurship, family life, and her own creative pursuits, she embodies the spirit of determination and drive it takes to turn dreams into reality—even when the road is difficult.

Growing up in Saint Martin, Shanda was raised in a home where food and music flowed freely. Her father, a chef and musician from Anguilla, and her mother, a cook from Saint Kitts, instilled in her a love for cooking that eventually blossomed into a lifelong passion. Today, she’s a pioneer in the Caribbean baking community, bringing bakers together from across the islands to showcase their talents and share their stories.

The Caribbean Baking Awards, first held in February 2024, emerged from Shanda’s desire to create a space where Caribbean bakers could come together and be celebrated. The event highlights the artistry and skill of bakers who often go unrecognized beyond their local communities. However, launching this groundbreaking initiative was no small feat—Shanda and her husband invested over $30,000 of their own savings, facing limited sponsorships and logistical hurdles along the way.

With a mindset rooted in her faith and her motto “PUSH” (Pray Until Something Happens), Shanda persevered, turning her vision into a reality. “I wanted to bring bakers into the spotlight,” she explains, “to celebrate the unique talents they bring to the table and to showcase Caribbean baking as an art form that deserves recognition.” Through her determination, she has turned the Caribbean Baking Awards into an annual celebration that attracts bakers, food lovers, and cultural ambassadors from around the region.

The 2024 Caribbean Baking Awards exceeded expectations, not only drawing in bakers and attendees from various islands but also fostering an atmosphere of camaraderie and mutual support. Shanda fondly recalls the pride she felt as bakers shared their journeys on stage, recounting their challenges and triumphs. “Hearing their stories reminded me why I started this: to give them a platform where they feel seen, supported, and celebrated,” she says.

One of the highlights of the evening came when Shanda herself took the microphone to perform “Wind Beneath My Wings,” a song that captured her gratitude and appreciation for everyone who contributed to making the event a success. This heartfelt moment underscored the personal connection Shanda feels to the baking community and the impact her work has had.

Bakers at the event connected with one another, forming friendships and exchanging tips—a testament to the sense of family Shanda aimed to cultivate. “The Caribbean culinary community isn’t just about competition; it’s about supporting each other’s journeys,” she shares, reflecting on how this unity adds depth to the awards.

With a successful debut year behind her, Shanda has ambitious plans for the future of the Caribbean Baking Awards. The 2025 event will introduce new categories—Best Traditional Caribbean Baked Goods, Best Chocolatier, Best Specialty Baked Goods (Vegan Treats), and Best Pastry/Café Shop—to further showcase the diversity within Caribbean baking. “These new categories allow us to honor different aspects of the craft and recognize a broader range of talents,” she explains.

The 2025 event will also feature live baking “Grudge Matches,” a Youth Edition cupcake competition, and workshops to help bakers grow their businesses. These workshops will cover essential skills beyond the kitchen, such as branding and scaling, giving bakers the tools they need for success. Shanda is particularly excited about expanding the event’s entertainment offerings, including live music from Caribbean bands, making it a cultural celebration as much as a culinary one.

Looking ahead, Shanda envisions the Caribbean Baking Awards as a traveling event that brings the spirit of Caribbean baking to different islands, allowing even more bakers to participate and share their creations. She dreams of creating a network and directory of Caribbean bakers—a resource to help connect bakers across the region, foster mentorship, and open doors for new opportunities. “This directory will go beyond listing names; it’ll showcase each baker’s unique style and craft, helping them gain visibility,” she says.

Juggling the demands of organizing the Caribbean Baking Awards with her personal life has been no small challenge. Shanda, who is married to a former soca singer from the British Virgin Islands, balances her entrepreneurial efforts with her role as a mother to three children, including her youngest, Christopher, a talented beatboxer and music producer. Family life is both a joy and a source of strength for Shanda, helping her stay grounded while pursuing her dreams.

Her family’s love of music weaves its way through her baking endeavors as well. Shanda even wrote a theme song for the Caribbean Baking Awards, blending her two creative passions. “Baking and music share the same creative energy,” she says. “Just as a song needs rhythm and harmony, baking requires precision, timing, and a sense of how flavors blend together.” Music is a source of inspiration in her kitchen, and baking is a therapeutic, joyful outlet that brings people together—whether in the form of a dessert or a song.

Reflecting on her journey, Shanda encourages other aspiring entrepreneurs to embrace their passions and believe in their visions. “It takes dedication, resilience, and a clear purpose to build something meaningful,” she shares. For Shanda, the road to establishing the Caribbean Baking Awards has been filled with obstacles, but her unwavering commitment to her vision and her community has seen her through.

She advises others to seek out mentors and surround themselves with supportive people. “Building a community is crucial,” she emphasizes. “The people you have around you can offer guidance, open doors, and lift you up when things get tough.” Starting small and being willing to adapt has been a crucial part of her success, as has staying true to her purpose.

The Caribbean Baking Awards has already begun to make a lasting impact, serving as a source of pride and opportunity for bakers across the Caribbean. Shanda’s commitment to uplifting and celebrating the diverse talents within Caribbean baking has transformed the awards into more than an event—it’s a movement. With each passing year, her vision for the Caribbean Baking Awards grows stronger, and her legacy is one of resilience, creativity, and community-building.

For Shanda Webster-Glasgow, turning her dreams into reality while balancing life’s demands has been a journey of faith, dedication, and love for her Caribbean heritage. As she continues to inspire bakers and audiences alike, Shanda’s story is a reminder that, with passion and perseverance, it’s possible to create something beautiful that uplifts an entire community.