PORT MARIA, St Mary — At 17, Imani Duncan is already thinking like a business owner. Her goal is simple but ambitious, to build generational wealth through food that people will remember.

The Port Maria teenager has always had a passion for cooking. Last year that passion earned her a distinction in food and nutrition from Wycliffe Martin High School. Instead of taking the typical route after graduating, Duncan chose to create her own financial opportunity. With her skills and her sister’s business sense, the pair launched D-Spot, making meals to order and delivering them to clients across Port Maria.

“I did not want to do something that everyone else was doing. I wanted to do something different and special.” Imani told the Jamaica Observer, a little shy as she spoke about her menu.

Seventeen-year-old Imani Duncan preparing her popular fully loaded hot dog. (Photo: Ingrid Henry)

That ‘special’ shows up on the plate: perfectly seasoned wraps, loaded fries, burgers, pasta Alfredo, shakes, and ice cream all plated to bring customers back.

“My most popular dish is the loaded fries and the wraps,” she beamed.

Her parents, Florizel and Sophia Duncan, are proud to watch her turn her talent into a business.

“Seeing our daughter pursuing something she loves and getting positive feedback from the community, we will always support her,” said her mom as her father nodded in agreement.

Ice cream treats on offer from 17-year-old Imani Duncan who dreams of opening a restaurant. Ingrid Henry

Imani’s vision extends beyond delivery boxes. Her number one goal is a physical space with the ambiance to match her delicious meals.

“I am looking to enhance my space so that when people come to purchase their food they can have an area to sit and enjoy not only the food but also the view,” she says.

For the ambitious 17-year-old, this is just the beginning as she builds her legacy one scrumptious meal at a time.