HELLO, WELCOME TO OUR CAKE SHOP.
WHERE IT STARTED...
From a young age, I was always in transit—my parents made it a rule to take us along on their business trips. While the meetings often felt endless, they gifted me something invaluable: early exposure to cultures, cuisines, and a strong sense of business. That mix of global wonder and boardroom buzz planted a seed in me long before I knew it.
But it wasn’t just business that caught my heart—it was people. I found joy in watching strangers pass through bustling cafés, each with a story, a coffee, and a moment of peace. Cafés felt like my place of zen. I used to dream of one day owning a café where I could create that same experience for others.
THE DREAM
That dream, once fleeting and inconsequential, began to take shape when I discovered my love for baking. What started as home experiments in my kitchen quickly became a full-blown passion. Before I knew it, I was building something bigger than I’d ever imagined—a business rooted in creativity, culture, and connection.
I didn’t want to do it small. I envisioned a powerhouse—run by women, built by women, inspired by women. I gathered a team of strong, talented individuals from diverse backgrounds and together, we created something truly special: a multicultural brand that celebrates heritage and flavor.
Pastel Bakes officially took its first breath in January 2021. What started as a humble cake company has grown into a full-fledged corporation—offering e-commerce cakes, custom orders, in-person workshops, decorating courses, and now, our café storefront in downtown Toronto.
Our team is proudly made up of multicultural women from all around the world. Though I’m Bangladeshi by birth, my global upbringing shaped my taste, curiosity, and commitment to inclusive, culture-forward cuisine. At Café Pastel, our menu proudly reflects the unique backgrounds and culinary traditions of our team.
MUSLIM OWNED BUSINESS
We are also a proud Muslim-owned business. Every ingredient used in our store is carefully sourced to align with Halal standards, ensuring our offerings are inclusive and welcoming to all.
Our mission is to build more than just a bakery—we’re creating a unique women-led corporation that represents the many cultures of Toronto and brings people together through dessert, design, and dialogue.
Welcome to our world. We’re so happy you’re here.
