Roots
Shirin
“As a child, my mother used to go to one of the famous bakeries in Tehran months in advance to pre-order cookies for Nowrouz. During the celebrations, I always wished she would ask me to help display them so I could sneak a couple.”
On the Path to Becoming a Baker
“Shirin was born in Tehran, Iran, to a family from Gilan province. Gilan has a strong culinary tradition, and Shirin’s family was no exception. Despite having a strong affinity towards baking and celebrations, life took Shirin in another direction.”
After a long detour as an immigration consultant in Ottawa, Shirin started turning her attention to the passion and hobby that had always pulled at her. As it often happens, baking went from being a hobby to a passion. In time, the prospect of changing careers began to take shape. Starting small in 2012, Shirin began baking specifically for Nowrouz. Things escalated quickly, and soon enough, she found herself enrolled in Algonquin College’s Baking and Pastry Arts program, baking year-round out of her home, and fully immersed in the food industry. What used to be a distant desire was becoming a reality.
On Being an Entrepreneur
Shirin’s entrepreneurial spirit is undeniable. She thrives off of the challenges that baking and business can often bring. Anyone who knows Shirin knows that she will stare down any challenge with determination and grit. And if something doesn’t go quite right, she’ll dust the flour off her apron and try again.
Aside from loving a good challenge, Shirin loves that her creations get to be a part of people’s celebrations –and she loves that she has met so many people and made so many connections along the way.
On Life Outside of Sweet Patisserie
When Shirin is not baking for customers, she is most likely dreaming up an epic feast for family or friends. She loves the opportunity to be the hostess with the mostest. Bonus points if she gets to show off her beautiful backyard & garden.
Shirin cares deeply about social justice and democratic values, and she absorbs more CBC content than everyone you know.
At least once/year, she drops everything and watches the entire Harry Potter film series. House Gryffendor!
On Hope for the Future
Some day, Shirin hopes to find a brick & mortar home for Sweet Patisserie. She is inspired by the 19th century merchant homes found in Iran, that house citrus plants and running water basins. They are beautiful gathering places. She dreams of creating a collaborative and artistic space where people can share tea and dessert. She hopes to find a way to blend her passion for pastry with her passion for art and hospitality, because what better way to feed the soul?