I’m Nazia Farooq, the heart and soul behind La Pâtissière, a Durham-based cakery established in 2016, born from my lifelong passion for everything sweet and beautiful. My journey began with hours spent watching YouTube tutorials, mesmerized by the artistry of cake decorators worldwide. My fascination with the creativity of cake decorating soon overtook my drive to continue my 9-5 in a marketing agency. Within a few years, this passion became my purpose when I graduated with honors from the Baking and Pastry Arts Management program at Centennial College, where I honed the skill of balancing culinary production with business management.

Beyond baking, I dream of empowering others by teaching and inspiring creativity. In 2024, I launched cake decorating workshops, sharing my skills with over 150 students to date. Seeing their joy as they bring their ideas to life fuels my vision of one day owning a brick-and-mortar studio that supports single mothers in our community. At La Pâtissière, each cake and dessert is handcrafted with love and the finest locally sourced ingredients, ensuring every bite tells a story. Thank you for being part of this journey – whether you’re celebrating a milestone or indulging in a sweet treat, I’m honored to create something truly special for you.