The Story Behind
Fleur De Lys
What began as a maternity leave hobby turned into a life-changing passion.
In March 2020, what was supposed to be a short trip to visit in Toronto turned into a journey that changed everything — for me and for our family. When the world paused, I found a new beginning — one made of flour, butter, and bold decisions.
Fleur De Lys Bakery was born from a desire to share warmth, joy, and artistry through the timeless beauty of French baking.
The life of the bakery
Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining
Sometimes, life changes direction in the most unexpected — and beautiful — ways.
A few years ago, while on maternity leave with my youngest son in Moscow, I discovered a new passion: baking. What began as a quiet hobby quickly became something more — a creative spark that filled my kitchen with warmth, and our home with the scent of pastries and joy. Friends encouraged me, certificates followed, and I began to dream of something bigger: opening a small bakery of my own, where I could share the flavours I loved with others.
The plan was simple — study, perfect my craft, and build a business back home. But fate had a different idea.
In March 2020, I came to visit my two eldest sons in Toronto with my youngest in tow. We were supposed to stay for three short weeks. I even had a spring trip to France planned — tickets, hotels, museum passes, everything. Then the borders closed.
Suddenly, the world stood still — and our lives stood still with it.
But stillness can be a gift. What could have been a frustrating pause became one of the most transformative chapters of my life. In the quiet moments of lockdown, I spent precious time with my children — time we hadn’t had together in years. We became closer than ever. I found comfort in baking, experimenting with recipes, mastering éclairs and laminated dough, and dreaming new dreams. And then, one day, I made a decision:
If life had placed me in this unexpected place, maybe it was for a reason.
I enrolled at George Brown College to study Baking and Pastry Arts — in a new country, in a new language, chasing an old dream. It was not easy, but it felt right. Every croissant I shaped, every class I took, brought me closer to something real. I wasn’t just learning recipes — I was building a future.
Fleur De Lys is that future. It is the embodiment of that leap of faith, the resilience of starting over, and the belief that even the hardest detours can lead us to something better.
This is more than a bakery. It is a story of courage, love, and the joy of creating something beautiful with your own hands — and sharing it with the world.
Join the team
Business is not just about ideas and plans — it’s about people.
Every morning, while the city is still asleep, they begin to create.
They shape something truly special for you to discover —
with skill, soul, and a deep love for their craft.
At Fleur De Lys, our team is made up of passionate artisans —
obsessed, dedicated, and absolutely in love with what they do.
If you see yourself in these words — you’re one of us.
