Meet the Visionary Founder Behind Toronto’s Beloved Cake Shop.
I was born into a family who immigrated under urgent circumstances, leaving our home country so my sister and I could grow up in a safer environment. We settled in North Vancouver, BC, where my parents worked tirelessly to provide us with more opportunities than they had. As a child, I wasn’t drawn to academic studies, but I adored anything that allowed me to be creative or active. Sports captured my heart early on, as did painting, sketching, poetry and anything creative. I often helped my mother and grandmother cook, learning about flavours, presentation, and the joy of sharing meals with loved ones. Even back then, I had a strong sense of independence and dreamed of leading my own way in life.
When I turned 19, I moved to Toronto, ready to explore new horizons. I spent a short period as a yoga instructor, working with athletes, hosting large classes, and understanding the dynamics of guiding groups toward a goal. Around this time, I also put in over a decade of work within the hospitality industry. These experiences were invaluable, teaching me about customer service, organization, and the power of building a strong network. I learned how to connect with people, understand their needs, and deliver experiences that left them feeling satisfied and inspired. This allowed me to grow my database of contacts, who would later support and celebrate my entrepreneurial journey.
In my twenties, I discovered that baking allowed me to combine my love of art and food into something truly special. I realized I could make “edible art”—desserts and cakes that not only tasted incredible but also looked like miniature masterpieces. Inspired by fashion, colour theory, global flavours, and the sights and sounds of my travels, I began creating custom cakes from home. My small operation took off quickly, and soon I outgrew my home kitchen. That’s when I decided to open my own cake shop and café, Velvet Lane Cakes. (Originally, my business began as Goodies by Dee, then became Dee’s Goodies before transforming into what it is today—Velvet Lane Cakes.)
Velvet Lane Cakes, a successful cake shop and café that I built from the ground up. I’ve always had a passion for creativity and bringing joy to people’s lives, which led me to explore many different paths before finding my true calling in the world of cakes and pastries. Over the years, I worked in various roles within hospitality, traveled across the globe, and learned from different cultures. Each experience taught me new skills and inspired me to keep pushing forward, both personally and professionally.
As a mother and entrepreneur, I understand how important it is to maintain balance. My family often joins me at Velvet Lane, and their support and involvement greatly influence my work and its success.
When I first started, I would dream of being featured in magazines and on TV shows. Fast forward, I’m happy to share that I am also an award-winning cake artist, having proudly taken 1st place on “The Big Bake.” My work has been featured on Cityline, Breakfast Television, and in People Magazine, as well as across numerous local blogs and newspapers. I’ve created custom cakes for celebrities, artists, athletes, poets, authors, concerts, and large organizations, each time striving to design a unique edible masterpiece that resonates with their story and adds a memorable touch to their event. I proudly contribute to our local community, making charitable donations yearly and will continue to do so.
With Love, Danielle