The Why

Growing up I rarely saw myself represented in daily life. From Barbies to cartoon characters to the types of foods available at the grocery store, nothing felt like it resembled me. Now that I’m older, I realized that that had a huge impact on how I viewed and carried myself for years. Through The Dessert Artist I create characters that “look like me”. I provide items like Black Santa during Christmas time or sugar cookies of a girl with an afro or custom cake toppers of a Black person with their appropriate hair type. As well as items from my heritage like Petite Jamaican Patties and rum cake.

About The Company

The Dessert Artist is a baked goods and confectionery producer that provides bespoke edible creations that delight the senses for a variety of occasions (e.g., weddings, holidays, corporate events, etc.) that is influenced by the founder’s Black heritage. The company regularly includes designs and flavours that will resonate with the Black community and those looking to explore and experience Black culture.

The company is also one of the winners of the Rise Up 2023 pitch competition (1,733 applicants, 24 semi-finalists, 8 winners), as well as the LiftOff 5K 2023 pitch competition, and did a segment on the Baking For Change Show on how to make cookie sandwiches (watch the tutorial here)!

About Me

Hiya, I’m Rochelle, the person behind The Dessert Artist. I have always had a bit of a sweet tooth and valued a dessert’s appearance as much as its taste. This lead to me taking the Baking & Pastry Arts Management and Advanced Chocolate and Confectionery Artistry courses at Humber college. After three years of studying various avenues of pastry and working in different establishments as a pastry chef for almost a decade, I discovered my passion for the decorative side of “baking” and recipe development. Elaborate cakes, edible figurines, detailed sugar cookies, and playing mad scientist through experimenting with flavor combinations (especially in chocolate form) are my jam!

Fun Facts

~ I was a part of the first ever cohort to join and complete the LiftOff program for Black entrepreneurs.
~ I was interviewed through the University of Waterloo on how community is important for Black entrepreneurs. Watch interview here.
~ I was also interviewed by CBC KW where I shared my perspective about being a Black entrepreneur. Read about it here.
~ I participated in the first Black Business Showcase Pitch Competition (put on by LiftOff) in KW and won!
~ I am a hobby artist in my free time and have drawn or painted several art pieces ranging from realistic portraits to abstract. See the beginnings of a mural I made for Lady Glaze Doughnuts here.
~ Rugby is one of my favorite sports to play.
~ I’ve taught a dessert class through the Community Kitchen Cooperative and had a blast! Hoping to find more teaching opportunities in the future 🙂