Homegrown Business: Deidre Lotecki, Pastry Chef and Owner of Sweet Relief Pastries Inc.

Sweet Relief Pastries is a specialty bakery that focuses on super delicious cookies, cakes, and bars. They are in downtown Calgary, specifically Victoria Park. We had a great talk with Deidre Lotecki, pastry chef and owner.

Sweet Relief Pastries

What made you want to do this work? What problem did you want to solve with the business?

I have always loved baking and after a short stint at university I realized I needed a much more creative career, so I went to baking school and started my journey to becoming a pastry chef. I wanted to make the world a happier place, one treat at a time.

Who are your clientele/demographics?

Our clientele are mostly professional women ages 25 to 35

How does your business make money? How does it work?

We make money by selling cakes, cookies, and bars through our retail shop.

What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.

If you are looking for something custom, send as much information and photos as possible, and keep in mind that baking is an art. Everyone specializes in something different, just like you wouldn’t want a heart surgeon doing surgery on your eyeball, there are many things we wouldn’t feel comfortable making for you. We focus on simple buttercream cakes and cookie designs, so if you are looking for a super detailed design or a shaped cake, we will try and direct you to someone who can make that exactly how you are envisioning it because at the end of the day, you should get exactly what you want and we want everyone walking out of the bakery happy.

Sweet Relief Pastries

What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?

The best part of my job is getting to spend my day in a positive and uplifting environment filled with delicious snacks. The worst part of my job is grocery shopping, it is a lot of groceries!

What is your favourite joke about your own profession?

Why did the cookie go to the doctor? Because he was feeling crumb-y!

Where can we follow you?

You can follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Also, you can visit our website.

PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?

Two local businesses that we love are “Ritual Doughnuts” and “Adorn Boutique”