Tropical Flavours, French Artistry

My name is Tisha, and my parents, both born in Guyana, immigrated to Canada in the 1970s to seek a better life and raise a family. They were both hardworking and in love, and their relationship was a testament to the strength of their bond. I have an older brother, who is four years older than me. He and I are total opposites, but we love each other dearly and find common ground. My Mom always called us the two sides of her heart. 

I grew up in a loving household where our identity of being Guyanese was deeply important. Our extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents would gather regularly, and the women would cook. I would sit in the kitchen, marveling at how it all came together watching the community, the laughter, and the joy of sharing a meal. As I got older, I was allowed to help more, and it felt special to be a part of it. When my brother started baking at home, I followed suit and began baking cookies. I’d bake in the evening when the kitchen was clear, and though it didn’t always turn out right, I practiced, refined my recipes, and learned the skills over time. I started baking for family events and felt like I was contributing to the kitchen in my own way.

As I got older and planned my education after high school, I wanted to attend culinary school. My parents, however, encouraged me to pursue a degree, believing that as a woman of color, it would provide me with greater opportunities and help me navigate the challenges I might face in the world. I chose to attend the University of Windsor and studied Criminology and Psychology. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, but in a Penology class with a Federal Parole Officer, I felt a calling to help others. After graduating, I volunteered at a probation office and, a few years later, secured a job as a Probation Officer in Etobicoke. My job was incredibly demanding, and despite the challenges, I poured my heart into supporting my clients. However, I often felt that the resources available to both my clients and me were limited, making it difficult to create lasting change. I was deeply committed to their well-being, but at times, it felt like I was fighting an uphill battle with few tools to truly make a difference.

My family and I have always been close. We spent a lot of time together, and we supported each other through thick and thin. My mom was my hero, my cheerleader, and my source of strength. She was first diagnosed with cancer when I was 17, and it returned many years later. When she got sick, we stuck together. I took her to chemotherapy sessions, where we would talk, hold hands, and face the good and bad news together. Even though I felt helpless, I did everything I could to support her. She called me her "girl Friday," and in my heart, she was everything.

My mom encouraged my love for baking. She even drove me to George Brown College to get my first chef whites, pushing me to attend baking classes while I scheduled them around my work schedule and her treatments. I thought we would make it through and one day open a bakery together—her business mind and my creativity. That was my dream.

But in 2018, she passed away, and my entire world shattered. Losing my mom was an unbearable grief, a wound so deep that it has shaped every part of my life leaving a space in my heart that will remain forever. I couldn’t bake for a long time after her passing. I only went into the kitchen to sustain myself—not to create. The act of creation felt impossible amidst the sadness. Soon after, I also ended a decade-long relationship that left me on my own in ways I hadn’t anticipated.

But through it all, I slowly started to create again. I began baking the things my mom used to make, to feel connected to her. Her sponge cake—so beloved in our family—was one of the first things I tackled. It had always been her signature, and I never thought I’d try to replicate it, but I needed to. After many attempts, I finally got it right. One day, I left a piece at my brother’s house. When he texted me, saying it made him cry because it tasted just like our Mom’s, I brought a piece of her sweetness back into my life.

In 2022, I launched Peshy’s. This bakery is an ode to my mom, my best friend, and the strongest woman I've ever known. Her unwavering strength, courage, and love shaped who I am today, and it is her spirit that fuels every creation that comes out of my kitchen. Peshy’s is named after my mother, Rupesh, as a tribute to her nickname and a reminder that life’s most meaningful moments often come from following your heart.

At Peshy’s, I create more than just pastries—they are pieces of love and cherished memories, inspired by my journey and the truly inspiring people who have shaped my life. Whether it’s a delicate croissant or a rich, buttery cake each treat is crafted with the care, dedication, and passion that my Mom instilled in me. Every item I make carries her love and the beauty she brought into my life.

After selling my home and moving in with my Dad, I made the decision to apply to École Ducasse in France. I didn’t tell anyone until I received my acceptance letter. I was finally going to pursue my dream of pastry school full time. I took a leave of absence from my job, and on my last day, I walked out of the door feeling an excitement I hadn’t felt in years. My time at École Ducasse in Yssingeaux, France, was nothing short of magical. Immersed in a stunning, natural landscape and surrounded by World-Class inspirational chefs, I had the privilege of baking every day, learning and growing in an environment that filled me with immense gratitude and awe.

After France, I spent two months in London exploring bakeries and cafes, soaking in every experience. Since returning, I have poured my heart into creating desserts that marry French techniques with bold tropical flavors. The influence of my heritage and the traditions passed down to me by my mom are woven into every creation at Peshy’s.

Peshy’s isn’t just a business—it’s a tribute to love, tradition, and innovation, where my heritage is honoured, and innovation breathes new life into tradition. It’s a reflection of everything that shaped me and the passion I feel every time I step into the kitchen. My mom taught me to do everything with love, and it is that love that I put into every single bite. We celebrate tradition, honor heritage, and innovate with plenty of love.

At Peshy’s, every celebration deserves something extraordinary. Whether it’s a beautifully crafted custom cake, an elegantly designed sweet table, or a thoughtfully curated dessert party, I create pastries that bring people together and turn moments into lasting memories.

Sweet Tables: Elevate your event with a stunning selection of handcrafted pastries, from delicate tarts to indulgent éclairs. Each display is designed to be as visually stunning as it is delicious.

Custom Cakes: No fondant, just pure artistry. I work with flavors and textures that shine, creating cakes that are as unforgettable as the moments they celebrate.

Dessert Parties: Hosting an intimate gathering or a grand celebration? Let me craft a dessert experience tailored to your event, blending classic techniques with tropical flavors for a menu your guests will love.

Each creation is made with the same love and passion that defines Peshy’s—baked with plenty love. Let’s make your event unforgettable.

How to Order:

Submit Your Request – Email me with details about your event, including the date, number of guests, and any specific themes or flavours you have in mind.

 Personalized Consultation – I’ll review your request and reach out to discuss your vision, offering recommendations to craft a menu that perfectly suits your event.

Confirmation & Deposit – Once we finalize the details, a deposit is required to secure your order. This ensures your desserts are made fresh and exclusively for you.

Baked with Plenty Love – Every pastry is crafted with care, using fresh, high-quality ingredients.

 Delivery – Orders are all currently delivery this can be arranged for an additional fee (availability based on location).