Inspiring Olivia (IO) Bakes is a new local business that sells treats and pastries made in a commercial kitchen.<\/p>\n
The bakery launched in December and is committed to providing nut-free desserts.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt started because I have an allergy to nuts and a lot of bakeries I find it\u2019s may contain, and they can\u2019t promise absolutely no nut contamination,\u201d said owner Olivia Lam.<\/p>\n
The business has begun to sell themed treat boxes. IO Bakes has sold four different boxes so far which include items like cupcakes and danishes.<\/p>\n
\u201cI started treat boxes for Lunar New Year in February this year, so that was the very first one,\u201d Lam said.<\/p>\n
Valentine\u2019s day, International Women\u2019s Day and now Easter are the other occasions Lam has curated treat boxes for.<\/p>\n
\u201cValentine\u2019s Day, our boxes sold out very quick, I\u2019m gonna say within two hours,\u201d Lam said.<\/p>\n
Lam said that with Easter coming up she is just as busy. Lam\u2019s Easter treat boxes, as well as mini-egg biscotti, have completely sold out as well.<\/p>\n
\u201cI guess people are looking for baked treats but like not commercial sized baked treats for their friends and family and loved ones,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Through her bakery, Lam said she has been able to connect with other small businesses in Ottawa.<\/p>\n
\u201cI try to include one item from a local business in each treat box each month, so that they can get that sort of exposure,\u201d Lam said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThen it makes it a little bit more fun, you have something you can keep rather than just all the things that you can just consume and then they\u2019re gone,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n
The Easter treat boxes included a fresh bouquet of tulips from a local florist to fit with the theme and coincide with springtime.<\/p>\n
Following the interview, Lam explained that she does her best to use locally sourced ingredients for her baked goods and will often reach out to local farmers.<\/p>\n
Lam hopes to eventually expand IO bakes into accommodating other dietary restrictions such as gluten, vegan, dairy free or egg free options.<\/p>\n