Adjoa Duncan was riding her bike downtown King St. Toronto when opportunity revealed itself in a cozy townhouse that read ‘For Lease’. Immediately, she stopped pedalling and made a call to the number in the window, asking, “What do I need to do to get this place”. On February 7th 2013, the homey pastry shop just west of Bathurst and King opened up to the public. “I get by with a lot of help from my friends” she says gratefully. With a god sent contractor, and designer Farida Abu-Bakare she was able to change the baron leased home into a fairy tale pastry shop. Duncan welcomes in her sweet-toothed customers with intriguing hand made decorations. Utensils surround a royal chandelier that centers the shop, painted baking pans hold up glass tables and various frames consist of vintage cooking materials she’s stored over the years. The cute DIY (do it yourself) designs makes the pastry shop one that is original; “just like me” she says.
Ps by prettysweet differs from other pastry places in town, as it doesn’t invite the idea of a shop. “I liked this place because it’s like entering someone’s home, where you can ask for something and not feel [weird] about,” says Duncan as she sits up straight in her seat, demonstrating the uptight aura many other shops propose. “I want it to be warm and homey because it’s [a depiction] of me”. An inspirational quote of the day is written on the side of the counter and glass displays of goodies entice you alongside the bagged goodies on the shelves. It’s without a doubt that you’ve entered a Hansel and Gretel castle.