Karamea Fashion Inc

Born in New Zealand and raised on an organic farm, Michelle Turpin knows a thing or two about creating incredible dishes using wholesome ingredients. A baker ever since she was a young child, she moved to Canada over 17 years ago and noticed one glaring omission in the Toronto food scene: “there wasn’t much in the way of great cafes here, much less great organic baked goods,” remembers Michelle.

Michelle tested the market at the local Polish festival and soon realized that people loved her dishes. As luck would have it, the space below the studio she operated as a seamstress - previously a coffee shop and hair salon - became available. Michelle took over the lease and by August 2015, Fantail, named after a New Zealand bird of the same name, opened its doors. But getting to opening day wasn’t without a few challenges.