NutmegSpiced was not part of my original plan, for most of my life, wellness and nutrition were my main passions. In high school, my teachers had a clear vision for my future. They saw me going to university to study nutrition and eventually pursuing a career in law. When I was a child, I always had big ambitions and was curious, dreaming of becoming a lawyer. I even did my high school internship at a law firm, which was very close to where NutmegSpiced is located today. My plan was to attend the University of Toronto for my undergraduate studies in nutrition, followed by law school at Osgoode Hall.
After high school, I kept in touch with the law firm and landed my first job as a receptionist there. Working there during the summers kept me motivated for my future. However, as time went on, I started to crave change. The idea of spending my whole life in an office started to give me anxiety. I wanted something different.
One day, I found myself at an interview for Zellers at Cloverdale Mall, a job that I didn't even remember applying for. To my surprise, I loved working there. Although I was initially hired for fashion (due to my "fashion sense," I say sarcastically), I quickly moved to the cashier position because of my success in getting customers to sign up for HBC credit cards. My retail journey progressed rapidly. Soon, I was promoted to supervisor and transferred to Home Outfitters at Yorkdale Mall.
My time at Home Outfitters was a turning point. It sparked my curiosity about the inner workings of a business. Everything was exciting and new. I was brought in as a cash supervisor, where I again succeeded in increasing credit card sign-ups. Promotions followed, and I soon found myself as a department head, holding keys to the store, managing the cash office, payroll, HR, and more. But even then, I knew there was more to my life.
I had a plan to quit my job and go back to school to study business. But before doing so, I decided to give law one more chance. I was called by a lawyer from my previous firm who urgently needed a law clerk. I took a break from Home Outfitters to try it out, with the hope of reigniting my interest in law. However, working as a law clerk for a real estate lawyer made me realize that it wasn't the right fit for me. The long hours and all-nighters confirmed that office life wasn't what I wanted.
I returned to Home Outfitters with a new plan to go to school. I enrolled at the University of Toronto but dropped out after less than a year. A few years later, I pursued a diploma in Business Administration-Marketing. This led to the birth of my first company, Juice Wealthy, a digital juice business focused on unconventional wellness approaches. I created personalized juice recipes for clients, combining nutrition and great taste, which I loved. This venture ignited my passion for ingredients, recipe writing, and development.
My next project, NutmegSpiced, proved to be a challenge as it conflicted with my health-focused background. I had a deep love for desserts and baking but initially considered starting a cookie company called Crazy for Cookie. However, this clashed with my wellness business. To fully commit to NutmegSpiced, I needed a greater purpose behind it.
Picture: Young Sonisha Paul in Grenville, Grenada (Christmas time)
A Walk With Me
I grew up in Grenada, and honestly, my childhood wasn't filled with the best memories. My mother left my siblings and me with family while she sought a better life for us in Canada. At the time, Grenada was grappling with high poverty rates, and the environment we were left in wasn't kind. The family we stayed with didn't treat us well—there was abuse and trauma that left lasting scars. The only time we felt any kindness was around Christmas when we were allowed to enjoy some of the treats that I now bake at NutmegSpiced.
This is where the true purpose of NutmegSpiced was born. It's not just a bakery—it's a way to recreate the rare moments of warmth and joy I experienced during those difficult years. Those Christmas treats were a silver lining in an otherwise challenging time, and I wanted to bring that same warmth and comfort to others, not just during the holidays, but every day that our bakeshop is open.
NutmegSpiced is more than just a reflection of my love for baking; it's a way to share the fuzzy, heartwarming feelings that were so scarce in my childhood. Every time you visit our bakeshop, I hope you feel the love and care that goes into each treat because NutmegSpiced is bigger than me. It's about bringing that warmth from my heart to yours, creating a space where joy and comfort are always on the menu.
Thank you for joining me on this sacred journey.
Here are my top 3 favorite childhood favorite treats:
2. Grenadian Sponge Cake: Our sponge cake is perfectly balanced, never too plain nor overwhelming. It's the exquisite combination of delicate spices and a refreshing burst of citrus zest, exotic spices such as bergamot that sets it apart.
3. Cut-Cake: The Grenadian Cut-cake—a distinctive tropical pastry delight crafted from a secret recipe. Dive into the soft, moist layers of coconut, each generously filled with freshly shredded coconut and genuine Grenadian flavors.
And that's how NutmegSpiced came to be—not just as a bakery but as a reflection of my journey, passions, and the balance I've sought between wellness and indulgence.
