The “Sweet” Persistence Behind Ladurée’s Canadian Expansion With Olesya Krakhmalyova
For Olesya Krakhmalyova, Ladurée represents more than a Parisian patisserie; it embodies a taste of heritage, sophistication, and exquisiteness now available in Yorkville in Toronto.
This Fall, Dolce was fortunate to sit down with Olesya Krakhmalyova, the mastermind behind Ladurée’s Canadian success, whose journey is as refined and captivating as the macarons she now brings to gourmands across the country. Her story begins not in boardrooms or bakeries but in a small moment of magic on the streets of Monaco.
“I had never tasted anything like it,” she says, her voice still tinged with wonder. “It was magic. I knew right then I had to bring that experience to Canada.”
That first bite? A Ladurée orange-blossom macaron. And with it, Krakhmalyova’s destiny was sealed. Though she had a solid career in accounting, with a CPA licence earned at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, pastry had other plans for her. “I just knew I couldn’t ignore it,” she adds with a knowing smile.
What followed was five years of determination and persistence — an almost mythical pursuit of a dream. “I reached out to Ladurée over and over,” Krakhmalyova recalls, her voice light but resolute. “Every email was met with the same response: ‘Not yet.’” But for Krakhmalyova, “no” was never an option. She wasn’t deterred. She kept at it until, eventually, she earned a meeting with Ladurée’s then-owner. “It took a personal connection, but I finally convinced them,” she says, almost as if she can still feel the triumph of that moment. “I was determined to bring this brand to Canada in the right way.”
In 2016, Ladurée opened its first Canadian boutique in Vancouver. And the response? It was nothing short of explosive. “It felt like introducing a little piece of Paris to the West Coast,” Krakhmalyova says. But it wasn’t just about the macarons — it was about creating an experience. Ladurée isn’t just a patisserie, it’s a destination, an indulgent escape into French luxury. For Krakhmalyova, every store is an invitation to enjoy Plaisir Sucré, the “sweet pleasure” at the heart of Ladurée’s philosophy. “It’s about more than the pastries — it’s about the entire experience. Every bite, every visit should feel like a little moment of indulgence,” she says.
And with that sweet persistence, Krakhmalyova has expanded Ladurée across Canada, with the latest gem being the Yorkville location in Toronto, a perfect fit for the upscale neighborhood. “Yorkville is an ideal spot for us,” she says, her enthusiasm palpable. “The people here really appreciate quality, and our multicultural flavours resonate with such a diverse crowd. Our pistachio macaron? It’s a hit.”
But the expansion isn’t just about opening more stores. It’s about deepening the connection between the brand and its customers. In both Vancouver and Toronto, Krakhmalyova has introduced pastry-making classes, allowing people to connect with the craft of French patisserie. “It’s not just about the pastries — it’s about the artistry,” she says, her eyes lighting up with passion.
And despite her expanding empire, Krakhmalyova is first and foremost a mother to two young boys. “It’s challenging, but my family always comes first,” she says. “I’m a hockey mom. When I’m with my kids, I’m all in. I try to bring that focus into everything I do, whether I’m with my team or with customers.”
Her personal favourite? “The orange-blossom macaron, of course,” she laughs. “And the butter croissant. You can never go wrong with the classics.”
Olesya Krakhmalyova’s journey with Ladurée is a testament to the power of persistence, passion, and a finely tuned sense of luxury. From a serendipitous bite in Monaco to a nationwide expansion, her story is a sweet reminder that sometimes success begins with the smallest, most mundane of moments — and that sometimes those are the most enchanting.
INTERVIEW BY MARC CASTALDO
