Eat My Shortbread, a bakery in Oshawa, Ont., has become a cornerstone for locals seeking delectable treats and a sense of connection. The business was inspired by a Christmas party decades ago when founder Trisha Bower first tried a life-changing shortbread recipe. “It blew my mind,” Bower said. “I just knew there was something special there.”
The bakery is known for its innovative approach to shortbread, offering unique flavours like lavender white chocolate and cranberry orange. Bower even collaborates with other businesses, creating private label recipes tailored to their needs. “I always try to kind of find something new and fresh,” she said. Beyond the flavours, every product is made in-house and is free from nuts, soy and sesame seeds ensuring inclusivity for customers with allergies.
Community involvement is the heart of Eat My Shortbread’s mission. A former social worker, Bower continues to give back by working with organizations like Kerry’s Place, supporting adults with autism. “I’m a huge advocate of supporting those that have disabilities and challenges and perhaps barriers to employment,” she explained. The bakery also partners with Melly’s Café in Whitby, offering opportunities for individuals with disabilities to join her team. This commitment reflects Bower’s belief in combining business with social impact.
Despite its customer-focused approach and foundation built on family recipes, the business has not been without challenges. “Certainly starting out it’s always about capital. It’s always about cash flow,” Bower said. “The self-doubt and the motivation, those are real, foundational challenges for businesses.”
Despite challenges, Bower has forged a path forward by cultivating a loyal customer base, fostering community connections and continuously innovating her product offerings. These efforts have helped Eat My Shortbread thrive as it approaches its tenth anniversary in its current location. “I must be doing something right,” Bower said, laughing.
For Olivia Campbell, a first-time customer, Eat My Shortbread lived up to its reputation on a recent visit. “It’s delicious, It’s so light and crumbly,” Campbell said. “It just kind of melts in my mouth, it’s supper buttery. I’d absolutely go back, it definitely seems like a place that genuinely cares about its products and its customers.”
As the bakery continues to grow, Bower’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is grounded in self-belief. “You have to believe in yourself and your product,” she said. “It can’t just be about money, it’s about what am I bringing to you that’s a little bit extra.”
Eat My Shortbread will celebrate its tenth anniversary on June 1, 2025. Through her baked goods, Bower has created not just a business, but a space where flavours and values blend seamlessly.