ONSIDE Entrepreneur Spotlight: Ivy Kwok Chipman, Founder of Bake Theory — Personalized Pastry Experiences in Halifax
Ivy Kwok Chipman is the founder of Bake Theory Artisan Bakery, a Halifax-based, chef-led pastry brand specializing in custom, made-to-order desserts designed around individual lifestyles, tastes, and dietary preferences. Rather than offering a traditional retail model, Bake Theory focuses on personalization—creating thoughtfully crafted pastries for both individual clients and businesses. From intimate celebrations to corporate events and brand activations, each creation is designed to be both visually refined and tailored to the client’s needs. Through pop-ups, farmers’ markets, custom order and catering experiences across Halifax, Ivy is building a brand that redefines how desserts are experienced—moving beyond standard offerings to something more intentional, flexible, and client-focused.
The Impact
Entrepreneurial Growth & Vision
“Through participating in ONSIDE: Start Now Incubator programs and events, I gained valuable knowledge in branding, marketing, AI tools, and digital promotion strategies that are essential for building and scaling a modern business.
These workshops helped me refine how I position Bake Theory in the marketplace—not just as a bakery, but as a personalized, chef-led pastry brand. I was able to better articulate what differentiates us, especially our focus on custom-designed desserts tailored to individual lifestyles and client needs.
ONSIDE also provided meaningful networking opportunities, including being invited to showcase my pastries at the Cheerful Connections event. This allowed me to connect directly with other entrepreneurs, receive real-time feedback, and better understand how customers experience my products in a live setting.
These experiences strengthened both my confidence and clarity as a founder. They also reinforced an important mindset: there is no one-size-fits-all approach in business. That perspective continues to shape how I grow Bake Theory—intentionally, creatively, and with a strong focus on personalization and long-term vision.”
— Ivy Kwok Chipman
“One of the most valuable aspects of ONSIDE was the opportunity to connect with a diverse and supportive group of entrepreneurs. As an introvert, networking can feel intimidating, but the structured events and welcoming environment made it much more approachable. Participating in events like Cheerful Connections allowed me to see people experience my pastries firsthand, engage in meaningful conversations, and receive thoughtful feedback. It was incredibly rewarding and helped me build genuine connections within the local entrepreneurial community.”
— Ivy Kwok Chipman
Practical Business Skills
Tools for Growth
“One of the most valuable aspects of ONSIDE was the opportunity to connect with a diverse and supportive group of entrepreneurs. As an introvert, networking can feel intimidating, but the structured events and welcoming environment made it much more approachable. Participating in events like Cheerful Connections allowed me to see people experience my pastries firsthand, engage in meaningful conversations, and receive thoughtful feedback. It was incredibly rewarding and helped me build genuine connections within the local entrepreneurial community.”
— Ivy Kwok Chipman
