As International Women’s Day approaches this weekend on March 8th, we’re kicking off a special interview series featuring inspiring female leaders and innovators here in Vancouver.

Each of these inspiring women are shaping industries, breaking barriers, and redefining success in their own unique way.

Daria Andriienko is a Pastry Chef at Vancouver’s award-winning Five Sails restaurant. From a young age, she had a passion for cooking and in 2018, she moved to Vancouver to help advance her career.

What inspired you to pursue a career in pastry arts, and how did your journey begin in Ukraine?

“From a young age, I loved cooking and helping my mom in the kitchen. While she stuck to traditional recipes, I was always into experimenting with different flavors and recipes. I was also pretty good at drawing, so I decided to study graphic design. I tried taking on some jobs in that field but quickly realized it wasn’t for me. That’s when I decided to try my first pastry-related job at a small cake shop, where we made custom cakes and desserts.”

“Later on, I got the chance to work at a French-inspired confectionery, where I met some amazing chefs who taught me everything I know and helped me master the basics. It was there that I absolutely fell in love with pastry and made the decision to pursue this industry.”

“My next stop was a seafood restaurant, where I got more familiar with the service side of things and plating. The chef there trusted me enough to let me participate in menu development, which was an awesome opportunity to get involved in the creative process.”

Why did you choose Glowbal Restaurant Group/Five Sails to advance your career here in Vancouver?

“I moved to Vancouver in 2018 without a job and not knowing the language. Luckily, my ex-partner was working for Glowbal Restaurant Group, which led me to my first job in Canada at Coast Restaurant. In 2020, when COVID hit, I lost my job. After two months, I received a call from Chef Shean Riley, who told me about Five Sails joining the Glowbal Group. I was very grateful to receive an offer from Glowbal Group for a pastry cook position and eagerly accepted. I started my journey as a pastry cook, and a few months later, I was promoted to pastry chef and began working on my first menu.”

How do you approach creating new desserts for the menu at Five Sails, and what inspires your creativity?

“Creating new desserts at Five Sails is all about blending inspiration, research, and teamwork. I draw ideas from seasonal ingredients, global culinary trends, and traditional recipes. By combining local seasonal ingredients, my heritage, and French techniques, I craft a menu that balances innovation with tradition.”

“A great example is our petit four program, featuring locally crafted chocolates from Kasama Chocolate, a small-batch, bean-to-bar chocolate maker based in Vancouver.”

“The afternoon tea theme at Five Sails provides an excellent opportunity for me to express my creativity and explore new recipes and techniques. This format allows for a diverse range of flavors and presentations, enabling me to experiment with different combinations and styles.”

How do you hope to inspire the next generation of women in your industry?

“I hope to inspire the next generation of women in the pastry arts by leading through my own example. I believe that with passion and determination, anything is possible. When I first started, I didn’t know the language, didn’t have a job, and had never studied culinary arts or attended cooking schools. All I had was my passion and a strong desire to learn and improve. Along the way, I was fortunate to have great chefs who inspired and guided me. I want to be an example of someone who made their dreams come true. It’s never easy, but it’s possible. I also hope to share the knowledge and experience I’ve gained throughout this journey.”

What are some of your favourite restaurants and cafes in Vancouver?

“A few places come to mind when I think about my favourite spots in Vancouver. For the best coffee and delicious croissant sandwiches, my absolute favourite is Nemesis. For the finest almond croissants, I always go to Thierry. When it comes to Italian food, Savio Volpe is unbeatable. For the most exceptional restaurant experience, Anna Lenna stands out. When it comes to top-tier Japanese cuisine, New Fuji is the place to be.”

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