Our Story
Olèm Blends (Olem blends) is a coffee and tea brand that aims to help Canadians with its wholesome blends! But it's more than just a brand: it's a growing community!
I'm a French Canadian working in film and television, primarily as an assistant director or second unit director, and occasionally as an actress and producer. I'm proud to be a Toronto Film School alumna. Before entering the film and television industry, I worked for ten years as a pastry chef, cook, barista/counter server, and housekeeper.
It all started in 2020, during the pandemic, when I moved in with my father for the first time. He spoke passionately about his love for coffee. Every day, I would hear the grinder squeal or see him hand-grinding his coffee beans with an antique grinder (like the one in this photo).
This piqued my curiosity: How is coffee grown? Where does it come from in the world? What is the process? How are the beans roasted? How many different blends are there? My inquisitive mind led me to complete a full barista training program, not only to hone my skills but also to earn my Level 1 Coffee Roaster certification.
During its creation phase, I was going through a heavy depression. Taking time for myself encouraged me to worked tirelessly to bring this project to fruition. I believe this new chapter in my life is my true calling! I hope that these carefully crafted blends will add a touch of flavour to people's lives. This coffee venture isn't just a business; it's also a personal brand!
For me, coffee and tea have always been like a big, warm hug! Whether it's to start the day off right, give yourself a boost mid-day, or aid digestion after a good meal, you can't go wrong with these drinks.
Gerry's Blend Inspiration
Gérard (Gerry) Trudeau, was my step-father! He would be the first one to greet you with a "HEY BUDDÉ!!" (buddy in a broken french-english way). He was the funniest, kindest, hardworking, loyal, honest, big hearted, helpful, giving, caring and much much more... This amazing man, took it upon himself to raise my siblings and I as his own. He was always present NO MATTER what circumstances. He'd show up!
In December 2023, he was diagnosed with stage 4 liver cancer. It was a shock to all of us! It was at that moment that I officially decided to proceed with the Olèm Blends Brand.
In April 2024. Two days before his birthday celebration. Our family went through a devastating tragedy. Shortly after this event, I had to fly back home. knowing that we barly spent time together. I decided to let him and my mother know that I would be naming one of my Coffee blends in his honor "Gerry's Blend."
Although, we were miles apart. I would regularly kept in touch and inform him of my Coffee Plans and told him that, whatever the outcome, I would honor him in helping others just like he always did.
He kept battling cancer and underwent multiple surgeries and chemotherapy treatments by summer 2024. His Doctor told him, he was doing better. As he felt better he decided that my mom and him would pay me a very last minute visit. which I showed him the most beautiful views in Canada. They visited me for the first time and that was also the last.
This picture is the last picture I took of him while he visited me. No one would have known he was terminally ill.
Unfortunately, Gerry passed away in November 2024 at the age of 69.
And this is why that whenever a Gerry's Blend [Emerald Green] is purchased. $1 will immediately go to the Canadian Cancer Society to support Liver Cancer.
Preemies Blend
"Olèm Blends" stemmed from a deep desire to help and give back. So, I did some diging and and really got the hamster wheel turning... Who else did I want to personaly thanks? How can I relate to communities. what did I hold close to my heart. I immediately thought about "Preemies". For those whom do not know what are "Preemies" its a short for "Premature babies".
So, I crossed paths with The Canadian Premature Baby Foundation (CPBF). I truly felt excited at the idea to give back to this foundation, because in 1992, my twin sister and I were born at 26 weeks gestation. where my parents had many medical scares, sleepless night.
Plus, I know first hand what it is like to go through life as a preemie. I had it very hard mentally and physically. I grew up to learn that the fight isn't only in the beginning but it follow you your entire life!
I can honestly say that I wouldn't be here without the help of Doctors, nurses, and caregivers. Truly!
And this is why that with every Preemies Blend [Purple] is purchased. $1 will immediately go to The Canadian premature foundation to support preemies and their families.
Ladies Blend
1 out of 5 women will have breast cancer. some only have it once and some more. My aunt Hélène was first diagnosed in 2011 and she fought hard for six years straight until passing away in july 2017. I know several warriors that have surcome it and others who are still fighting it. I know there are many different people supporting breast cancer already.
I think there is never enough help, love, support and community. That's the reason why Olèm Blend has dedicated the "Ladies Blend" to all the strong, beautiful and powerful Canadian women. Where every a Gerry's Blendladies Blend [Pink] is purchased. $1 will immediately go to the Canadian Cancer Society to support Breast Cancer.
Melo's Espresso
Children have far more things to discover. they deserve to experience a long lasting healthy life. We all know, that reality can catch up by surprise. Children deserve to be creative, innovative, curious, outgoing. children are the future! Their Lives are worth living!
that is why we are proud to announce that whenever a Melo's Espresso [Gold] is purchased. $1 will immediately go to the Canadian Cancer Society to support Childhood Cancer.