Celine Bacani — Redefining Filipino-Canadian Success, One Donut at a Time.

By Celine Gabriel Lim

Celine Bacani’s story is a refreshing take on Filipino-Canadian success — because it defies convention. As a child of immigrants, her path to helming one of Vancouver’s most iconic brands — Lee’s Donuts — is anything but typical. “Our story of Filipino-Canadian entrepreneurship wasn’t supposed to happen to us,” Celine says. “Sometimes, we’re pigeonholed — or we pigeonhole ourselves — into thinking that there is only one path for us as immigrants, so I feel fortunate to have been able to charge a different path.”

Rooted in Tradition, Raised in Vancouver

Raised in a traditional Filipino household, Celine’s story begins with a familiar narrative. Her parents immigrated to Canada in 1977, chasing opportunity and stability. Like countless newcomers, they worked tirelessly — sometimes trying out small business ventures to gain a foothold in their new home.

But while her parents were busy securing their future, it was Celine’s Lola (grandmother) who anchored her childhood. “She was the one who taught me how to speak Tagalog and took me to my after-school activities. I think, because of her strong influence in my life, even though I was raised in Vancouver, I am more Filipino than most people realize.”

From Vision to Venture

That deep cultural foundation — particularly the central role food always plays in Filipino life — would eventually steer Celine and her husband, Allan, toward the food business. Though at that time, it felt more like a distant dream. Still, the calling to start a business was hard to ignore.

(Photo by Allan Bacani)

After many rejections, they eventually landed their big break: acquiring Lee’s Donuts, a beloved Vancouver institution known for its nostalgic charm and handmade donuts. Its original owner, Betty Ann Lee, was ready to retire — and saw something in the couple that made her feel the brand’s legacy would be safe.

Taking over a brand so deeply embedded in the city’s culinary identity wasn’t easy. But by staying true to its heritage of quality products and service while introducing new systems and processes, Celine and Allan not only preserved the Lee’s Donuts legacy — they elevated it. And the original owner agrees: the brand landed in the right hands.

The results speak for themselves. In just seven years, Lee’s Donuts expanded from its single Granville Island location to almost ten locations (half corporate and half franchised) across Metro Vancouver — with 100% brand ownership still in Celine and Allan’s hands.

A Dream Team Driving Success

Their partnership is key. Allan, as CEO, handles the big-picture strategy, while Celine oversees execution and team culture. She’s even coined for herself the title of “Director of Fun,” which she defines as “anything that brings our brand to the public in a more meaningful way than just donuts.”

Celine is also the one who dreams up exciting limited-edition flavors, events, and collaborations — like the “ube”-flavored donut (a nod to her Filipino roots) and the launch of a 2024 panel on “Mental Health in Entrepreneurship” to help entrepreneurs like them know that they are supported. She’s consistently pushing boundaries — not just for their business, but for the community it serves.

Just a decade ago, she was working part-time at the family butcher shop, dreaming of starting her own small business. Today, she’s not only running one of the city’s most recognizable brands — she’s helping others rise, too.

Words of Wisdom for the Next Generation

When asked what advice she’d give to fellow Filipinos in Canada who are also dreaming of their own success in a foreign country, Celine is clear: “You don’t have to know everything — but you need the drive to succeed. And seek out a mentor. I have a ‘Resilience Coach’ who helped me realize I’m capable of more than I thought. The only limitations I have are the ones I place on myself.”

She adds, “Always remember that while it’s important to be Filipino-Canadian, what matters more is that you’re a good person. Be persistent. Be resilient. Success comes when you don’t give up.”