Cedar Springs — When Lonnitta Lawens was a kid, cooking alongside her grandmother, Rose, she realized that food is more than nourishment — it’s comfort, connection and community. That realization helped make her future crystal clear.
The Cedar Springs High School junior plans to someday open her own bakery, and the details of her future business venture are already coming together in her head: she hopes to serve baked goods — from cookies and doughnuts to wedding cakes — as well as coffee and things like breakfast sandwiches.
She’s wasting no time in working toward her goal. She’s been getting experience in the restaurant industry by working as a line cook at The Red Bird Bistro & Grill in Cedar Springs, where she’s been employed since the start of her freshman year. She plans to attend Grand Rapids Community College to study culinary arts and business.
‘I grew up with cooking and baking, and I love doing it. … It brings me joy, and it reminds me of my childhood.’
— junior Lonnitta Lawens
“I’ve been pushing myself to get me to the spot I need to be for opening my own restaurant,” she said. “I’m pushing myself forward — I’m not just waiting around.”
What is your dream? “I want to become a baker and own my own business, and get good (food) out to people.”
She said she wants it to be a simple, comfortable spot — maybe in downtown Grand Rapids — where people can come and gather, “hang out” and enjoy coffee and sweets.
Why is this your dream? “This actually was my childhood dream. I grew up loving to cook, so I’ve wanted to own my own bakery for my whole life,” she said. “It brings me joy, and it reminds me of my childhood.”
Her favorite things to prepare are no-bake cookies, “because they’re easy, and they melt in your mouth,” and cakes, because she loves decorating the delectables, infusing them with personality.
How are school and your teachers helping you achieve your dream? “I had a teacher named (Linda) Tanis. I had her for Food and Nutrition, and we were in there learning food safety and all that different stuff. Baking, cooking — we were actually doing it in class, having hands-on experience. She’s helped me a lot.”
Asked about the name she envisions for her future bakery, Lonnitta didn’t hesitate: she hopes to call it Rosie’s, after her grandmother.
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