Lenise Leknes of Forsyth, Georgia (Monroe county) on Life, Lessons & Legacy

Lenise Leknes shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Lenise, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about your customers?
In our bakery we have a prayer request box. I am always surprised to see the struggles my customers are facing, despite their well put together demeanor. This goes to show, you never know what someone is facing. Letting our community know we see them is the focal part of our impact. Kindness and love can be the best medicine for a hurting soul.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Lenise Leknes, and I am the owner of Treats With Lenise. We are a boutique bakery sharing bits of treats with all who love to eat in Forsyth, Georgia. We host a weekend pop-up bakery experience and offer monthly community classes. Our bakery started with a mustard seed of faith when a group of ladies at a bible study challenged me to follow God’s calling on my life. I am a Johnson & Wales University alumni who almost gave up on my culinary dreams. Now, Treats With Lenise is a 6-figure emerging brand striving to bring hope and joy to our community. We are working towards inspiring the youth to take steps of faith in the culinary industry by offering internships and coaching.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I believed you get what you get and you don’t get upset. Now I know it is possible for us to take steps on purpose to live a fulfilling and meaningful life. That does not alway mean you get whatever you want. However, you can work hard to change your limiting beliefs and strive for goals you once thought were unobtainable.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Absolutely! I graduated with a Pastry Arts degree from Johnson & Wales University in 2009. I never knew I would walk away from my career because of hardships. After becoming a single mom at a young age, climbing the culinary ladder took much more time than I was willing to give up with my son. Although I switched careers to become an accountant, I always did cakes and treat catering on the side. For a while I gave up on my dream of owning my own bakery. In 2023, I attended a bible study where I shared my complete lack of fulfillment in my accounting career. I felt God wanted me to get back into the culinary industry, but I was not willing to start from the bottom. This group spoke life into me and challenged me to take steps towards the culinary industry again. Treats With Lenise was born as a instagram food blog. A mutual contact connected me with a local chef where I operated as a pop-up in her establishment for a year. Two blinks later, and we have our very own bakery space! Hold on to faith. Don’t give up even when your idea seems impossible.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies of my industry is you have to hustle more to gain more. Our bakery is only open two days a week, yet it is still profitable. We have created several streams of income to ensure we have work-life balance. I never wanted to be so married to my craft that I miss life in the process. You do not have to work 6 days a week, 14 hour plus , in a restaurant or bakery to be successful. You get to define your outlook of success. Living a softer life as a chef is possible. It just takes innovation and thinking outside of the box.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
This is a tough question. I am not sure if they will simply miss the treats, or if they will miss the meaningful conversations we have more.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.treatswithlenise.com
• Instagram: @treatswithlenise
• Facebook: @treatswithlenise
• Youtube: @treatswithlenise

Image Credits
Ashah Photography
Jill Burnsed Photography
J. Grat Photography