Over the past week and a half, we've fielded the question: "How did you manage to launch Layla’s Cool Pops in the midst of a pandemic?" The truth is, this journey began long before COVID-19 became a household name. Layla’s entrepreneurial spirit took root back in fifth grade, inspired by her love for baking and a desire to make a difference.

After retiring from gymnastics, Layla sought a new challenge and found herself drawn to baking not just for profit, but with a purpose—to support causes close to her heart.

In the spring of 2018, Layla expressed her dream of opening a café and mentoring other teens in culinary arts. Her experience as a cupcake vendor at neighborhood events, like the Edison Neighborhood Block parties, introduced us to Roger Schmidt, a local real estate investor with a shared vision for empowering youth in our community.

Together, we envisioned a Summer Youth Employment Initiative in partnership with WMU, aiming to provide teens with valuable job skills and opportunities for growth. This collaborative effort laid the groundwork for what would eventually become Layla’s Cool Pops—a venture driven by passion, community support, and a commitment to nurturing young talent.

Stay tuned as we continue to share the milestones and challenges that shaped our journey from dream to reality.