It was the spring of 2020.

COVID-19 had spread across the world, sending almost everybody into quarantine. Cece Lemons, the owner of Lemonmade, was in her junior year of high school. Like everyone else, she was riddled with anxiety about the current state of things, so she turned to baking, baking almost every day. Lemons grew up baking with her grandmother and found joy in the hobby. 

By the start of her senior year of high school, school had resumed in person. Lemons began bringing in her baked goods for her teachers. One teacher in particular urged her to quit the pharmacy path she was on and apply to culinary school. 

So, she did.

And, she got into America's Premier Culinary College, The Culinary Institute of America in New York. The next three years were spent absorbing all the knowledge that she could. In August of 2024, Lemons graduated with a bachelor's Degree in Food Business Management with a focus on Baking and Pastry Arts. Lemons began her focus on Lemonmade almost immediately after college.

As for the name, there is only one person to thank and it's Lemons's high school principal, who would often joke around with her about her future bakery name. Thank you, Mr. Ohlemacher!

Cece Lemons, owner of Cece’s Lemonmade.