For the owners of the new bakery, located at 524 East Main Street, Lock Haven, this day represents a culmination of the hard work, dedication and commitment that it took for them to make their dream become a reality.

“It took us a long time to get here,” Lea said. “As former military, we don’t wing it.”

As Genie and Lea have transitioned from military to civilian life, they know that they did not make this journey alone. They took the time to recognize the people whose support helped them to get to this day, including John and Dawn Peters of JJ Peters Disposal, Tom Kieffer and the entire team at Penn State Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Megan Wheeler from the Clinton County Economic Partnership and Abbey Roberts, City Planner & Development Coordinator. They also gave a special mention to Terry and Alison of Chefs Kitchen Shop, LLC in Milton, PA who gave them advice, guidance and help with obtaining equipment.

Their vision for this bakery is to put smiles on faces and help to make memorable moments even sweeter. Genie prefers for customers to stop in the bakery, so that she can have face to face communication with them to discuss what they want for their special day. It is a collaborate process where Genie draws the blueprint of the cake right in front of the customer and they are welcome to give their input. For this reason, they don’t plan to have a website anytime soon. They just ask to be given at least two weeks’ notice when placing a special order.

LISA SCHROPP/THE EXPRESS Genie McKinney and Lea Reitmeyer are pictured at the Missing Man Table, honoring and remembering prisoners of war, missing in action and those who have died in service to their country.

In addition to custom cakes, Genie’s 3 Wishes Bakery offers an assortment of cupcakes and cookies. Aside from their signature vanilla/vanilla and chocolate/peanut butter cupcakes, the other flavors change every week. You will also find cinnamon rolls on Saturdays, as well as raisin-filled cookies and elephant ears once a month. The best way to stay up-to-date on their culinary creations is to follow Genie’s 3 Wishes Bakery Facebook page.

Genie and Lea look forward to connecting with the community and working with other small businesses. Heather Yost from Parliament Pastries is excited to share her handmade sourdough bread with patrons of the bakery. A selection of breads will be available to purchase in the bakery or you can pre-order by contacting Heather at parliamentpastries@gmail.com. There are also days where you can add a savory delight from BagelBagel and Mama Martina’s food truck.

As military veterans, it is important for Genie and Lea to have a Missing Man Table, which will remain as a permanent fixture in the bakery to honor and remember prisoners of war (POW), missing in action (MIA) and those who have died in service to their country. During a presentation to the crowd, they explained the symbolic meaning behind each item…the white tablecloth, single red rose, yellow ribbon, slice of lemon, pinch of salt, inverted glass, empty chair and lit candle.

Genie and Lea hope that the community will see this bakery as not just a place to get sweet treats, but also as a safe haven if they need a listening ear.

“Our life’s motto is to treat others how you want to be treated. If you are having a bad day or life has got you down, please come in, have a seat and talk about it,” Lea said. “Please reach out to us…don’t sit in darkness.”

LISA SCHROPP/THE EXPRESS A small crowed gathered to witness the ribbon cutting at Genie’s 3 Wishes Bakery, located at 524 East Main Street.

Genie and Lea were visibly touched by the outpouring of love and kindness that the community has shown to them.

“Thank you for making this feel like home,” Genie said.