Genie’s 3 Wishes Bakery, located at 524 E. Main St., Lock Haven, is a veteran-owned and women-owned small business.

Genie McKinney, a four-year military veteran, had aspirations to turn her baking hobby into a career. As someone who likes to learn new things and challenge herself, Genie thought that after spending 10 years working in Culinary Arts, it was the right time for her to pursue her dream of working for herself.

Lea Reitmeyer, her partner in life and business, has always supported Genie’s dream, and together, they decided to open a bakery.

After 21 years of serving in the Navy, Lea was ready to come back to her hometown. Originally from Springville, Calif., Genie is also no stranger to living in a small town.

LISA SCHROPP/THE EXPRESS Follow the Genie’s 3 Wishes Bakery Facebook page to stay up-to-date on Genie’s latest creations, like these summer-themed cupcakes — Pina Colada, Bahama Mama, Shifting Sand (chocolate and peanut butter), Neapolitan, Summer Mango and Island Breeze (keylime pie).

“The town that I grew up in didn’t even have a stoplight. I just wasn’t prepared for the snow,” Genie said while giving a look to Lea, who may have downplayed how much snow Lock Haven gets.

In addition to the cupcakes and cookies that are sold in the bakery, Genie also designs cakes for special events, such as birthdays, weddings, gender reveal parties, baby showers, bridal showers, military functions and holidays.

“I get to be a part of their special day without actually being there,” Genie said.

Genie offers a more personal experience than you will find at a big-box store.

“They want to make money… Genie wants to make memories,” Lea said.

LISA SCHROPP/THE EXPRESS Follow the Genie’s 3 Wishes Bakery Facebook page to stay up-to-date on Genie’s latest creations, like these summer-themed cupcakes — Pina Colada, Bahama Mama, Shifting Sand (chocolate and peanut butter), Neapolitan, Summer Mango and Island Breeze (keylime pie).

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 collaborative process where Genie draws the blueprint of the cake right in front of the customer and they are welcome to give their input.

“I want to help people make memories and make their wishes come true,” Genie said. “My biggest fear is letting someone down.”

Genie will go above and beyond to give someone the cake of their dreams. She has made cakes with Harry Potter and Bluey themes, and even created her version of “cakesicles” for a graduation party at the graduate’s request. She just asks to be given at least two weeks’ notice when placing a special order.

“My joy is seeing the joy on other people’s faces and making their ideas come to life,” Genie said. “That almost is payment enough for me.”

Genie and Lea look forward to connecting with the community and supporting other small businesses, like inviting Mama Martina’s food truck to set up outside of the bakery.

Follow the Genie’s 3 Wishes Bakery Facebook page to stay up-to-date on Genie’s latest creations, including fun theme days like candy bar cupcakes, National Emoji Day cookies, Harry Potter’s birthday cupcakes and Cinnamon Roll Saturday.

A genie might grant three wishes, but at Genie’s 3 Wishes Bakery, it only takes one visit to make your dreams come true.