Community Highlights: Meet Leisha “Lei Lei” Patterson of Lei Lei’s Cuisine

Today we’d like to introduce you to Leisha “Lei Lei” Patterson.

Hi Leisha, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am Leisha “Lei Lei” Patterson, wife to Timothy and momma to Theodore (29), Timothy Jr (14), twins Tisoko & Timia (8), and Gigi to Nasiima (3). We have an American Bully named Jada. I grew up in Tobaccoville, NC and my husband grew up in Winston-Salem, NC. I graduated from Winston Salem State University with a Bachelor of Nursing. I have worked for Novant Health for the last 22 years.

I started my nursing career in a Pulmonary Unit at Forsyth Medical Center and then in the summer of 2017, I received a promotion to teach EPIC for new hires at Novant Health. I love being a nurse. I love working with patients and have been blessed to have worked with some amazing coworkers.

In 2005, we created Lei Lei’s Cuisine. Initially, we started with all food and dessert. Then, around 2008, we started preparing desserts only. Fast forward to 2014 when my husband and I stepped out on faith and got a “cake studio” in a Bronze building in Clemmons, NC. When the agriculture department inspector came to complete the inspection, she said we were considered a Licensed Bakery! I was still working as a nurse on the floor then, so we decided to open for walk-ups only on Saturdays.

We have been open for Walk-up Bakery just about every Saturday since 2014! We will celebrate eight years this coming July. I bake everything fresh from scratch with premium ingredients. Four ladies help with so many of the needed things in the bakery, from making icing, and decorating cakes and cupcakes, to selling upfront in our small retail space (pre covid).

Now you can order online and pick up curbside or order from our menu on the porch. We are all family in the bakery. Even my husband and kids have various jobs in the bakery that they do each week. I love baking! I have baked my way through many things. Our bakery is like a ministry, and I am so thankful God unlocked that talent for me.

I am adopted and we love giving back, especially to SaySo Inc., an organization of youth 14-24 who are or have been in the out-of-home care system in NC. They are associated with the NC Children’s Home Society which is where I was adopted. We stuff backpacks for them at Christmas and make off-to-college kits for the May graduates.
We are very thankful for God’s Grace and Mercy that allows us to touch so many people in positive ways via nursing, baked goods, and giving back.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It has been challenging at times, I went to school to be a nurse. So the business side of the bakery has been not so easy at times. Thankfully I have researched, taken mastermind classes, ask lots of questions and lots of trial & error. But I think that what’s makes you stronger.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Lei Lei’s Cuisine?
I am a self-taught bakery artist! Most known for my RED Velvet & Velvet Cakes! For seventeen years I have been creating desserts for many customers, family & friends. Each and every week I learn something new to keep elevating Lei Lei’s to the next level.

I love doing things differently and feel that my desserts & bakery are a ministry! Lei Lei’s Cuisine consists of Lei Lei, a cake artist as well as her husband Stylez Patterson, and our children Theodore and my sweet little helpers; “TP” & our twins Tisoko and Timia. Lei Lei’s Bakery staff are Jamita, India, Gabby & Diauna. We are also so blessed to have several dedicated families, friends, and church members that without hesitation are right there to help at any given time needed.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Mastermind class for bakery owners back in 2017. It allowed me access to knowledge for running a business, especially a food-based business. I also take online classes to learn new skills and techniques.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.leileisbakery.com
• Instagram: leileiscuisine
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lei-Leis-Cuisine-127587550611662

Image Credits
Jodie Brim Creatives and India Reaves I.C.U. Photography