We’re Lauren and Lee, partners in life and in business, with roots in Ithaca and a love of baking that’s inspired by cherished memories. Our journey began as Ithaca College sweethearts, meeting on campus and quickly realizing that being together was as easy as breathing. After graduating, we moved to New York City, where we explored different careers, from digital marketing to events, always side by side. But as we worked and lived together, our shared love of creation remained a constant thread, pulling us back to the kitchen again and again.

One of our greatest inspirations is Lauren’s grandmother, Joan, with whom we shared countless hours in the kitchen. She saw our passion for baking and often said, “You need to quit your job and start a bakery!”—a playful nudge that left a lasting impact on us both. When Joan passed, we felt a deep desire to honor her memory, and so we launched our first venture, Brooklyn Balls, inspired by her enthusiasm. Those early days brought us a taste of entrepreneurial joy and the warmth of community support as we shared our creations at local festivals and events. However, like so many, our plans were interrupted by the pandemic in 2020, forcing us to pause and reevaluate.

During that time, we craved a change of pace and more room to grow. A visit to Ithaca in 2020 reignited our dreams when we saw a “for sale” sign on a house. It felt like a sign in every sense, and we realized this was our chance to return to where our love story began. Moving back to Ithaca gave us the time and space to rekindle our creative spark and pursue our shared dream of building something meaningful from the ground up.

Today, Gardella’s Goodies is the fulfillment of that dream—a small business born from love, family, and a passion for bringing people together. Our handcrafted goodies and curated treat boxes aren’t just products; they’re expressions of the care and joy we pour into every recipe. Each cookie, truffle, and treat box is crafted to create meaningful moments, whether it’s celebrating a birthday, sending a thoughtful gift, or simply indulging in something special.

Gardella’s Goodies is more than a bakery; it’s a love letter to the people who’ve shaped us, the community that supports us, and the joyful moments we aim to create. Thank you for being part of our journey and for letting us share a little piece of our story with you. We’re grateful for every customer, every smile, and every celebration we get to be a part of!