Setting out to craft the perfect cake, Lady Di delved into the world of baking. With self-taught decorating skills, she soon found her cakes becoming the talk of the town.

Though the community buzzed with pleas for a bakery, Lady Di took an unexpected detour, opening a Gourmet Popcorn shop. But her cakes couldn’t stay hidden for long. Displayed as mere slices alongside popcorn, they quickly became a sensation. Soon, neighboring store owners were requesting Lady Di’s baked wonders for their shelves.

Recognizing her passion and potential, Lady Di channeled her savings into securing a bakery space. In 1998, with just $2.40 left to her name, no income, and no backup, Lady Di’s Bakery was born. What she lacked in capital, she made up with sheer grit, faith, and the tireless support of her three young children—Antonio, Dimitrious, and Kierra.

Despite the grueling hours and moments of doubt, a flood of positive feedback and love from the community kept the flame alive. While the bakery debuted with just three cake flavors, popular demand led to the introduction of 24 new delights. Among them, the lunchroom-style Butter and Peanut Butter cookies stood out, becoming so iconic that they now define the brand.

Today, Lady Di’s Bakery stands tall as a testament to commitment and craft. With products gracing numerous locations throughout Chicago, from gas stations and convenience stores to fast-food joints and select grocery stores, the bakery’s reach is impressive. Beyond the physical shelves, Lady Di’s extends its services to walk-in customers at its flagship store, direct shipping to homes across the US, B2B collaborations, and wholesale partnerships with distributors.