It is always a wonderful surprise when situations that seem to be happy accidents end up yielding the most pleasant of results.
After baking brownies as a thank you gift for a friend many years ago, Andrea later realized she had transposed the brownie recipe without knowing she was dyslexic at the time. These results, in addition to hard work, perseverance, and limitless vision over the years is what catapulted Andrea Lacy, owner/founder of Bay Area-based company Luv’s Brownies, into the inspirational success she is today. (You can read more about her story here) Not only has her company’s desserts become an award-winning Bay Area favorite, but Luv’s Brownies has also earned national recognition from shows that include Good Morning America, The Montell Williams Show, CBS New York, just to name a few!
Andrea is a firm believer in generously giving back to her community and in addition to being a successful entrepreneur, she has also established The Andrea R. Lacy Grit Award Scholarship, which is awarded to student applicants on the path to pursuing higher education or vocational training.
It is my honor to share with you all the latest feature in the Celebration of Black Excellence Series, Andrea Lacy!
Tell us a bit more about your background - where are you from, what inspired you to choose your specific area of education and eventual career?
“I was born in San Franciso. My family moved to the peninsula when I was elementary school and I went to Mills High School in Millbrae.”
What are you most proud of in your life and why?
“I am most proud of my son Mateo-Sebastian. His youthfulness and zest for life gives me hope for the next generation.”
What is something most people might now know about you?
“I’m frugal. I know how to stretch a dollar.”
Can you tell me about someone who has had a huge influence on your life? What lessons did that person teach you?
“My son has had a huge influence over my life. He has taught me to have patience.”
What is the best advice you've ever received?
“Best advice I received was from my father. Hard work always pays off.”
Who/what inspires you and why?
“My inspiration comes from watching other Black Americans thrive.”
If you could meet anyone in history, who would it be and why?
“I would like to meet Oprah, Marcus Lemonis, Tyler Perry. All of them show tenacity and are willing to always give back. They have used their platforms to enlighten and educate others.”
What does it "honoring and celebrating black excellence" mean to you personally?
“Black Excellence means bringing more voices to the table. The richness of our culture is unmatched. Most people don’t know the slave trade was huge. Brazil got more slaves than the United States. The African diaspora should be discussed more in school. Our Black history month shouldn’t be just a month.”