In this episode of the I Am Lakeland podcast, host Don Burns is joined by Luanna Baughman, the passionate owner and baker behind Nana LuLu’s Cookies. Luanna shares the heartwarming story of how a hobby she’s perfected over 20 years turned into a thriving post-retirement business. After a dedicated 25-year career as a Captain with the Tampa Fire Department, Luanna embraced her “inner entrepreneur,” proving it’s never too late to start a new chapter.
The conversation highlights Luanna’s unique approach to baking. While she relies on a tried-and-true base recipe, she isn’t afraid to experiment with bold flavors, such as lavender and white chocolate (which earned her a third-place trophy at the Cookie Carnival in Munn Park) and even guava and cream cheese to honor her Cuban roots. Luanna also opens up about living with rheumatoid arthritis, explaining how the excitement of a new cookie order provides her with a positive focus and a sense of community connection.
Listeners will get an inside look at Luanna’s “Cottage Food” operation, from her meticulous research on ingredients to her clever tip of eating cookies straight from the freezer for a unique texture. She also emphasizes the importance of community support, sharing how she frequently refers customers to other local bakers for items she doesn’t specialize in, like decorated sugar cookies.
Whether you’re a fan of classic chocolate chip or looking for something more adventurous like “Oatmeal Scotchy” or “Chocolate Mint Espresso,” Luanna’s dedication to quality and her “take a chance” attitude are truly inspiring. You can catch her at local events like Lakeland’s First Friday or order your own batch of treats at nanaluluscookies.com. 65
