“I wanted to give up, but clearly God had other plans for me.” - Leelee Calhoun
Leelee Calhoun, a young girl from Milwaukee, had a vision of becoming the best woman she can be by doing what was best for her. Throughout her early life she chose decisions for herself over anyone else in efforts to make sure she can actually help others when they need it. Although she attended Mount Mary University for a degree in business management, she dropped out, but returned to school a few years later at WCTC. Leelee had originally found school to be overwhelming and she felt she could do better things with her life and achieve more goals and wanted to get back to it later when she had more time.
Leelee opened B.O.S.S Treats on June 27th, 2020. She ran B.O.S.S Treats out of her own home and also delivered the treats herself. In Wisconsin you don’t need a license or permit to sell or prepare food out of your home. Leelee started her business by buying her own ingredients. When asked why she started her business, she said, “I love to bake and I love to see people happy and sweets always make people happy.” Leelee did this for herself, but for other people. She said she wanted to take a leap of faith and do something she has never done before. Leelee was doing great and business was booming, but there was something else going on that nobody knew about. She had a lot on her plate; business, school and work. She felt she didn’t have anyone for support and she was doing things on her own. Leelee was overwhelmed with everything she was doing. A good friend of hers named Hannah Robinson gave her the push she needed to move forward. Her friend told her, “I know it can be hard. I know you want to give but don’t. It’s okay to take a break and come back, but giving up is NOT what we do.” She took a break from her bakery around spring 2021 to focus on herself and school. After she reorganized herself she re-opened her business in June of 2021. Her business has been booming ever since!
Leelee faced many obstacles along the way. She took a step away from her bakery because she was mentally and emotionally drained. She felt like she was getting in her own way by wanting to do it all at once. She knew she needed to get reorganized. She took a step back and analyzed what needed to be removed so she could move forward. She removed people from her life who weren’t the best for her. She got closer to people who she knew really cared for her. Leelee became a whole new person. She even lost a lot of weight by eating healthy and self care. Another obstacle she had to overcome, something that we all have to deal with, is life. Leelee realized she was taking on a lot at once and decided to start focusing on one thing at a time. She focused on school and work because she knew she was able to start her business back up whenever she felt the need. School was another obstacle for her.
Myla Johnson has known Leelee since freshman year of college. She said, “Leelee is funny and has so much good energy surrounding her. You never know if she is upset or sad.” Myla had supported Leelee through everything she was going through. Myla gave Leelee words of encouragement and supported her no matter what was happening. Netta Williams is Leelee’s best friend; they do everything together. When Netta described Leelee, she said, “She is my savior and my sister. I support her and love her no matter what.” Lee was always there for Netta so Netta made sure she was with Leelee through her hardships and tough decisions. Even though Leelee was always busy, Netta said Leelee always made time for her no matter what. She would even set aside her personal time just to be with Netta. Leelee said, “Netta brings me joy and peace. I always made time for her.”
Although Leelee moved out of town to Illinois, she still owns her bakery. When she comes to Milwaukee to visit she always bakes her treats when she is here, so everybody can enjoy. She is back and forth from her new home to Milwaukee frequently so we still have a chance to enjoy her wonderful treats from time to time. She wanted to make a difference in people’s lives one baked good at a time. She is also becoming the best woman she can possibly be.
About the Author
Hazel Devine
Hazel Devine is a senior at Mount Mary University and is majoring in English Literature. She enjoys working with children and loves to write poetry.
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