The Sun
Sunnyvale's Newspaper

Photograph by George Sakkestad

Luv's Brownies owner Aundrea Lacy shapes all of her treats into hearts.

Brownie baker puts lots of Luv in the oven

By Natasha Collins

A love for baking is what got the owner of Luv's Brownies to start cooking up business.

Aundrea Lacy did not intend to start a brownie-baking and -delivery service when she began making brownies for friends and co-workers while attending San Jose State University. She did not have much money as a student, so she would bake brownies as a way of saying "thank you," or instead of buying a birthday gift.

As word of mouth spread about her treats, though, Lacy found herself baking almost every day.

"I woke up one morning and decided to take a leap and start my own business," said Lacy, a member of the Cupertino Chamber of Commerce. "I realized the key to success is doing something you enjoy so much you would do it for free."

Because Lacy had made brownies as thank-you gestures and for friends, she was not used to charging people for her creations.

"I had a hard time putting prices on the things I baked," Lacy said. "For me, the expression on a person's face when they get their brownies is enough--but my accountant thinks differently."

The price of the brownies ranges from $5.50 to $37.50, depending on the size and decorations. All the brownies are heart-shaped and come in 4-, 5-, 7- and 12-inch sizes. They are individually decorated with frosting and can say whatever the sender desires, Lacy said. Lacy also caters parties and will ship brownies anywhere in the world.

The name Luv's Brownies came to Lacy one night as she dreamt about starting her business. As she pondered what to call her new ambition, she looked at her childhood doll named "Luv" and realized it would be the perfect name.

What makes Luv's Brownies different from other bakeries and catering services is that the business is customer-driven, she said.

"Each of the brownies is made from scratch and can be customized," Lacy said. "I can make a brownie sugar-free for a diabetic or without milk or eggs for people watching their cholesterol."

Since Lacy does all the baking and decorating herself, she prefers to have at least two days' notice before delivery. To place a brownie order, call 881-0759. Visa and MasterCard are accepted.

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This article appeared in the Sunnyvale Sun, July 9, 1997.
©1997 Metro Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.