LANSING, Mich. (WILX) – DeAnna Brown was born and raised in South Lansing, and built her own business, Everything Is Cheesecake, in the very same neighborhood.
The city is her home, but after the week she experienced, she considered leaving it behind.
When Brown showed up to work early on Wednesday, it wasn’t to open up shop, it was to clean up shattered glass, spread across the bakery floor after someone smashed through her front door.
“In the moment I was like I just can’t stand being here I just want to move away,” she said.
Once she got inside, Brown and her husband Shawn quickly realized that several items had been stolen.
“I mean that was one of the biggest things, like what do they want? They want flour and sugar, some cheesecakes,” she told News 10. “We give that away all the time. All they had to do was give us a call we would have given them a few slices.”
A disappointing scene, but not one that’s unfamiliar. Brown said she’s been vandalized and robbed before, about three years ago, along with several other businesses in the strip mall where her bakery is located.
News of the second robbery spread quickly on social media with customers like Elton Jones coming in to show support.
“I think it’s really important that we come together and try to find a way to support each other,” he said. “Bring out the best in each other, rather than destroying each other’s valuables and property.”
Brown and her husband said they quickly filed a police report and were assured the Lansing Police Department are investigating.
Still, they said they’d like to see more protection to keep more damage and theft from happening.
“There is a definite need for some sort of security around in this area,” Brown said.
It could have been Brown’s last straw, but she said Everything Is Cheesecake is sticking around for the people of Lansing.
Although Brown is unsure whether the person who broke into her bakery is experiencing homelessness or food insecurity, she said their desperation was made clear by their action.
The robbery has pushed her to consider adding a soup kitchen or needful meals program to the bakery as a way to give back to her community, and make people feel welcome.
“That’s what we’re here for,” she said. “That’s what I am here for is to serve, and that’s what I would love to continue doing.”
Lansing Mayor Andy Schor was made aware of the Brown’s situation on Thursday and shared the following message of support for them with News 10:
“I was incredibly disappointed to hear about this incident at Everything is Cheesecake. I absolutely love her cheesecakes and was in there not too long ago to pick up some dessert. DeAnna is such an awesome small business owner who has worked hard to make this location successful. It’s unfortunate that somebody would do this to her, or anyone else trying to make a living running a small business. I’m going to have to get back in there soon and encourage everyone to stop in and buy a slice or two of cheesecake.”
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