There is a distinct comfort found in the aroma of fresh baking. It’s a scent that transcends simple hunger, tapping into memories of family gatherings, holidays, and the warmth of a home kitchen. As Menifee continues its rapid expansion (transforming from a quiet retirement hub into a bustling city of families and young professionals), it is easy to fear that this small-town charm might get lost in the development.
However, the heart of a community isn’t found in its infrastructure, but in its people and the small businesses they build.
One such business that has woven itself into the fabric of Menifee’s local landscape is Divine Goodies. What began as a modest home kitchen project has turned into a beloved small business. Owned and operated by long-term resident Laura Stephenson and her family, Divine Goodies represents the spirit of local entrepreneurship. It reminds us that even as our city grows, the values of “service with kindness” and homemade quality remain as relevant as ever.
A Passion Turned Profession
The story of Divine Goodies is one of quick growth and genuine passion. While Laura Stephenson officially opened the doors to her business in September 2017, her relationship with baking goes back to when she was a 13-year-old. Laura would assist her mother at home in the kitchen, and other times she’d be found at the family restaurant helping out. Like many great culinary ventures, it started as a personal joy and a way to bring happiness to friends and family.
Laura, a mother of four, had been baking professionally for 16 years, but it wasn’t until 2017 that she decided to turn this skill into a small home bakery. Originally intended as a way to supplement the family income, the bakery quickly found its footing. Operating as a “CFO” (Cottage Food Operation), Laura began by supplying pastries to The Bean Coffee Roasters, and quickly became their sole supplier.
This early partnership was pivotal. It allowed Divine Goodies to establish a reputation for consistency and quality without the high costs of a brick-and-mortar storefront. It is a testament to the supportive nature of the business-to-business community, where established coffee shops can provide a platform for community bakers to showcase their craft.
What’s on the Menu?
In an era of mass-produced, vacuum-sealed convenience foods, Divine Goodies stands out by doubling down on freshness. Laura’s philosophy is simple: bake it fresh, and bake it with love.
If you ask the locals who frequent the coffee shops where her goods are stocked, you’ll likely hear rave reviews about three specific items. These signature treats have become the pillars of her menu:
- The Scones: Often misunderstood as dry or crumbly in the commercial world, Laura’s scones have redefined the pastry for many Menifee residents, offering a perfect balance of texture and flavor.
- Blueberry Crumb Cake: A classic comfort food that pairs perfectly with a morning latte or an afternoon tea.
- Carrot Cake: Rich, moist, and flavorful, this has cemented itself as a fan favorite for celebrations and personal indulgences alike.
Beyond these staples, the menu is fluid and creative, featuring a nice variety of muffins, cookies, and seasonal pastries that rotate based on demand and inspiration.
Divine Goodies Partner Locations
One of the unique aspects of Divine Goodies is its ability to complement different types of storefronts. You may have enjoyed one of Laura’s creations without even realizing it. While it is a home-based business, the bakery has an impressive distribution network throughout Menifee and neighboring cities.
Laura has partnered with several local establishments over the years, ensuring that her fresh-baked goods are accessible to residents across town. You have likely tried one of her treats at her current storefront partner, Joyful Noise Coffee, located in the Sun City shopping plaza. This coffee shop is known for its friendly service, great coffee, and tasty treats that Laura provides.
Laura’s previous coffee shop partners also include a familiar list of places around our area:
- The Bean Coffee Roasters: Where it all began.
- Cafe Amici: Adding a sweet touch to Italian coffee culture.
- Yojo Coffee and Yogurt: Perfect for a quick pick-me-up.
- Bridge Church: Serving the community during gatherings.
Catering to the Community
While grabbing a muffin with your morning coffee is a daily delight, Divine Goodies also operates on a much larger scale. Laura has proven that a home bakery can handle heavy-hitting at public and private events.
The bakery serves a wide range of private events, including weddings, graduations, and birthday parties. Laura has also catered bakery bars at multiple Temecula wineries and has been known to serve up to 200 people at a time. This ability to scale from a single custom order to private catering shows the professional capacity behind the home-based bakery.
For those looking to track Laura down for a specific event, it is worth noting that she has moved away from frequent pop-up markets. Instead, she focuses on her wholesale partners and private catering. However, staying updated is easy; you can simply follow her Facebook and Instagram pages. There you will find all her upcoming public events and can check out her product photos and videos.
A Heart for Service
What truly sets Divine Goodies apart is the community behind the operation. Laura Stephenson is a long-term resident who believes deeply in the value of serving her neighbors.
She operates under the motto of “Service with kindness.” In a fast-paced world where customers often feel like transactions on a spreadsheet, Laura prides herself on patience and understanding.
Laura is a frequent donor to local non-profits, emergency responder offices, and churches. She has also provided her pastries at no charge to the local Habitat for Humanity, using her sweets to bring a moment of joy to staff and residents in need. This is a kind reminder to me that small businesses are often the first to step up when the community needs support. When you buy a scone from Divine Goodies, you aren’t just buying breakfast; you are funding a neighbor who gives back.
Supporting Local Dreams
As Menifee continues to grow, supporting businesses like Divine Goodies becomes a choice about what kind of city we want to live in. Do we want a city defined solely by big-box chains, or do we want a city where a mother of four can turn a passion for baking into a successful home business?
Laura left me with these words of advice that will stick with me as I grow my own small business in Menifee: “Don’t let anything stop you, hard work gets rewarded if you are following your dreams.”
Whether you need a caterer for your next big event or you’re simply looking for the perfect blueberry crumb cake to start your weekend, check out Divine Goodies!
How to Order
To place an order or inquire about catering, you can reach out to Divine Goodies directly by Phone at (951) 365-4025, or you can follow them on Instagram using the link below.
