Hi! I’m Leigha-Janae, or simply, LJ – the one-woman show behind Sweet Pea’s. I guess you could say that Sweet Pea’s got its start with many thanks to my grandma, Sammie Lee. Not only was it her nickname for me but she instilled a love for food that has spanned generations within our family.

My family officially moved from the Chicagoland area and made Tucson our home in 2020. There’s not a day that goes by where I’m not taken aback by the beauty of this quirky little town.

I’m a bit of an old soul – I prefer a simpler approach to things and can be found a lot of the time listening to my dad’s old school playlist. I’m a mother to 3 magical boys who simultaneously keep me on my toes but grounded to my core. And I’m a foodie! I’m always thinking about the next recipe I can make for my family and slowly working through my bucket list of places to try here in Tucson.

I never got a chance to cook or bake for my grandma in the capacity that I do now. But anything that I present to you, I would be proud to give to her. Sweet Pea’s is my love letter to Sammie Lee and to this citythat has been so warm and inviting as my family’s new home.

Thank you for the opportunity to bake your days a little brighter, tucson ☼

– LJ