When Linda Rannels was young, her parents had a produce stand just outside of Millersville. Linda waited on customers and made baked goods such as cookies and brownies for the stand. This was how Linda's passion for baking began.

Unlike those who learn baking techniques from family members, Linda taught herself everything she knows. "My mother always said she doesn't love to bake, but she will," stated Linda. "Whenever we baked together, I always took the lead."

In 2008, Geneva Bakery was born. Rannels and her husband, Randy, converted their garage on Geneva Drive in East Petersburg into a commercial kitchen. From there, Rannels made a living as a made-to-order baker. The business served her well for many years, and in 2015, Geneva Bakery moved into a retail space at 6030 Lemon St., East Petersburg. Coincidentally, the bakery is located in the Real Life Church of God building, which was the first church building she attended as a child. It is also where her parents were married.

At Geneva Bakery, Linda makes everything from scratch. Although Rannels was born and raised in Lancaster County, she does not sell traditional Pennsylvania Dutch goods, such as whoopie pies and shoofly pies. "I think I have a classic baking style," she explained. "I love a good danish."

Linda noted that ever since Geneva Bakery opened, she has met more people in town than she has in the previous 20 years that she's lived in East Petersburg. "I love that I get to connect with the community," she said. "I've always loved to bake, so it's nice to make a living from that."

According to Linda, she has had good luck with staff over the years and the Real Life Church of God has been supportive of her small business.

"Events are on the horizon, so keep an eye out!" said Linda.

Geneva Bakery is open four days a week. Store hours are Thursdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, call 717-569-5919, visit http://www.genevabakery.com, or search for "Geneva Bakery Cafe" on Facebook.