Lara Adekoya’s Fleurs et Sel bakery is in the heart of West Adams, a vibrant Los Angeles neighborhood. With her cookie shop, Adekoya has created a space that celebrates connection, culture, and the joy of something sweet.
As a food blogger, I first came across Lara and her cookies on Instagram. Naturally, I had to try them. Back during the pandemic, well before her bakery doors opened, I drove to Culver City for a cookie drop. Lara greeted me at my car to hand me the goods. I didn’t even make it home before devouring an Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Walnut and a Sea Salt Chocolate Chip. Moments like that, and cookies this good, are exactly why Lara Adekoya and Fleurs et Sel have become such a sensation.
From Global Dreams to Local Comfort
Born and raised in Seattle, Lara Adekoya grew up in a lively, multicultural household that beautifully blended her Nigerian and Japanese roots. Her passion for all things French was sparked during high school. She spent time in France, soaking up the language, food, and culture. This love is reflected in the name of her bakery, Fleurs et Sel, which translates to “Flowers and Salt.”
By the time she moved to LA in 2011 to study Global Health and French at USC, she was determined to build a career that combined her love for the French language with a mission to help others.
But life, as it often does, had other plans. After years of preparing for dental school, Lara was met with deferrals and rejection letters. This forced her to reimagine her future. Fortunately, Lara views obstacles as opportunities for growth.
When the pandemic hit, she had unexpected time on her hands. So, she decided to connect with her community and start a business. What was initially a simple way to spread kindness during a tough time quickly turned into something much bigger.
Expect disappointment. Expect to be overlooked. But once you stop letting every little challenge bring you down, things get better.
Fleurs et Sel began as a home-based cookie business that Lara built on compassion and creativity, delivering warmth to customers one bag at a time. Four years later, her brick-and-mortar bakery is a West Adams gem, drawing locals and tourists alike.
Representation with Intention
As a Black woman in the business world, Lara has navigated unique challenges. “I give myself grace,” she shares. “No one has all the answers, and I take things one day at a time.” Guided by her core values of compassion and community, Lara prioritizes partnerships that align with her mission and takes pride in being the narrator of her own story.
Lara also recognizes the weight of representation in spaces where Black women are underrepresented. Her advice for others:
Know your WHY. Identify your CORE VALUES. Believe in your PURPOSE. Celebrate your wins—big and small—and keep going.
By sharing her journey, Lara hopes to inspire other women to step into their power without fear.
Balancing Business and Love
Of course, success is sweeter when it’s shared. Managing a business alongside a romantic partnership isn’t always easy, but Lara credits clear communication, mutual support, and a shared vision with her fiancé for their success. “We lean on one another and make sacrifices for each other,” she shares.
It’s important to know when to turn off the business mode and be present. Sundays are our day to connect without distractions.
For Lara, it’s about recognizing each other’s strengths and finding ways to complement them, both in life and business. “We don’t compete; we collaborate. We think about how we can make life easier for one another and approach challenges as a team.” This mindset not only strengthens their partnership but creates a sense of balance in a life that could easily be consumed by work.
Lara also emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries. “Turn off your phone, delete Instagram for the day if you need to, and just be in the moment,” she advises. “It can’t always be about the business.” She and her fiancé prioritize quality time, whether it’s a casual date night or simply reflecting on how far they’ve come.
Honoring West Adams’ Legacy
Fleurs et Sel’s home in West Adams reflects Lara’s commitment to uplifting the community. The neighborhood, known for its rich Black and brown history, is undergoing gentrification. However, Lara is determined to celebrate its cultural roots. She hires locally, collaborates with neighboring small businesses, and sees her bakery as a bridge to bring more visibility to the area’s offerings.
I hope the success of Fleurs et Sel enriches West Adams by drawing attention to the amazing small businesses here.
What’s Next for Fleurs et Sel?
The bakery continues to thrive, with a loyal customer base and exciting plans for the future. Lara invites the community to keep supporting Fleurs et Sel by visiting the shop, sharing treats with friends, or spreading the word. “We’re as strong as our community,” she says. “Your love and support mean the world.”
Whether it’s savoring a cookie or following along on social media, Lara encourages everyone to be part of the Fleurs et Sel family. Follow @fleursetsel on Instagram and TikTok for weekly cookie drops and specials.
Lara Adekoya’s journey with Fleurs et Sel is not just about cookies. With every batch, Lara is proving that representation, resilience, and a touch of je ne sais quoi can change the game.
