History

At Grandma Lady Lue Tea Cakes, our story is deeply rooted in family, tradition, and heritage. It all began in the early 1800s when my great-great-grandmother, Tue Ridley, at just 12 years old, started baking tea cakes on a plantation. These humble beginnings laid the foundation for a family recipe that has been passed down through the generations.

Fast forward to 1927, when my grandmother, Mary Washington—known as "Miss Lady" in Tallulah, Louisiana—was born on the Mobley Plantation. Just like her grandmother, Miss Lady continued the tradition of baking tea cakes, perfecting the recipe over time. At 97 years old, she is still with us today, a living testament to the resilience and love that has kept this tradition alive.

In 2023, I felt a calling to honor my family's legacy by experimenting with our treasured tea cake recipe. That same year, Grandma Lady Lue Tea Cakes was officially founded. We began selling our tea cakes in grocery stores and corner shops across Ruston, Farmerville, and Arcadia, Louisiana, and now, we are expanding to reach even more communities.

But our journey is about more than just tea cakes. At the Ruston Farmers Market, we offer young children, starting at age 5, the chance to learn the fundamentals of entrepreneurship. From handling customer interactions to mastering money management, these children gain valuable skills while participating in the rich tradition of our family business. This effort is part of our commitment to giving back, just as our grandmothers did, by supporting the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs.

Beyond selling our tea cakes, we proudly contribute to our community by donating to local charities, supporting school sports teams, and helping nonprofits raise much-needed funds. Like our grandmothers, we believe in creating a lasting impact by investing in the future of our children and our community.

We are honored to carry forward the original recipe that my great-great-grandmother began so long ago. Grandma Lady Lue Tea Cakes isn’t just about delicious treats—it’s about family, history, and love. Through our tea cakes, we invite you to experience a piece of our heritage and become a part of our story.