Sweet Resilience: How Hip Hop Sweet Shop Rose from the Ashes
When Lafesa Johnson first started baking, it was out of necessity and creativity. As a young single mother of three, she learned early on how to make the most out of limited resources. When expensive birthday cakes were out of reach, Lafesa began crafting cakes for her children using techniques she picked up from cake-decorating magazines and her own sense of artistry. Her very first creation, a fish-themed cake for her son’s birthday, was so good that it sparked an unexpected demand. Soon, people were placing orders for their own special occasion cakes, and what began as a hobby quickly blossomed into a home bakery and small business.
In 2007, Lafesa opened her first brick-and-mortar bakery. But her journey would be far from easy. After the sudden death of her mother, she relocated to Dallas for a fresh start, only to return soon after to face more tragedy when her father fell ill and passed away five months later.
Despite these painful losses, Lafesa found strength and resilience to push forward. She had returned to Louisville in 2018 and, though she had to take a break due to a carpal tunnel surgery, she pivoted yet again, this time turning to a mobile Hip Hop Sweet Shop bakery. This mobile bakery operating out of a bus became a hit, serving up sweet treats to locals, until the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic and the business shutdowns that followed. But even in the face of a global crisis, Lafesa refused to give up.

Hip Hop Sweet Shop Mobile Store
By 2020, she had successfully transitioned into a grab-and-go business model, operating out of a commissary kitchen in the West End of Louisville. When the opportunity arose, she expanded into an adjacent space, creating a full-service bakery and storefront. The business was on the rise, and Lafesa’s personal life was also flourishing. She met her now-wife, and Lafesa says, “She jumped right in, and we ran it together.”
But just as things seemed to be going according to plan, tragedy struck again. In late 2022, a devastating fire destroyed the bakery. Lafesa remembers thinking, “If I can survive COVID, I can survive this damn fire.” With only a third of the damage covered by insurance, Lafesa and her team turned to crowdfunding to repair their mobile bakery bus. With the support of their loyal community, they raised the necessary funds to get the bus back on the road. Despite setbacks, the community’s love kept them going, and they soon found themselves booked and busy as they revived their mobile operation.
Though plans to open a new brick-and-mortar location were delayed by building issues, Lafesa’s determination never wavered. By December 2024, after overcoming these challenges, Hip Hop Sweet Shop officially reopened its doors. Despite a difficult transition period, the bakery has found its rhythm, serving up delicious treats and creating a welcoming space for the West End community and beyond.

Lafesa Johnson
“People tend to not come down past 9th Street. It’s sad, but hopefully we and other businesses down here can help change that perception. It’s safe,” Lafesa says, acknowledging the misconceptions about the area. Her bakery offers something special to the community: a diverse array of homemade, joyful sweets that aren’t found at corporate chains. Bestsellers like banana pudding, peach cobbler, milkshakes, and cheesecake parfaits have earned Hip Hop Sweet Shop a loyal following. They’re also adding fun, novelty items like “Oochie Wally Waffles”–named after the hit song by QB’s Finest–to keep the menu fresh and exciting for both regulars and new customers.
The shop is more than just a bakery. It’s a celebration of Lafesa’s and her community’s roots, culture, and passion. The space is infused with hip hop energy, from the graffiti wall that honors loved ones (including her nephew, a talented local artist tragically murdered before the fire) to the vibrant music and energy that fills the air. On Fridays, the bakery hosts karaoke nights in partnership with KMF Karaoke, further building a sense of community.
Lafesa is proud to run a business that is Black-owned, queer-owned, and woman-owned. “You’ve got all the naysayers or the haters. To be able to get over all the adversity and the hurdles, it means a lot,” she reflects. “No matter what, we get up. No matter what, we keep it going. We just pivot.” It’s this determination, which she says cultivated from her experiences as a single mother and entrepreneur, that has shaped the success of Hip Hop Sweet Shop.
Looking ahead, Lafesa has big dreams for her bakery. She envisions expanding to a standalone building and possibly franchising, turning the unique concept into a recognizable brand. For her, the journey isn’t just about sweets: it’s about empowerment, resilience, and creating a lasting impact in her community.
“It means everything to be empowered like that, to be strong and determined and resilient,” she says.
Hip Hop Sweet Shop is more than just a place to grab a treat; it’s a testament to the resilience of its owner, Lafesa Johnson. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, supporting this business means supporting a vision of empowerment and perseverance. Stop by to chill out with some ice cream and good vibes. With its rich history and dedication to the community, Hip Hop Sweet Shop is a place you don’t want to miss.