GLANCING THE GALLANT | High School Junior Bakes Cupcakes for COVID-19 First Responders

MEET KENDALL STEIN OF ROSELLE

American poet and singer, Tuli Kupferberg once said “when patterns are broken, new worlds emerge” and that couldn’t be more true for Lake Park High School junior, Kendall Stein of Roselle who started test baking to launch her own baking company called Smengé.

Smengé, a nickname Kendall was given when she was young due to her outgoing, spunky and unique qualities has carried into her sweet treats – each made wholeheartedly with pure soul and passion. As she prepared to launch her new business, Kendall began test baking and found herself with a surplus of cupcakes which inspired the idea to show her appreciation to first responders for their hard work during this pandemic.

Edward Hospital and Edward Hospital Cancer Center received over six dozen donated cupcakes after caring for Kendall’s Aunt Nora during her cancer treatments. Both the Roselle Fire and Police Departments were unexpectedly surprised with three dozen treats; and Central DuPage Hospital's Frontline staff is next on the list!

“To me, baking captures everything I love all in one,” Kendall says. “I love to be challenged, on my feet, incorporating art/creativity, and most of all making people smiling; that is why I have found baking to be so joyous because it allows me to incorporate some of my love languages and values all in one.”

Sweets on a Whim is the essence of Smenge and Kendall plans to continue to bake with the best ingredients while sharing the joy of her treats with those around her! -Kristen Kucharski