Driven by the diversity of the hospitality industry, CECILIA LANYON has a niche for innovative business models and business growth. With a degree in marketing and a certification from the Women’s Initiative for self-employment, she started her career working for a hedge fund, which eventually inspired her to open her first business in Lake Forest in 2012. Today, she owns and operates three restaurants and a fine art gallery— The Gallery, The Peanut Gallery, and The Lucky Duck, as well as a new bake shop—CREAM.

What is your business style?

I consider my business style democratic and relational. I always think of the quote “A rising tide raises all ships.” As our business grows, so does our team and my success is my team’s success as it is a result of their collaborative hard work.

What organizations do you enjoy contributing to?

I am a big fan of the Deer Path Art League (best known for Art Fair on the Square and the Emerging Artists Exhibit) and have been connected to the organization for quite some time. My first experience with the Art League was as a 6th grader, when I sold my paintings in the Art Fair in Market Square. Most recently I served as the Director of the Art League for the past two years. This has been a tremendous experience and I am so honored to be a part of this organization.

What advice would you give to future Power Women?

The first and most important is to always be nice to people— always! The second is that even negativity can be used in your favor. Use everything that is thrown at you—every criticism or negative review—to your advantage. The best revenge is a successful life or business.

For more information, visit thegallerylf.com, thepeanutgallerylf.com, creambakeshoplf.com, and luckyducklf.com.