By Carol Courtney Anglin

Ilene Miriam Pastry Studio, located in Harlem, New York, is the place where a variety of homemade, edible art is created in the form of custom cakes, cookies and confections. Also offered are the most exquisite dessert tables and cupcake bars ever seen. I sat down with the owner and senior pastry designer, Tiffany Freeland, who explained to me how Ilene Miriam’s products are custom made with fresh, quality ingredients. “We bake goods that are fresh with no preservatives. Our motto is: If you do not see it, describe it, and we’ll create it.”

The first thing I noticed was the attention to detail and how polished the designs were. What inspired the pink and leopard skin logo? “Leopard stands out and grabs your attention, similar to my cake designs. It is also easy to recognize. So when you see the leopard and hot pink, you know it is Ilene Miriam,” she explained. Tiffany’s flare for style comes from her background as a student of the Fashion Institute of Technology and as a stylist for such notables as Groovey Lew and Rosario Dawson. Her passion for sweets came from her grandmother. “My business is named after my grandmother, Ilene Miriam Warren. Everyone loved her cakes.”

Tiffany mostly baked for her friends and family but then something exciting happened, “In 2009, I made some Chanel inspired cupcakes and posted them on Facebook. The response was overwhelming! I realized at that point that I had a good thing going.” The following year she increased her staff and brought on a partner, Lauren Beaumon. “Lauren handles the business side of Ilene Miriam which includes marketing, managing orders, scheduling and event coordinating.”

Today Irene Miriam Pastry Studio boasts of a clientele that includes celebrities such as Nicki Minaj; Lil Jon; model, Jesus Cruz; and NFL players, Dwight Freeney and Bryant Johnson. “What sets us apart from the rest is that our products taste as good as they look. We combine old recipes with fresh, innovative designs. We specialize in baking but at the same time, we concentrate on building relationships.”

Tiffany attributes her career success to family and persistence. “Since the business is new I have to devote a lot of time, so family support is important. Entrepreneurship is full of obstacles. You have to have thick skin and determination. Quitting is not an option.”

For more information on Ilene Miriam Pastry Studio, visit online at http://www.ilenemiriam.com.