By La Voz Staff
Reina Marcelle, owner of Reina’s Cakes, celebrated her 2nd year on Saturday, May 16th, since the opening of her store, Reina’s Cakes at 2550 W Division St. Reina began selling her cakes 5 years ago in Humboldt Park with her retrofitted (ice cream) cart that she filled with her many cakes, including her famous Puerto Rican Flag cakes. She has grown her business and become a staple store on Paseo Boricua. Along with selling her cakes, she also hosts cake-decorating workshops. She organized her neighboring businesses, including La Casa Del Domino, Luquillo Barbershop, and El Schomburg. Dozens of vendors also lined the street to help celebrate her anniversary. The festive atmosphere attracted hundreds of participants across generations, including many youth and seniors, who took part in free hot-dog and cake samples and in entertainment by local music acts like La Escuelita Bombera de Corazón and El Corillo.
Several speakers paid homage to Reina, including Alderperson Jessie Fuentes of the 26th Ward and Jose E Lopez, Executive Director of the Puerto Rican Cultural Center, who said, “Reina represents the Puerto Rican women who have faced many adversities and will not be defeated”.
Reina, who was overwhelmed by the support, spoke with tears in her eyes, thanking all who attended and supported her business. She especially thanked the youth who she has given opportunities to earn money by hosting a successful Car Wash in front of her store for the second year in a row, with proceeds helping pay for prom costs. Reina also took the opportunity to announce the release of her book “Baking My Way Back,” a memoir of her life and struggle to create her business, which will be on sale at her store.
