Baking the American Dream

After taking over a home-based cake-making business from her sister-in-law, Ladisla Perez is now running a successful store in Corona where she has developed a strong customer base.
Perez, who is originally from the Dominican Republic, moved to the United States about 30 years ago and brought an interest in cake making with her.
&#8220I did a course in the Dominican Republic when I was 12 or 13 in culinary arts,” she said. &#8220We did a cake and that was very interesting for me. I never forgot.”
While her sister-in-law was running her cake-making business out of her home, Perez would go watch her, during which time she became interested in creating the ornaments and decorations on the cakes. Eventually, a second sister-in-law took over when the first one retired. After she, too retired, Perez took it over and began serving their many customers.
While Perez's three children were growing up, she did the work from home because she didn't want someone else raising them. However, when they got older, Perez decided that it was time to start looking for a space to open a store.
Perez began looking for a location in Corona, where her family lived, about five years ago. After two years of searching, she discovered a space on 104th Street where she opened Cake Mio which, along with cake-making, provides balloons, rents chairs and tables, and has piatas.
The next step for Perez was to seek the assistance of the Small Business Association, including taking a 12-week course on starting a small business through the Women's Business Center in Queens. She said she called them frequently for assistance.
&#8220They were a great help,” said Perez, who was recently honored by the Small Business Association.
Along with having many customers who have been coming to Cake Mio for 20 years, Perez said that the store has enabled her to gain many more new ones. She estimates that her customer base has grown more than 50 percent.
&#8220When the customer comes in, I don't see the bills they have,” Perez said. &#8220I see the need they have and I try to fulfill that need…the best I can.”
Perez said that another benefit to working out of a store rather than out of her home has been having free time. While working from home, she said that customers were calling or coming by even when it wasn't her scheduled work time.
&#8220Here, I close the gate and my mind is free,” said Perez, who said she enjoys making large cakes, such as ones for weddings and other special occasions.
Perez, who said that, depending on the week, she makes 30 to 80 cakes, said that the key to her success has been her belief in herself. She also said that being responsible, honest and persistent has helped.
To anyone else thinking of opening their own business, Perez recommends having a mentor.
&#8220I encourage anybody who's thinking about opening their own business to do it,” said Perez, whose children and husband have been supportive of the business and who help. &#8220It's worth it.”
For the future, Perez said that she is thinking about opening a second store in either Corona or Jackson Heights. It would be more of a party store, she said.
&#8220It's unbelievable I'm going to be here three years,” Perez said of Cake Mio. &#8220Time goes so fast.”
Cake Mio is located at 45-10 104th Street in Corona. It is open Monday and Thursday from noon to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. For more information, call 718-779-0271.