Creating has always been a part of me. In my early childhood I was always making and selling something! At age 10 I designed and created my own "designer" candles and had more orders than I knew what to do with. I designed "lunch box" pocketbooks with different motifs and sold them at local boutiques. For years I attended a weekly art class and loved to draw and paint. I became an art major at Ohio State University and explored every medium of art, including stained glass, jewelry and weaving; ironically, I chose NOT to study fashion design or interior design. I then received my masters in Art Therapy at George Washington University - a field that fascinated me and in which I worked until I had children. Little did I know that having children would start me on a whole new path … designing children's clothing.

With no formal knowledge or formal training in business or fashion design I began creating clothing for my first daughter, Cheryl, on my kitchen table in Newton, Mass. Back in the 80's tie dying and silk screening (my husband made the screens) were very popular. I called my line “Tot's Tees by Ilene.” As I started to develop more ideas than I could handle on my own, I hired sewers and created a more sophisticated line called “Sidewalk Talk.” With a new sales team in place in Manhattan I was ready to go, but was unprepared for the onslaught of orders and press. From a spread in the New York Times magazine section (on the impact of Black and White clothing on children's fashion) to major department store orders, it was all too much to handle. However, despite the positive recognition, I saw a side of manufacturing and business that I didn't like. With more kids on the way, I found it to difficult to double as a mom and designer, and decided to take some time away from my business. Before long I entered back into children’s clothing, but this time determined to have more control. Since moving to South Florida 18 years ago, my line has evolved. Each season is more sophisticated than its predecessor, yet moms continue to love my sense of color, fabric, creativity and one-of-a-kind look. It is greatly satisfying to know how much kids love wearing my clothes.

I might be a fashion designer but it is the creative process that keeps me energized. Color, texture, and combination of fabrics give me inspiration and keep my mind always "designing". I even dream about colors and designs (ask my husband, he will tell you!). Sketch pads are always by my side no matter where I go: next to my bed, in the car, or in my purse. It is such an awesome experience to see what is in my head in the morning come to life by the afternoon! And to think that the inspiration might have come from the colors of a product, a piece of fabric, or an accessory. It is this very process that has led me to my expansion into designing an adult collection. Moms have always asked and encouraged me for the same style clothing as they buy for their children, and I have finally taken that step. The main reason is that I absolutely love seeing my ideas come to life on someone.

With designing, every day brings not only new ideas but also new challenges. Throughout my career, I have taken these challenges head on, whether it was designing while raising children or expanding into an adult collection. The thrill of the new is what keeps me designing, and what excites me as “Area Code 407” continues to still evolve. I hope that you will be a part of it!