So, what exactly are “Leelees”? The name could mean a couple of different things. “Leelees” might be a reference to Lee Lee’s Baked Goods, a beloved bakery in Harlem, NY. Or, it could be a reference to Leelee’s Garden, a botanical event studio in Chicago.
Here’s a look at the history, services, and what makes both “Leelees” special.
Lee Lee’s Baked Goods: A Harlem Tradition
Lee Lee’s Baked Goods is more than just a bakery; it’s a Harlem institution. Founded in 1988 by Alvin Lee Smalls, a baker with a true passion for his craft, Lee Lee’s has become synonymous with quality and tradition.
Mr. Smalls emphasizes freshly baked, high-quality pastries made using traditional methods. He is well known for rugelach, and he sums up his philosophy simply: “It’s just about the love of baking good sweet.”
In a world of food trends, boxed mixes, and celebrity chefs, Mr. Smalls remains committed to his craft. “Now everyone’s a chef celebrity and selling boxed mixes, but that’s not me,” he says.
Lee Lee’s has received positive media attention, with Thrillist calling it “THE HARLEM BAKERY WORTH GOING UPTOWN FOR…”
Leelee’s Garden: Botanical Event Studio
Leelee’s Garden specializes in creating engaging, hands-on, garden-inspired floral design events. They’re “experience makers,” creating custom event flowers and immersive experiences for a variety of occasions.
Leelee’s caters to corporate events, weddings, and private parties. They also have kits and party packs in the works for DIY botanical events at home.
Clients praise Leelee’s attention to detail and her ability to engage people in the event. As one client, Dan Hanson, put it, “Leelee has been an absolute GEM to work with…Her attention to detail, as well as her ability to engage is unlike anyone else I have worked with.”
Leelee’s past clients include Disney, McDonald’s, and other large corporations.
Key Takeaways
While “Leelees” might call to mind two very different things — Harlem’s Lee Lee’s Baked Goods and Chicago’s Leelee’s Garden — both share a common thread. Each embodies a passion for quality, a commitment to their craft, and a dedication to customer satisfaction.