MEET ILENE
A Playful Spirit with an Eye for Design
Designing
is my Happy
Place.
It’s where my passion
and creativity unite.
With an infectious energy, endless creativity and a designer’s instinct, I guess you could say I’m a lifelong creative.
When I was a kid, I hand made barrettes and sold them to a high-end boutique. The owner paid me $30 and I thought I was rich. Later that day my dad framed my check so I would always remember my very first business deal. Aren’t dads the best? Soon I was bedazzling everything in site; sweatshirts, sneakers, T-shirts and more. If it sparkled, then I could make it sell!
Went on to college and graduated with a BFA in Graphic Design and Photography. Then by chance, I landed my very first creative job at New York Magazine and it’s been a wild ride ever since.
After an amazing eight years, I quit my dream job at the magazine to launch idesign + co. Today, almost twenty years later with hundreds of products and retailers worldwide, I am so grateful to have created a designer brand specializing in unique paper and gift products. There have been many highs and lows along the way but being recognized as a trailblazer for women owned businesses was definitely among the highest. Two years into owning idesign + co, I won the Make Mine a $Million Business contest for female entrepreneurs. It was incredibly validating that my instincts were correct and creative businesses are here to stay.
So now it’s time for my next adventure and the transition is natural.
These days when I’m not designing, you will find me hanging with my daughter and our pup Norman. We left the urban streets of New York City for a more beachy life at the Jersey Shore. We eat a lot of pancakes and French fries. You can bet it’s never boring around here.
Ask my professional advice and I will always say the same: take chances when they are offered, follow your gut instinct and remember, that if you’re truly doing what you love, your business is already a success.
xoxo, Ilene
I have always kept my hand in designing for others; Branding, Creative Direction, Start-up Advice, Licensing and more. With years of creative expertise and versatility in design, I am super excited to help new and existing brands launch and grow.
** To Purchase Mother Hustler Click Here
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Working with me, you'll get more than just aesthetics.
Let’s get real, it’s not just about good looks. Aside from offering my expertise in design, I’m here as a partner to bring your vision to life; from concept to execution, supporting you every step of the way.
I promise, it's not only my design expertise you're getting, we'll have fun, laugh and grow your work together.
A Strategic Advisor
Creative Consultant
Wit, Warmth, and Wisdom
two Decadeds of Experience
An Innovator
A Strategic Advisor
Creative Consultant
Wit, Warmth, and Wisdom
two Decadeds of Experience
An Innovator
A Strategic Advisor
Creative Consultant
Wit, Warmth, and Wisdom
two Decadeds of Experience
An Innovator
A Strategic Advisor
Creative Consultant
Wit, Warmth, and Wisdom
Two Decadeds of Experience
An Innovator
A Strategic Advisor
Creative Consultant
Wit, Warmth, and Wisdom
two Decadeds of Experience
An Innovator
What Keeps me going
Someone once told me that I see the world differently. It took me a while to appreciate that comment but now I know that is my superpower.
Get to know ME
WHAT IS YOUR SPIRIT ANIMAL?
FAVORITE PIECE OF FURNITURE?
IF YOU COULD HAVE LUNCH WITH ANY ARTIST?
IF YOU COULD LIVE IN ANY PERIOD?
IS THERE ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU'D GIVE TO A YOUNG CREATIVE?
That’s easy, a dog; loyal and loving.
Definitely a chair; so many different shapes and sizes, each with its own personality!
Hmm, a tie between Andy Warhol and Vincent Van Gogh
The Renaissance for sure.
Oh yes; try to zig when everyone else zags!
Accolades, Nods, and Winks
Yes, there have been a few awards, applause and even some “OMGs” from celebs. I’ve had the good fortune of national press—from the TODAY Show to The Wall Street Journal, even rubbed elbows with a few names like Laura Dean, Rosie O’Donnell, Elisabeth Hasselbeck and Jessica Seinfeld to name a few. There was also this one time when I won the prestigious Make Mine a $Million Business contest for women entrepreneurs (founded by American Express) and their potential to grow women owned businesses in the United States. But here’s the thing, while the accolades feel great, the real reward is seeing my clients face when they see their brand or vision come to life. Ask my professional advice and I will always say the same:
take chances when they are offered, don’t be afraid to jump. Follow your gut instinct and remember, that if you’re truly doing what you love, you are already a success.
