One woman is using her Humboldt Park cake shop to inspire her community to chase their dreams.
Inside Reina's Cakes hangs a photo of the business owner on her first day as street vendor.
Reina Marcelle says it's a reminder of where she came from and where she's going.
"I started off with $25 in my pocket and a heart full of dreams," Marcelle said.
After falling on hard times, she said she moved to Chicago for a fresh start and determined to make just one sale.
"I'll make it the most the beautiful cakes you ever see, and I wanted it to matter, "she said. "I wanted to make a difference."
Three years later, she opened Reina's Cakes on Division Street in the heart of Humboldt Park.
"I would carry the leches, banana pudding, guava, coconut, strawberry. I have 30 flavors," she said.
Many call the shop a second home and a place to learn the ins and outs of business.
Reina offers not only cake decorating classes, but a 12-week program for high school students to work in the shop.
"I found that I actually had, like, a little secret passion for, like, decorating cakes," student Thyanifer Infante said.
Between the education, free popcorn and the love that is felt, the students say the shop is a safe haven.
"I am so glad that I didn't give up throw in the towel and say I'm done," Marcelle said.
Reina not only has 30 flavors, but sugar free, gluten free and even cakes made for cats and dogs.
"Don't give up and don't quit."