As a child, Tena Parish was inspired by the cakes her mother decorated for friends and family. “I loved watching her do it,” she said.

Parish took Wilton cake decorating classes when she turned 18 and began working at a bakery in Concord. She started her pastry career in sales and eventually earned a position as a baker, creating her first cake for her son’s first birthday.

Now, with 30 years of baking experience to her credit, Parish is the proud owner of TLCakes, which opened a shop in the downtown Brentwood in August. The business has dazzled Brentwood with beautiful and ornate cakes for all occasions over the last four years, and its new location now offers tasty treats to walk-in customers.

“We try to introduce something new here every week,” Parish said, referring to the bakery’s expanding menu. As more of their equipment is delivered, TLCakes will begin offering everything from éclairs and Napoleons to cake by the slice. Currently, customers can stop by for a delicious gourmet cupcake for $2.50, or pick up a whole 8-inch cake for between $10 and $12. Bite-size cake truffles – rolled cake dipped in chocolate – go for 75 cents and fresh cookies cost $1.

By far, the most popular cupcake TLCakes offers is the luscious Red Velvet. Parish’s personal favorite flavor is PB&C – peanut butter and chocolate – but the bakery has flavors to suit every palate. Familiar selections such as German Chocolate, Strawberry and Carrot stand alongside Boston Cream and Kahlua Fudge cupcakes. The Mint Chocolate and Candy Bar cupcakes are artistically topped with bits of peppermint patties and Snickers bars, respectively. TLCakes also offers seasonal treats such as Pumpkin Spice, Gingerbread and Eggnog cupcakes. For Christmas, customers can purchase gift baskets of baked goods ranging from $10 to $45.

Parish is excited to be a part of the new, vibrant downtown area. “It’s absolutely beautiful,” she said, particularly pleased that her shop is located across the street from the new fountain. She also appreciates the cheerful community spirit among patrons and other shop owners. “It’s really friendly down here,” she said. As a part of the downtown efforts to draw customers, TLCakes is offering discounts: On Tuesdays, you receive 10 percent off of your purchase. On Wednesdays, buy 12 cupcakes and you get two more for free. On Thursdays, buy $5 worth of baked goods and you take home two free cookies.

Of course, TLCakes will continue to provide custom cakes for weddings and other occasions. The most elaborate cake Parish ever decorated was a five-tier wedding cake, decorated with a hand-painted mosaic finish and handmade pearls and flowers. She also baked her son’s wedding cake, made with five cake flavors and a purple fondant sash and broach to complete the artful decoration.

Whatever the occasion, be it an enormous wedding or just a mid-week snack break, TLCakes’s new location provides customers with the opportunity to enjoy a sweet treat in the new, vibrant downtown Brentwood.

TLCakes, located at 647 First St. in Brentwood, is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; closed Sundays and Mondays. Call 925-513-3688 or visit www.tlcakes.com. Call for an appointment to discuss custom cake orders. Please provide two weeks’ notice for custom cakes.