The Sweet Life of Legacy: Petrushka Bazin Larsen on Cultivating Harlem’s Future in the Age of AI and 250 Years of History
COVER PHOTO CREDIT EVI ABELER
In the legendary streets of Upper Manhattan, history isn't just something found in textbooks. It is something you can taste, smell, and feel. As we stand on the threshold of America's Semiquincentennial, a monumental 250 years of statehood, and as we herald the milestone of the Black History Centennial alongside the empowering Woman's History Month, the dialogue about "legacy" has catapulted to the forefront of our national consciousness.
Who owns the American story? How do we keep Harlem’s soul alive while the world changes around us?
For Petrushka Bazin Larsen, co-founder of Sugar Hill Creamery, the answer is found in the perfect balance of "High-Tech" and "High-Touch." In an exclusive interview for the Harlem Thrive Business of Legacy series, Petrushka shares how she and her husband, Nick, are using modern tools like Artificial Intelligence (AI) to protect 250 years of cultural history.
PHOTO BY AJENE FARRAR
A Homecoming in Sugar Hill
Petrushka’s journey in Harlem began in 2004. She lived in a first apartment on St. Nicholas and 148th Street—right in the heart of the historic Sugar Hill district. For those who don't know, Sugar Hill was the "sweet life" of the early 20th century. It was the home of Black professionals, artists, and activists who defined Black Excellence.
"We named it Sugar Hill Creamery because we were tapping into that historic relevance," Petrushka explains. "It was a culture-making space."
In 2017, she realized that while Harlem had ice cream trucks and chain stores, it lacked a "small-batch" shop that prioritized community. She wanted an establishment where neighbors could build relationships. By opening the first family-owned ice cream shop in the area since 1983, she didn't just start a business—she filled a forty-year void in the neighborhood’s social fabric.
"The Audacity of Being": Reclaiming the American Narrative
One of the most powerful points Petrushka makes is about how we define history. Often, we talk about history as something that happened a long time ago. Petrushka believes in "Preserving the Now."
Through her Harlemite series, she interviews local residents who are impacting the community today. "It’s an opportunity for us to use our medium of ice cream and food to create a platform for other people," she says.
When asked about how she reclaims the American narrative during the 250th anniversary of the country, her answer is simple: The Audacity of Being. By simply existing, thriving, and telling their own stories, Black entrepreneurs in Harlem are proving that their history is American history.
Translating the Diaspora into Flavor
At Sugar Hill Creamery, the menu is a "living archive" of the African Diaspora. Petrushka and Nick don't just sell vanilla and chocolate; they sell stories.
Habichuelas con Dulce: This flavor honors the Dominican families of Harlem. It translates a traditional sweet bean liquid dessert into a creamy ice cream.
Coquito: During the holidays, the shop serves a flavor inspired by the Puerto Rican coconut-based drink that is "quotidian" (everyday) to Harlem life.
A$AP Rocky: This isn't your average Rocky Road. Named after the Harlem rap icon, it features a graham cracker Oreo marshmallow "bark" and Nutella.
"There is a lot of intentionality," Petrushka notes. "We are acknowledging food traditions that are present in our daily lives." This is how the "Business of Legacy" works—by taking the everyday culture of the neighborhood and elevating it to an art form.
PHOTO BY PERRY HALL
Leadership in the Age of AI: The "Non-AI" Moments
As a tech-forward leader, Petrushka isn't afraid of the future. She uses AI tools like Claude to analyze years of sales data. This helps her understand peak business moments so she can manage costs like labor and rent—the "variable" expenses that often sink small businesses.
She also uses Granola, an AI meeting assistant, to record her weekly leadership meetings. This allows her to send written follow-ups to her team, reinforcing her message.
However, Petrushka is very clear: AI should never replace human connection. Her staff consists mostly of young people around the age of 19 or 20. For them, she focuses on "Non-AI Moments." In her weekly meetings, she teaches:
Conflict Resolution: How to handle a difficult situation without a screen.
The Sandwich Method: A way to deliver feedback that is kind but direct.
Active Listening: Giving a neighbor or "stranger" full attention.
"Don’t let them lose the core fundamentals of our humanity," she says. This is a vital lesson for any business owner today. Use AI to handle the data, but use your heart to handle the people.
The Currency of Intent: A Call to Harlem
Petrushka’s "Words of Wisdom" for the community are a reality check for us all. She reminds us that "Legacy" requires more than just good feelings—it requires financial support.
"These bills don’t get paid with intent," she says bluntly. "They get paid with the currency of money."
She practices what she preaches. Petrushka gets her nails done by a Harlem resident. She buys her clothes at Trintage, the vintage store next door. She believes that if we want Harlem to remain a "thriving community," we must be intentional about where we spend our dollars.
"Patronize what you value," she urges. "If there’s a moment where you’re like, 'Dang, that would be so sad if that left,' go buy something."
PHOTO BY AJENE FARRAR
Building Your Own Legacy
The story of Sugar Hill Creamery is a roadmap for the New Harlem Renaissance. It shows that you can honor 250 years of history while using the "tools of tomorrow" to stay profitable. It shows that "High-Touch" hospitality is the ultimate competitive advantage in a digital world.
At Harlem Thrive, we are inspired by leaders like Petrushka. We believe that every business in our neighborhood has a story worth telling and a legacy worth protecting. Whether you are a "culture maker" or a "neighbor," your contribution matters.
To explore more stories of Harlem excellence, visit our Harlem Thrive Blog to read about the roots of the Harlem Renaissance or learn about modern AI tools for local shops through our Interviewees.
Don't let history pass you by—crown your legacy with the tools of tomorrow by partnering with Harlem Thrive to master AI and digital marketing today. Contact us at [email protected] or (646) 828-1238.
