Born in Columbus, Ohio, Pollak inherited the "city gene" from her New York City-native parents. When she was five, they returned the family to Westchester County, where Pollak grew up. She graduated from Mount Holyoke College with a BA in studio art and theatre and an MA in art education from Columbia University Teachers College. Her first book, Decorating Eggs: Exquisite Designs with Wax & Dye, was recently republished by Schiffer Publishing. Her second book, Soul Proprietor: 101 Lessons from a Lifestyle Entrepreneur (Crossing Press, 2001), shares what she learned as a home-based business owner who successfully turned her passion into a thriving company. When Pollak's marriage ended in 2011, she moved back to Manhattan. She has three grown children and three grandchildren.