Today we’d like to introduce you to Alissa Vieira.
Hi Alissa, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit. Owning my own business has been my dream for some time. My career has always been focused on the food & beverage industry in many various roles which naturally led me to make unique flavors of artisan ice cream. On New Year’s Eve in 2019 as I shared resolutions with loved ones I declared “I want to have my own business in downtown Toledo!”
In January 2020 a chef I had worked with back in 2005 in New York City was selling commercial ice cream equipment from his wife’s bakery. They had relocated from New York to Cleveland and were a short drive away. I knew this was my opportunity to take the leap and give it a go. Fast forward three short years later and here we are!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My path has been a bumpy one! My ice cream equipment was acquired in February of 2020, just one month before COVID shut everything down in Ohio. I had hoped for a summer of ice cream sales and with so much uncertainty at that time it was not going to be possible. After a few months with no end to quarantine in sight (and two small children at home), I had an electrician wire my garage for the ice cream machine. The summer of 2020 did end up being the summer of ice cream. Just not in the way I had originally planned.
I worked on recipes, did lots of taste testing, and learned a ton along the way! In the spring of 2021, I moved into my first shared commercial kitchen space. While getting started everything took longer than I expected. I was impatient with my perceived lack of progress. Looking back now, I know that time was valuable in the research and development phase. I am thankful for my year of making ice cream at home and I think my quarantine “bubble” enjoyed all the samples!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Swanky Scoops creates handmade, artisan ice cream in unique and unexpected flavors. Our seasonal flavors are crafted in small batches for adventurous foodies who like to discover something new and value an elevated ice cream experience. Our custard-style recipe uses dairy and egg yolks for a rich and creamy product. The silky texture, striking flavor, and rich creaminess are tenets of the swankiest scoop you will find.
Swanky Scoops offers a mobile ice cream cart that is perfect for a memorable private event. We are available for parties, weddings, corporate functions, and more. Our exceptional service and genuine hospitality will leave a lasting impression.
We offer wholesale opportunities if you are a retailer interested in sharing Swanky Scoops with your guests. Our ice cream is available in pre-packaged pints for your merchandise freezer. We also offer bulk sizes of ice cream for your preferred use. Our exclusive flavors provide a luxe individual treat or a stunning dessert accompaniment.
What makes you happy?
Working for myself and knowing that I have the ability to impact my community in a positive way makes me happy.
By choosing to partner with other small businesses whenever possible I know I am contributing to the vibrancy of the food scene in Toledo. I love the spirit of collaboration among so many of the small business owners I have met. I love meeting new people, making new friends, and seeing the smile on someone’s faces when they surprise themselves with an unexpected new favorite flavor of ice cream.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.swankyscoops419.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/swankyscoops419
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/SwankyScoops419
