Check Out Dena Wireman’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dena Wireman.

Hi Dena, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Krave Creamery was born from a passion for creating experiences and bringing people together. In 2020, I purchased and renovated a historic building in downtown Wapakoneta with the vision of adding something unique to our community. After months of planning, construction, and learning the ins and outs of the ice cream business, Krave Creamery opened its doors in October 2021.

As a lifelong Wapakoneta resident and someone already involved in my family’s business, Haehn Florist & Greenhouses, I saw an opportunity to create a destination where families, friends, and visitors could gather. We focused on serving homemade ice cream, homemade waffle cones, specialty treats, and comfort foods while creating a welcoming atmosphere for all ages.

Since opening, Krave Creamery has continued to grow and become a community gathering place, hosting events, supporting local organizations, and partnering with other downtown businesses. In 2023, we were honored to be recognized by the Wapakoneta Area Chamber of Commerce as Emerging Business of the Year.

Today, I continue to balance my role at our family business, Haehn Florist & Greenhouses, while operating Krave Creamery and working with local organizations to help strengthen and promote downtown Wapakoneta. What started as an idea to revitalize a downtown building has grown into a thriving business centered on community, connection, and creating memorable experiences.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting a business is rarely a smooth road, and Krave Creamery was no exception. One of the biggest challenges was taking a vision and turning it into reality. Purchasing and renovating a downtown building required a significant investment of time, money, and energy, and there were many unknowns along the way.

Opening in 2021 also meant navigating supply chain issues, rising costs, and labor challenges that many small businesses faced. As a first-time ice cream shop owner, there was a steep learning curve in everything from production and inventory management to marketing and staffing.

Another challenge was balancing multiple responsibilities. I continue to work in my family’s business, Haehn Florist & Greenhouses, while operating Krave Creamery and volunteering with several community organizations. Time management and wearing many different hats has been one of the biggest ongoing challenges.

Despite those obstacles, each challenge provided an opportunity to learn and grow. The support of our customers, community, family, and staff has helped us overcome those hurdles and continue building a business that contributes to downtown Wapakoneta and creates lasting memories for our guests.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Here’s a professional response that focuses on both the business and your impact on the community:

At Krave Creamery, we specialize in homemade ice cream, homemade waffle cones, specialty desserts, and comfort foods served in a welcoming, family-friendly environment. While great food and ice cream are at the heart of what we do, our larger mission is creating a place where people can gather, celebrate, and make memories together.

We are known for offering unique flavors, creative seasonal menu items, community events, and a customer experience that goes beyond simply serving ice cream. Whether it’s hosting fundraisers, partnering with local organizations, celebrating local sports teams, or creating special events for families, we strive to be an active part of the community.

What I’m most proud of is transforming a vacant downtown building into a thriving business that has become a gathering place for residents and visitors alike. Seeing families create traditions, watching children grow up coming to the shop, and contributing to the revitalization of downtown Wapakoneta has been incredibly rewarding.

What sets us apart is our commitment to community. We don’t just operate a business in Wapakoneta—we actively invest in making our community stronger. Through partnerships, events, volunteer involvement, and support of local causes, we work to create experiences that bring people together. Our goal has always been to offer more than ice cream; we want Krave Creamery to be a place where connections are made and memories are created.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
No business owner succeeds alone, and I have been fortunate to have many people who have supported me along the way.

My dad has been one of my biggest influences. Through his leadership at Haehn Florist & Greenhouses, he demonstrated the value of hard work, perseverance, and making selfless sacrifices to build and sustain a family business. Watching him navigate challenges and remain committed to serving customers provided a foundation for how I approach business ownership today.

My mom has also played an invaluable role. Whether it’s making a last-minute trip to the store, helping when the businesses get busy, or stepping in so I can attend my children’s sporting events and activities, her support has helped make it possible to balance business ownership and family life.

I am also grateful to Deb Fischer, who has generously shared her business knowledge, experience, and advice over the years. Learning from someone who has successfully navigated many of the same challenges has been incredibly beneficial and has helped me grow as a business owner.

Finally, I credit the community of fellow small business owners I meet with regularly. We share ideas, discuss challenges, collaborate on events, and support one another’s success. While we each operate different businesses, we all share a common goal of strengthening our community and helping one another grow. Their encouragement, insight, and willingness to collaborate have been instrumental in both my personal growth and the success of Krave Creamery.

Most importantly, I am grateful for my family. They are the backbone of everything I do. Whether it’s helping behind the scenes, stepping in when needed, or keeping things running at home so I can focus on the businesses, their constant support and willingness to work together makes it possible to manage everything. Their teamwork, patience, and encouragement are a big part of why I’m able to do what I do every day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jdwireman.wixsite.com/kravecreamery?fbclid=IwY2xjawSaz_BleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFjWHhxeWEyaXZBOHoyY2ZQc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHqIOVPVscvr6RpsvmTcBgrIC5sVrI-GxEskEVyjufg7C7HTtESQmqr0eJpTi_aem_bn-mL3TqkqDD0DgYJSX_6Q
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kravecreamery
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@kravecreamery