Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathy Callahan.
Hi Kathy, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Long before I began my vintage ice cream truck, business, and before I had children, I owned and operated a high-end children’s apparel company with my sister. We had showrooms around the country and production was complex and difficult. Once my sister and I became mothers, it was difficult to travel with work and small children, and we decided to close our company. I began a small business baking wedding and event cakes (which I was good at but not my passion). I am a two-time lymphoma survivor which shapes your life experience, determination and goals. I swore to myself that I would one day own a business that would be based on simple principles and most importantly, bring me and others great joy. On a trip to Washington D. C., I spied a vintage Good Humor truck on display in front of the American History Museum at the Smithsonian. In an instant, I knew I wanted to bring back the sweet and innocent feel of a good old-fashioned ice cream truck.
In that moment, I visioned the retro uniforms of that era as well as the iconic music of the 1940s and 50s and dreamed of the delicious traditional and artisan ice cream I could offer to my clients. I set about immediately searching for the perfect truck. I settled on a 1954 Chevy 3100 series with five windows that I found in Compton California being sold as a low rider. I paired it with an original Good Humor freezer box I found from the 50s (like they did before the one-unit trucks came out) and after two years of refurbishing, restoration and a lot of adversity, Baby was born! I set out to run my business as a private events truck and to work alongside my children. It was a way for me to teach them how to start and run a business and spend time with them as well. It has allowed me to serve wherever my new 383 Stroker Blueprint engine will take me and meet so many wonderful and interesting souls. I have the privilege of serving at many types of occasions, such as weddings, parties, birthdays, anniversaries, a celebration of life events, winery events, corporate, studio and celebrity events. At each event, I hope to provide an experience that allows my clients and their guests to be transported to another time and place when the most difficult choice to be made was which delicious ice cream to choose-truly a sweet taste of the past!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road to completion has certainly not been smooth! Being a woman in a vehicle-based business is difficult when working with mechanics and shops. There have been a few times that I felt I had a target on me and was easy prey for those who would take advantage of someone who did not possess full knowledge and understanding of mechanical issues. During the restoration process, I had a shop that did not install the brakes properly, horn, lights and seat. I was unaware of the faulty work and had a complete brake failure on the freeway but was able to enter a newly built turnout where I coasted to safety. That being said, I have also found some mechanics that I trust and have greatly helped me along the way. As I am a private events truck, my business was completely shut down during Covid so I decided to pivot and get a master’s in health psychology. I graduated this last October!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
After completing my undergraduate degree at Cal, poly San Luis Obispo, I went to work managing a women’s swimwear company based out of Los Angeles. Launching from that, I began my own manufacturing company of high-end children’s apparel. Becoming a mother changed my career trajectory, and I became a wedding and event, dessert, baker, making wedding cakes, and various desserts. From there, I entered the world of ice cream with my kids in tow;)
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My advice in finding a mentor is to search for someone who you consider successful in life, business or relationships, and ask if you could interview or shadow them. Copying someone’s business is not the same as seeking advice. Always remember when you admire someone’s business or success, *you do you!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.slomamasweets.com
- Instagram: @slomamasweets
Image Credits
@mbmediaworld @thelittlealli @jameslesterphoto @derekpreciadophotography
