Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kelly Hansen, Co-Founder of Hansen's Ice Cream Parlor, located in Burlington, WI, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My husband and I own an ice cream parlor in which we serve ice cream and ice cream treats. We opened our first location in Wilmot, Wisconsin, in 2017. In 2021, we opened our second location in Burlington, WI, and expanded our business to include our own line of gourmet popcorn and a candy store located on the second floor of our Burlington location. We are blessed to have amazing customers that not only come to our parlors from our local communities, but some even travel 45 minutes or more to visit us.
Tell us about yourself
I am a former school social worker and then a stay-at-home mom to our four children prior to opening our first location. My husband still has a full-time job besides our business. My husband has always wanted to own his own business, and he wanted to do something that made everyone happy, and what's better than ice cream? Every day, we get to make people's day by serving them delicious treats. It doesn't get any better than that!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Our biggest accomplishment is opening a second location and expanding our business to include popcorn and candy. It's so exciting to see your business grow and to have your customers excited about it.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The hardest part of being a business owner is time management. Owning a business can take up every waking moment, especially in the first few years. Learning how to "turn it off" has taken some time and constant practice to make sure to set boundaries for our work life and our home life.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be passionate about the business you are going into. It is imperative that you love what you do. Otherwise, the business won't get the attention it needs to thrive.
- Learn to delegate - we often take on too much, and learning how to delegate effectively is essential to setting boundaries and balancing work and home life.
- Listen to your customers - Not only their ideas for new products or promotions but to how they spend their money in your business. Let the sales drive where you put your energy.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.hansensicecreamparlor.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hansensinburlington/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hansens_in_burlington/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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