Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in private and corporate catering but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Asi Shlomo, owner and founder of HipPOPs handcrafted gelato bars, located in Denver, CO.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
HipPOPs handcrafted gelato bars is a mobile frozen dessert company, specializes in private & corporate catering. Every single bar is handcrafted fresh, daily at our local creamery, by our in-house Executive Chef. Then dipped in our Signature Belgian Chocolate and topped to perfection with our premium toppings. We have lots of gluten-free, dairy-free & vegan options and we are even kosher certified!
Tell us about yourself
I was always a gelato fan and wanted to combine old-world Italian Gelateria traditions with modern technology. I saw this concept in Miami, loved it and ended up bringing it to Denver, after making some improvements & upgrades to it. Nothing motivates me more than seeing first-time POP fans trying their first ever HipPOPs bar! I can never get enough of seeing that expression of pure joy & amazement.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I am very proud of the state-of-art food truck we designed, the way it looks & functions, as well as the incredible creamery we built in South Denver. None of it would have worked without my wonderful business partners & staff (some have been around with us for about 15 years!).
We have built an "army" of POP fans that follow our truck religiously to so many places and this truly means the world to us.!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The biggest challenge was launching our concept in Denver right at the beginning of the pandemic. Our business model is relying heavily on corporate catering (employee appreciation events, Fundraisers, etc..), as well as Weddings, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Graduation Parties, etc... None of these events was happening and we had to re-invent ourselves.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
1. Make sure you are truly 100% passionate about what you do!
2. Don't cut corners even it cuts some costs. Your product/Service quality will speak for itself in the end.
3. Enjoy the journey and remember that it wouldn't have been so fun if it wasn't challenging :)
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.hippops.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HipPOPsDenver
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/HipPOPsDenver/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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