Meet Terri Williams | Owner of So Icy Italian Ice

We had the good fortune of connecting with Terri Williams and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Terri, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started my business during summer of 2020 right after Quarantine ended. I originally was looking for an Ice cream truck or brick and mortar shop. During quarantine I would get up every morning pray , work out and think of ways to make more money so that I could eventually quit my job. During the time when Covid first hit, I didn’t like how the company that I worked for handled the safety of their employees. So I used the time wisely to come up with an exit plan.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
So Icy Italian Ice is a one of a kind Italian Ice truck and Party Rental Company. Our Italian Ice is popular because there’s no other trucks that offer what we have. Including a fun and bright mobile cart that matches our truck. The mobile cart can be rented year round for indoor events, such as birthday parties, baby showers, family reunions and more! I’m very excited that I’m adding small ice cream items to our menu this summer. Last year I added Ice cream nachos, which I didn’t want to add Ice cream because I didn’t want to be known for both. This summer I’m adding different varieties of cream sandwiches. I’m happy to see how that will turn out this year.

Being an entrepreneur and working a full time job is not easy. I work 5 sometimes 6 days nine or ten hours a week. It’s very challenging trying to balance everyday life, work and making small time for a social life. It’s definitely not easy. Summer of 2022 I didn’t book as many events on my truck or any bounce houses because I was working mandatory six days 10 hour shifts with little to no days off. So over the winter of 2022 I had to make a plan on how to make more money with less doing larger events instead of small parties. I decided to step out on faith and book events with larger crowds. I contacted different cities Parks & Recreation centers, schools, local city carnivals and festivals. Summer of 2023 we were booked and busy! I participated in the Detroit, Hazel Park and Berkley Pride Day. Madison Heights Juneteenth pop up day and Oak Park July 4th Freedom fest.

I’ve learned that in this business you have to think big! You have to challenge yourself to do things that you always was afraid of doing, and have faith that things will turn out fine. And you always have to stay on top of what’s new and popping. Our brand will always guarantee the best customer service and quality products to our customers. Our main goal is to make sure our customers see smiling faces and walk away with a smile! The best part of my business is conversing with the children and parents. Also helping any other up coming businesses that need help on starting up or advice. I feel that it’s my duty to help others being that I’ve had so much help and support.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
When my best friend comes in town from Atlanta we always dine and drink in Troy. Mainly Stoney River or any other steak house on Big Beaver Rd. We’d hang out downtown Detroit. So she can explore the new look and activities down there. We’d definitely have to check out Mike Epps spot “One Mike” they have comedy nights and karaoke. I’d take her to The Corner in Ferndale that have Axe throwing and nice comfy couches on an outside patio, very nice vibe.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shoutout to Cindy and Anthony owners of Jacksons Five Star Catering. I purchased my trailer from them. On the pick up day. They gave me everything I needed to start up and I was booked for two events. They also booked me for lots of other events along side of them. I truly appreciate them for everything. And I can’t forget Jeanette Cobb! She was my first customer of the summer. She was so patient with me being that I didn’t have a clue of what I was doing. And to this very day she books me every summer for her annual July 4th celebration. I’m very grateful that I had a great support system from day one.

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Image Credits
Photographer: Peep on the Scene