We were lucky to catch up with Kathy Callahan recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kathy , appreciate you joining us today. Almost every entrepreneur we know has considered donating a portion of their sales to an organization or cause – how did you make the decision of whether to donate? We’d love to hear the backstory if you’re open to sharing the details.

Every year I choose a cancer related cause or person battling cancer to donate to. Medical expenses and care for those fighting cancer can be overwhelming. I am a 2 time lymphoma survivor and it was through the help of others that kept me going and helped me throughout my battles. I serve a great deal of people in different areas and regularly run into guests who are battling or have battled cancer. It touches so many lives unfortunately and I want to give back.

Kathy , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am an entrepreneur to my core. Over the years, I have worn many hats and had a few businesses of my own. I owned a clothing manufacturing company, a wedding cake and dessert business, and now currently (and most favorite) serve my clients and their guests as SLO Mama-ice cream queen! A few years back in 2017, I started SLO Mama Sweets vintage ice cream truck business with my three wonderful kids in tow. I converted a 1954 Chevy “Baby” into an old school ice cream truck that I operate serving private events in stylish 1950’s attire and uniforms while playing the incredible music of the era. On my truck I have a wide variety of delicious, handmade artisan ice cream novelties such as sandwiches, chocolate dipped bananas, drummers, artisan pops and gourmet push pops that I offer my clients for their parties, events, and weddings. The newest member of the SLO Mama Sweets family is “Tink”, our gorgeous luxury artisan gelato cart! I am proud that my creativity and tenacity have resulted in a business that brings such joy not only to my clients and their guest but to me-I love my job!! There is no one that serves dessert in the unique way that I do when the SLO Mama Sweets truck rolls in, bells ringing, giving my guests an unforgettable ice cream experience and sweet taste of the past!

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I think when you pursue your passion and present your most authentic self to your clients you expose the heart and soul of your business. I am in a incredibly grateful human being for every day of life I have as a two-time cancer survivor and I am grateful for the opportunity to not only meet new people but to give them a moment of childhood happiness through my service, especially through the magic of the truck. I am sincerely filled with joy when I show up at an event and see the excitement on the faces of my guests. It is a reciprocal, emotional, and delightful exchange. I suppose that I am, in its simplest form, seeking to fill my own happiness”cup” and connecting with others through my work. Ultimately, when you do what you love, you can’t help, but build a positive reputation within your chosen field. Joy begets joy!

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

As an entrepreneur, you face many challenges that you have to figure out for yourself. My creativity and vision were the driving force in pursuing the creation of an authentic 1954 vintage ice cream truck business for private events. That was the easy part. Restoring a classic vehicle was something I knew nothing about. Additionally being a woman in a vehicle-based business left me open to some hardships in dealing with a few mechanics and becoming a target for unnecessary repairs and charges. Needless to say, I hit a few crushing walls throughout the two year restoration that could have ended my dream. That being said, my dream was stronger than the hurdles I faced which helped me to continue on, even when things looked bleak. When something feels right, you keep pushing. At least that is how I approach life. “Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising every time we fail”.-Confucious

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.slomamasweets.com
• Instagram: @slomamasweets
• Facebook: SLO Mama Sweets

Image Credits

Alexandra Wallace @thelittlealli