Today we’d like to introduce you to Dominique Treadwell.

Hi Dominique, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.

If you ask me how Spoonlight Ice Cream came to be, I’d say it all started with a love for the joy ice cream brings. There’s something magical about how a single scoop can light up someone’s face, how an ice cream truck rolling through the neighborhood could make kids (and adults like me, for that matter!) drop everything and run. That feeling—the nostalgia, the excitement, the pure delight—is what I wanted to capture with Spoonlight. My dad was my first introduction to artisan flavors with his obsession with coffee ice cream. I had a bite and I was hooked! I never wanted the same ol’ stuff ever again! As the privilege of being a military kid and traveling the world, I sought out anything that challenged my tastebuds, and looked to turn it into ice cream.

I’ve been making ice cream for over a decade, but it was always just for fun—experimenting with flavors, perfecting textures, and sharing creations with friends and family. It wasn’t until years later, after working in business finance and understanding what it really takes to run a company, that I decided to turn my passion into something bigger.

Spoonlight started as a way to bring people together over something indulgent and exciting. I wanted to create flavors that weren’t just good but unforgettable. Each batch is handcrafted with premium ingredients, designed to be as bold and playful as the brand itself. And because I believe the best things in life should be savored, I keep things fresh with a rotating menu—so every scoop feels like an adventure.

Balancing this business with my full-time career as a bank manager hasn’t been easy, but every late-night production session, every new flavor launch, every customer who tells me this is the best ice cream they’ve ever had—it makes it all worth it. In the future, I’m looking to be this generation’s go-to ice cream truck experience, with out-of-this-world flavor, delicious novelties, and sensational pints. I also want to have a gathering spot for ice cream lovers everywhere to unwind, slow down, and enjoy the spoon and the moment.

Spoonlight is still just getting started, but one thing’s for sure: we’re here to make life a little sweeter, one flirtatious, flavor-packed scoop at a time, and we’re only getting better!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

I’d love to say the journey has been as smooth as my ice cream, but the truth is, building Spoonlight has had its fair share of challenges. When you’re running a business while working full-time—especially one as hands-on as small-batch ice cream—you have to be incredibly intentional with your time. My schedule is packed, with full workdays as a bank manager and late nights spent churning, packing, and prepping orders. It’s a grind, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

One of the biggest struggles has been scaling up production while keeping the quality just right. I make every batch by hand, and while that ensures each pint is crafted with care, it also means my output is limited. Managing demand—especially during peak ice cream season—has been a balancing act. Some weekends, I sell out faster than expected, and while that’s a great problem to have, I always want to make sure my customers get the flavors they’re excited about.

Financially, I’ve had to be strategic. Ice cream isn’t just milk and sugar; premium ingredients, high butterfat content, and specialized packaging all add up. Every decision—whether it’s pricing my pints, sourcing the best mix-ins, or planning for future equipment—has to make sense both creatively and financially. Seeking funding to scale efficiency efficiently (whew! say that three times fast lol!) and focusing on my supply chain and supplier partnerships is one of my top priority in this season.

And of course, there’s always the challenge of standing out in a crowded market. But that’s where Spoonlight’s personality shines. I didn’t want to be just another ice cream brand—I wanted to create something bold, cheeky, and fun. I want people to feel something when they see my brand, whether it’s excitement, curiosity, or just a little bit of flirtation.

It hasn’t been easy, but every challenge has pushed me to grow. At the end of the day, the joy of seeing people light up when they taste Spoonlight makes all the long nights and tough decisions worth it. It always will!

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

Before I ever started churning ice cream for Spoonlight, I built a career in finance and banking. I’ve spent years working as a business finance manager, helping individuals and companies make smart financial decisions, manage risks, and grow sustainably. Numbers have always made sense to me—I love problem-solving, strategizing, and finding ways to make financial goals a reality.

What I’m most proud of in my career is the ability to help people—whether it’s guiding small business owners through financial challenges, helping families secure loans for their dreams, or mentoring those looking to grow in the industry. Finance can feel intimidating to a lot of people, but I enjoy breaking things down in a way that empowers others to take control of their money and future. Before banking, I actually was in entertainment, both as talent in front of the camera and production behind the camera. Creativity and being able to take nothing and make it everything has always been my gift, and Spoonlight is just another vehicle to exercise that gift through deliciousness.

I think what sets me apart, both in banking and as an entrepreneur, is my ability to see both the big picture and the fine details. I’m always thinking ahead—about sustainability, growth, and making strategic moves that ensure long-term success. That same mindset is what’s driving Spoonlight forward. I’m not just making ice cream; I’m building a business with a solid foundation, pricing that makes sense, and a plan for future expansion.

Balancing both worlds—finance and ice cream—has been a challenge, but it’s also what gives me an edge. I understand what it takes to run a profitable business, and I apply that knowledge to every aspect of Spoonlight, from cost analysis to pricing strategies to planning for future investments.

At the end of the day, whether I’m working with numbers in the bank or whipping up a new flavor in the kitchen, my goal is the same: to create something meaningful, impactful, sustainable, and built to last.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?

I’m always looking for inspiration and ways to grow—both personally and professionally. Personal development books are a big part of that. I love diving into books and podcasts that challenge my mindset, sharpen my skills, and push me to think bigger. Whether it’s about leadership, business strategy, or personal finance, I’m always looking for insights that I can apply to both my career and my business. Some of my current go-to’s readings and inspirations are Rachel Rodgers of Hello7, anything from Gary Vee, Atomic Habits, and the 12-Week Year. I’ve also watched almost every video clip from CNBC Make It. To see how companies were built is so insightful!

Cooking shows are another huge source of inspiration for me. Flavor combinations, textures, plating—there’s so much creativity in food, and I love seeing how different cultures and chefs approach it. Sometimes, a dish on a show sparks an idea for a new ice cream flavor, and I start thinking about how I can translate those elements into something uniquely Spoonlight.

And music? Music is like fuel to my creativity tank. Whether I’m in the kitchen churning a new batch, brainstorming branding ideas, or even just unwinding after a long day, the right playlist sets the mood and keeps me going.

But beyond books and shows, one of the most valuable resources I have is my “Million Dollar Crew”—my best friends who are all building the lives of our dreams and growing wealth for the generations coming behind us. We formed this group inspired by Rachel Rodgers book, “We Should All Be Millionaires.” We hold each other accountable, push each other to level up, and celebrate every win along the way. Having a circle of people who understand the grind, the sacrifices, and the vision makes all the difference. They’re not just my friends; they’re my business support system, my sounding board, and my reminder that I’m not doing this alone.

At the end of the day, success isn’t just about what you know—it’s about staying inspired, surrounding yourself with the right people, and constantly growing.

Pricing:

• $7 for 8 oz. half pints
• $12 for 16 oz full pints
• Events and Catering starting at $300
• Wholesale Gallons available starting at $250
• We power fundraisers for schools and community organizations!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.spoonlighticecream.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spoonlighticecream
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095366686401