Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dashanique Mathews. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Dashanique, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

One summer afternoon the sun was blazing, and the kids were restless, looking for something fun to do. As I watched them, an idea began to take shape in my mind. I remembered the joy of having a snow cone as a child, the vibrant colors, the sweet, icy treat that made the heat bearable.

I thought, “Why not bring that joy to our community and, at the same time, create something meaningful for my children?” I wanted to provide them with more than just a summer activity; I wanted to give them a taste of entrepreneurship, a sense of responsibility, and a long-term asset they could cherish and grow.

That evening, I gathered the family around the dinner table and shared my idea. The kids’ eyes lit up with excitement as I explained how we could start our own snow cone business. We brainstormed flavors, discussed the best locations to set up our stand, and even came up with a catchy name.

Over the next few weeks, we worked together to bring our vision to life. We researched the best equipment, experimented with different syrups, and designed a colorful, inviting stand. The kids were involved in every step, learning about budgeting, marketing, and customer service. It was a hands-on lesson in entrepreneurship that no classroom could provide.

As the summer progressed, our snow cone stand became a local favorite. The kids took pride in their work, and I saw them grow more confident and responsible. They learned the value of hard work, the importance of customer satisfaction, and the joy of earning their own money.

But the best part was the bond we formed as a family. Working together on this project brought us closer and created memories that would last a lifetime. And as the summer came to an end, I knew we had built something special – not just a business, but a legacy that my children could carry forward.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Dashanique Mathews, and I’m the proud owner of Cool Kidz Snow Konez. The idea for this business came to me on a particularly hot summer day when I was looking for a fun and engaging way to keep my kids entertained. I remembered the joy of having a snow cone as a child and thought, “Why not bring that joy to our community?” This sparked the idea of starting a snow cone business that not only provides delicious, refreshing treats but also serves as a long-term asset for my children, teaching them entrepreneurship and giving them a productive hobby over the summer.

We offer a variety of snow cone flavors, from classic favorites like cherry and blue raspberry to unique creations like mango chili and lavender lemonade.

Our primary goal is to provide a refreshing escape from the heat with our delicious snow cones. But beyond that, we aim to create a fun and memorable experience for our customers. We pride ourselves on using high-quality ingredients and offering a wide range of flavors to suit every taste. What sets us apart is our commitment to community and family. Our business is a family affair, and we love involving our kids in every aspect, from making the snow cones to interacting with customers. This not only teaches them valuable life skills but also creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere that our customers appreciate.

I’m most proud of the way our business has brought our family closer together and the positive impact we’ve had on our community. Seeing the smiles on our customers’ faces and knowing that we’ve created a space where people can enjoy a simple pleasure is incredibly rewarding.

I want potential clients to know that when they choose our snow cones, they’re not just getting a tasty treat; they’re supporting a family-run business that values quality, community, and family. We’re passionate about what we do, and we’re always looking for ways to innovate and improve our offerings. Whether you’re looking for a cool treat on a hot day or a unique addition to your event, we’re here to make your experience special.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Community Events and Partnerships: We actively participate in local events, such as fairs, festivals, and school functions. Partnering with local organizations and businesses has helped us reach a wider audience and build strong community ties.

Social Media Marketing: We use platforms like Instagram and Facebook to showcase our vibrant snow cones, share behind-the-scenes content, and engage with our customers. Social media giveaways and contests have been particularly effective in boosting our visibility and attracting new customers.

High-Quality Products and Service: Consistently providing delicious snow cones and excellent customer service has been crucial. Word-of-mouth recommendations from satisfied customers have been invaluable in growing our clientele.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

I love reading, so some books that I recommend for personal and professional use are Rich Dad, Poor Dad. The Four Agreements, and Good to great to just name a few. I also regularly watch TED talks, podcasts, and videos regarding entrepreneurship and my industry.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @coolkidzsnowkonez
• Facebook: Cool Kidz Snow Konez