We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Janet Marsh. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Janet below.

Alright, Janet thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Any thoughts about whether to ask friends and family to support your business. What’s okay in your view?

I’m all about being supported by family and friends. I believe they should be your initial customers, one, to provide honest feedback to you and two, to help spread the word to others. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always work out that way. I’ve invited everyone I know to come and support my business. Some have, many have not. There are those who say they will but never do. I’m okay with asking for support, but I draw the line at asking repeatedly. Then, it shifts from asking to begging and I definitely draw the line on that! There are MANY, who EVERYTIME I speak with them now, I’m told that they will come. I just keep my thoughts to myself and think what a surprise it would be because I really don’t believe they will ever come.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am a retired Postal Worker who had full custody of my 3 grandchildren. I started Snow Cone City with them in mind. I thought it would be a fun thing to do with them. We started with a trailer, selling snow cones at sporting events, private parties, corporate events and such. We moved to a permanent location one year ago and have added other items to our menu like pickles, chips, candy and nachos. We also offer “To Go” Packages, Prepaid Tickets, Snowballs for throwing and we offer bottles of syrup for our DIY customers. A lot of our customers refer to us as ‘the snack ‘ store. We mainly sell snow cones and they are the best snow cones with our soft shaved ice and choice of over 40 flavors plus a large selection of sugar-free flavors. Our customer service is exceptional and you will definitely leave feeling better then when you came.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

I withdraw money from my 401k and made a loan to Snow Cone City. I learned this strategy while attending a Wings Cohort. I am currently paying it back to myself with interest!

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

At this time, we offer Loyalty Cards where customers can earn free snow cones by bringing the card at each visit to be punched. We also offer discounts on refills of our Souvenir Cup. We have complimentary candy in our lobby and sometimes have free balloons for the children. We were recently voted the Best Dessert Shop in the community, which we are very proud of.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Snowconecity
• Facebook: Snow cone city, llc