We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kelli Bain a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelli, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with education – we’d love to hear your thoughts about how we can better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career

Reflecting on my journey as a chemist and educator, I recognize the profound impact that experiential learning and real-world applications can have on students’ lives. My passion for chemistry was ignited in the classroom and through hands-on experiences that connected scientific principles to everyday life.

One pivotal moment was collaborating with Dr. Lonnie Johnson, a fellow Tuskegee University alumnus and inventor of the Super Soaker. Working alongside him in 2014, I had an “aha” moment, realizing that I could merge my love for chemistry with my family’s ice cream-making tradition. This led to the creation of N7 Kream Lab, where we use liquid nitrogen to craft ice cream, demonstrating the fascinating applications of cryogenic freezing.

At N7 Kream Lab, we don’t just serve ice cream; we offer a platform where science becomes tangible and delicious. By demonstrating the process of making ice cream with liquid nitrogen, we provide students and customers with a real-life example of chemistry in action. This approach aims to spark curiosity and show how scientific concepts apply beyond textbooks.

These experiences have reinforced my belief that education should extend beyond traditional classroom settings. By integrating practical applications and hands-on learning opportunities, we can inspire students to explore STEM fields and understand the relevance of their studies in real-world contexts. Such an approach enhances engagement and prepares students for fulfilling careers by connecting their education to tangible outcomes.

In essence, my journey underscores the importance of experiential learning in education. By bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, we can cultivate a more engaging and effective learning environment that equips students with the skills and inspiration they need for future success.

Kelli, 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?

Hi, I’m Kelli Bain, and I’m thrilled to share my journey with you! I’m a chemist, educator, and entrepreneur. More importantly, I believe deeply in using the gifts and talents God has given me to inspire others and create meaningful change. My work is about blending creativity, science, and purpose into something that brings joy and sparks curiosity.

In 2014, I experienced a pivotal moment while working alongside Dr. Lonnie Johnson, the inventor of the Super Soaker and a fellow alumnus of Tuskegee University. I realized that I could leverage my scientific knowledge and creativity to create something significant. That’s when the vision for N7 Kream Lab was born. I wanted to establish a space where people could witness science in action, experience joy, and connect learning to real-life applications.

N7 Kream Lab is more than just an ice cream shop—it’s an experience where science and creativity come together. We use liquid nitrogen to make ice cream right before your eyes, producing a dramatic, cloud-like effect that’s both mesmerizing and delicious. But beyond the spectacle, I view this as a chance to teach and inspire. By demonstrating the science behind the process, we illustrate how STEM concepts can be accessible, engaging, and impactful.

Entrepreneurship has been a vital part of my journey. Building N7 Kream Lab from the ground up has taught me the importance of perseverance, innovation, and trust in God’s plan. It goes beyond just running a business—it involves using my God-given talents to serve others, inspire young minds, and create opportunities for connection and growth. Entrepreneurship allows me to blend my love for science with my purpose, and it’s a gift I truly cherish.

What sets N7 Kream Lab apart is our focus on creating unforgettable experiences. Whether it’s a school event, a community gathering, or a private celebration, we’re not just serving ice cream—we’re sparking curiosity and demonstrating how powerful creativity and talent can be. For kids in particular, these experiences can be transformative. They begin to realize that science isn’t merely a subject in school—it’s something they can touch, explore, and even eat!

I’m most proud of how N7 Kream Lab enables me to give back. Witnessing someone’s eyes light up as they connect what they’re learning in school to something enjoyable and tangible is incredible. I hope to leave a legacy of inspiration—demonstrating to others that by embracing your unique gifts, combining them with hard work, and stepping out in faith, you can create an impact in ways you never imagined.

If there’s one thing I truly want everyone to understand about me and N7 Kream Lab, it’s that we’re here to inspire, educate, and spread joy. I wholeheartedly believe that each of us has a unique purpose, and incredible things can happen when we embrace our God-given talents and enthusiastically chase our passions.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

There was a time in my life when I needed to make a significant pivot, and it all began with an unexpected roadblock. I was in my final year of undergraduate studies, preparing to graduate and take the next big step in my life. However, as I reviewed my degree audit, I discovered a credit miscalculation that left me short of graduating on time. It was a gut-punch moment—chaos, disappointment, and a sense of failure all rolled into one.

In the midst of that chaos, something beautiful emerged. During this extended time in school, I met the love of my life, my now-husband and business partner. If I had graduated on time, our paths would have never crossed. That twist of fate taught me something profound about life’s unpredictability and how, sometimes, setbacks are simply setups for something greater.

This experience also shaped my approach to challenges in business and my career. When I transitioned from higher education to the entrepreneurial world with N7 Kream Lab, there were moments when plans didn’t align, or strategies needed to shift. However, each pivot, no matter how daunting, reminded me of that time in college. I leaned into the chaos, trusted the process, and remained open to what the moment could teach me.

That unexpected detour revealed the power of resilience and the value of embracing the unknown. Often, the most significant growth and the greatest blessings arise when you’re compelled to pivot. Now, whether it’s adjusting business strategies or facing personal challenges, I remind myself to keep moving forward. You never know what amazing opportunities might be waiting on the other side of the pivot.

Has your business ever had a near-death moment? Would you mind sharing the story?

There was a moment early in N7 Kream Lab’s journey when I truly felt the weight of entrepreneurship, one of those “sink or swim” experiences that makes you question everything.

We had just expanded, trying to grow the business and meet demand, but as it often happens with small businesses, cash flow became tight. I remember staring at the numbers, realizing that payroll was due in a few days and we didn’t have enough to cover it. I felt like I’d let my team down—they trusted me, and I was struggling to figure out how to keep my promise to them.

I barely slept that week. I combed through every account, trying to scrape together what we needed. I reached out to vendors, asking for flexibility on payment terms. I conversed with customers, doubling down on promotions and getting creative to generate last-minute sales. By some miracle and sheer determination, we made it. Every check was written, every promise kept.

That experience shook me but also taught me invaluable lessons. It made me more intentional about cash flow management, better at planning for the unexpected, and more transparent with my team. I also learned to ask for help when needed and to lean on the community and resources around me instead of trying to carry it all alone.

Looking back on that near miss, I feel grateful for the growth it fostered. It deepened my understanding of true leadership in favorable circumstances and during challenging times when the stakes are high. This experience reminds me that even when it seems like you’ve hit a dead end, there is always a way forward if you continue to push ahead.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.n7kreamlab.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/n7kreamlab/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/n7kreamlab
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellithekhemist
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@n7kreamlabatl