Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiana Kirk.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
First, I just want to thank you for the opportunity and I am so blessed to be given this opportunity. Just know God has been with me thru this entire journey so I will be mentioning His name throughout this passage.
Hi! My name is Tiana and people on the streets call me the Icy Gurl! I started off selling water ice aka Whurda Ice and it slowly became Back To Da Sweets where I sell whurda ice and desserts!
I started this business after a break up from a 4-year relationship. I first had the idea in May, and I shared my idea with my fiancé at the time and he said “I was doing too much.” When I didn’t receive that support from him, that’s when I knew he wasn’t the one. I broke up with him a few weeks later after that which caused me to have a lot of, I was alone time. I had a lot of time on my hands being a teacher and having paid summers off. So, in July after I healed and had some me time. I knew I was ready to do something different.
So first I did tons of research on other Italian ice companies, I started a social media page on all platforms, and then I started creating the logo. I didn’t tell anyone what I was doing. Not even my mom. I started creating the logo for my business with markers, then I transferred it to the computer and started editing it, I wanted to do everything myself. Before you know it…I was uploading the logo to Vistaprint making business cards. Which is the first step I recommend for future business owners.
After that, I wrote down everything I needed. A truck, freezer, and product. When I tell you God introduced me to everything I needed and guided me to where to get it. I was amazed! So, I officially started my first sale at the end of July 2019 and I started off selling at a strip club called Deja Vu! I knew the security guard from Magic City named Buff and he told me to pull up there to sell me ices. It was a major hit! After people left the club, they would get a Mango tango Icee from me. Thats Mango and Cherry with a splash of fruit punch! Then I started hitting multiple clubs and neighborhoods all over Atlanta. I have sold on all sides of metro Atlanta and I must say. “The hood love me!”
So now, I am known for selling ices and desserts in the “hood!’ I’m a mobile vendor so I go to all the areas you won’t find a Bruster’s or Starbucks and I sell to the people of that area. I love what I do and my truck is so cool! It’s a vibe wherever I pull up and I really enjoy talking to my customers. I play old and new school Atlanta music and it’s a block party where ever I show up! Not only that, my desserts are actually really good! That is where I got the name “Back to da Sweets” because it keeps people coming back and I’m always “Back to da Streets” to sell more!
Also, MY MOM QUIT HER JOB AND SHE WORKS WITH ME ALSO!
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?
It has been a very smooth road. However, in 2020 when Covid hit! I was very hesitant to sell my product during the summer. I was still a teacher at the time so I taught from home and I just wanted to protect myself and others. I was in quarantine at home for 6 months straight! I cooked every single day and I only left to go to the grocery store. I tell myself 100 times I wish I would’ve been outside during the BLM protest. I was just afraid.
So, guess what! I just recently quit my job in March because I didn’t want to return to the classroom during the pandemic. So, when I tell you the Hustle is on 100! I am really out here getting money because now this is my only source of income and I LOVE IT!
Although I had to reach into my savings to pay my mortgage sometimes. I would say I make way more money with my business than I did teaching. However, since what I do is outdoors the income isn’t as consistent as I want it to be. I would say that’s the only struggle.
I’m also thinking about what I am going to be doing in the wintertime for income. Especially since my mom works with me. I really don’t want her to go back to working make $9 to $12 an hour. So to be continued…
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?
What do you do, what do you specialize in? First, I am a teacher, I graduated from Georgia State University. Second, I am a business owner. Third, I am a traveler who lives life to the fullest!
What are you known for? I am known for being an amazing teacher. I am known for being a go-getter. I am known for bringing good vibes to people. I am known for the girl with the bedazzled Jeep Wrangler. Thats why they call me the ICY GURL too!
What are you most proud of? Getting my mom to quit her job and introduce her to this world of making money and hustling.
What sets you apart from others? I’m me. I can’t explain it. You just have to meet me.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
By spreading the word of my location when they see me in the city by using the hashtag
#whurdaiceat
Pricing:
- Everything is $5
- Anything with liquor is $10 (private events only)
Contact Info:
- Email: backtodasweets@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backtodasweets/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/backtodasweets-105306214942366/posts/
