Today we’d like to introduce you to Victoria Cunningham.
Hi Victoria, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Hello, my name is Victoria Cunningham. I’m originally from Philadelphia, PA. My idea to start “Ice Me Out” Water Ice Company in early 2020 was inspired by my birthplace. Water ice, which others may know as Italian ice, is our spring/summer staple in Philly. A water ice and a pretzel is a part of the food culture just as much as the cheesesteaks are. After moving to Atlanta, though, all of my hometown favorites were no longer accessible to me. I searched Google to find the nearest Rita’s, drove 30-40 minutes to the location just to find out that they had shut down due to the COVID.
From there, I immediately started looking into obtaining real, authentic wholesale water ice while still sitting in their parking lot. Once I found my vendor and purchased my few popular flavors of water ice, the product sold itself. I started with a table, cups and spoons, and a cooler with ice standing outside at a Shell gas station off the highway in Marietta. I was able to mix and mingle with all types of people from all different places and give them a taste of Philly. Fast forward to now, I have expanded into a business suite in Downtown Marietta with way more flavors, space and opportunity to serve more people.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Leaving your career job to start a business is never a smooth road. There were many struggles and doubts along the way. One of the biggest struggles, I would have to say, was introducing the product initially to people. While working outside at the Shell gas station, you would have to lure people in to sample it. I could remember saying, “Come try our water ice,” and people would say, “what is that?”. Nobody here in Georgia had ever heard of or seen water ice before. Introducing a new frozen treat to a totally different demographic was scary. But, once customers tasted it, they were hooked forever.
As you know, we’re big fans of Ice Me Out Water Ice Company. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
“Ice Me Out” Water Ice Company is a water ice company located in Downtown Marietta by Marietta Square. We specialize in real, authentic Philadelphia-style water ice. We are known for our homemade, frozen creamy texture, and our exquisite flavors are undeniably good. We are unlike other nearby competitors because we do not re-sale factory Philadelphia-style water ice such as Philadelphia Water Ice Factory. Everything is made with precise measurements and personal machines.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I have to give credit where credit is due! I wouldn’t be where I am without the help of my significant other. He played a major role in the actual rollout and graphic designing of my business. He is my Mr. Jack of all Trades. He constructed my business plan, helped with upfront cost, created my logo, stood outside with me most days in the beginning, and even chose the location of my current business suite. I don’t know where I would be without his help and encouragement.
Pricing:
- Small $5
- Medium $7
- Large $9
- Quart $15
- 2.5 Gallon Tub $150
Contact Info:
- Email: Icemeoutwaterice@gmail.com
- Instagram: @icemeoutwic
