Meet Sonya Matthews of Frios Gourmet Pops Newnan in South Metro

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sonya Matthews.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Sonya. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My story… wow! I am a wife, mother of three adult children, entrepreneur, my son’s manager, and an ex educator of 20 years who loves spending time with my family and spreading positivity.

As an educator, I was constantly telling the students to excel in life, don’t settle and live out their dreams. So, why not show them! I knew a few years ago that I wanted to own my own business, like my husband, but was a little reluctant to leave my security blanket (teaching) that I had for so long. How could I leave a job that I had done for so many years and a check that I knew I would get every month? But this was what I speaking into the students’ lives, so I had to dig deep and realize that I needed to step out and go for my dream. That’s where prayer, faith, and family support played a major role.

I had many business ideas along the way and had finally settled on what I was going to do, or at least I thought I had. I shared my aspirations with our music teacher, Christy Jennings, who immediately said, “You should open a Frios!” Of course, my response was, “What’s a Frios?” I had not heard of Frios at that time. She proceeded, with much excitement, to tell me about her and her family’s Frios experiences. My second response was, “Jennings I don’t know about selling popsicles, now. I need to at least make close to what I do teaching but want to make a whole lot more since it will be my business.” She quickly said that they weren’t like regular popsicles and told me to look into it. A few months passed by and she reminded me that I needed to look into it before someone else does.

Finally, I did some research last summer (2018) and it REALLY intrigued my interest tremendously so I shared the idea with my husband. His response was similar to mine. As I researched more and more and remembered my go-getter attitude and personality, I started thinking about this popsicle store more and more. So much more that I shared it with the entire family and the encouragement and support was very overwhelming. With all the great things that were transpiring with my son’s career and life in general, my visit to a Frios store didn’t happen.

When school started back last August, Jennings reminded me that I need to go and try one and get the process going for my very own Frios here in Newnan before someone else does. My husband and I went down that next Friday and had our very first Frios pop and it was AMAZING! I had the key lime pie and I immediately said, “Oh yeah, we need this in Newnan.” Monday morning, I called and said, “How do I get a Frios in Newnan?”

Since I was still teaching and didn’t know how fast this would take off, I started selling with just an ice cream cart in December of 2018. I didn’t want to wait to get started in the spring. I wanted to get the word out so that I could possibly look into opening a store in late spring or summer of 2019. I immediately started looking for pop-up opportunities within the city and surrounding areas to get the word out. Kenya Brantley, owner of Greenhouse Mercantile in downtown Newnan, allowed me to do as many pop-ups as I wanted to in front of her store. I am forever thankful for all of her kindness and support she showed me. I, also, started posting continuously on social media, as well. I knew once people tasted them they would be hooked and would pass the word along about these fantastic pops. The product speaks for itself.

Business picked up very fast and just a couple of months in, I told my family that I think I need to start looking for a brick and mortar spot. That’s where 14 Greenville Street, Newnan, GA came to be Frios Newnan. Downtown Newnan is such a supportive community. I’ve been a part of Newnan for over 20 years in some kind way (living/teaching) and love it. The community and surrounding areas have just welcomed my little business with open arms.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Starting Frios Newnan had a few struggles. My biggest struggle was getting people to purchase a popsicle in the winter. Especially from a pop cart and a brand they had never heard of.

Please tell us about Frios Gourmet Pops Newnan – what should we know?
Frios Newnan is located in historic downtown Newnan, GA. Our pops are created with the finest natural ingredients and handmade with lots of love. We offer a wide variety of pops that are gluten-free, dairy-free, and dye-free. You and your child can pronounce every one of the ingredients in our pops.

We offer catering options at bulk prices (pick up, delivery, or pop cart service), fundraising opportunities to partner with us to earn money for your organization, and wholesale opportunities to sell our unique desserts in your place of business.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My family deserves just as much credit as I do. They have been there every step of the way! My husband, Carlos, has been there since the first words were muttered, “I want to open a Frios.” He’s my cart/carts transporter. He calls himself the logistics operator. My daughter, Ayana, who is my store manager, has been there since the very first pop-ups began. She knows how I want the business ran inside and out. My son Thaddeus, has been there through some late nights. He has run pop-ups for me and is also my cart transporter, especially when we’re out of town. My son, Tray, is one of the biggest cheerleaders a person could ask for. He has been there as a celebrity pop up cashier, taking pictures, and signing autographs. My sister, Latoya, is amazing! She is the best fill in for me when we’re out of town or just simply need her. She comes all the way from Alabama to help me. My mom, Mildred, and my brother, Derrell, have been very supportive. Melissa Wimbish, a good friend of mine, has been that listening ear, supporter, and has done a few pop-ups for me and ran the store for me. I appreciate Vera Harris and Carla White for stepping in for me at the store when I needed them. I couldn’t do it without my amazing Frios Newnan Crew who show up with smiles and love each and every time they come to work. I thank Christy Jennings for introducing me to Frios. Without her suggestion, I open Frios before my other venture, we wouldn’t have the pops available for you all to enjoy in Newnan and surrounding areas. I thank Coweta County and surrounding areas for all of your support and allowing us to expand your taste buds.

Contact Info:

• Address: 14 Greenville Street
  Newnan, GA 30263
• Website: friospops.com
• Phone: 470-414-1203
• Email: newnan@friospops.com
• Instagram: friosnewnan
• Facebook: Frios Gourmet Pops Newnan

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