Today we’d like to introduce you to Aleisha Zolman.
Hi Aleisha, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am from Utah, famous for the world’s best “powder snow” for skiing and a shaved ice culture that matches the quality of the snow. I had a 20-year dream to own a shaved ice business. So when I moved to Austin in 2016 and encountered the food truck culture, I was inspired to fulfill this 20-year dream. With help from a few local favorites, support and confidence of my local church community, local leadership community and family and friends here in Austin, I cashed out my 401k and started the adventure of a lifetime.
In summer of 2017, I purchased a trailer. I had a previous junior high student help me create my snow-like logo. My friends and I began playing with flavor combinations in the spirit of creating a unique and gourmet experience. I want to appeal to children and adults of all ages with high quality and delicious flavors! My first combination is called “flower child” (peach, mango, orange – topped with cream) that hails back to my first cold treat memory eating a dreamsicle push-up pop from the ice cream man on the curb!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As with any new adventure, there are speed bumps, learning curves and detours. The very first challenge for me was learning the city of Austin! I drove around with the GPS on for years! I also continue to learn the many forms and permits to have a business. And, as a food truck, you learn immediately about the rigorous demands of the Health Department for cleanliness, recycling, and compliance.
In addition, the mechanics of a trailer like electricity and battery power, water on a mobile unit, changing blades and the towing of a vehicle. Weather is a constant challenge. In the winter, I have worked other jobs to support myself and the business to ensure its survival! Surviving on a lean budget requires stamina, believing, and community support. Then summer comes and the needs shift to staffing, extending hours, training, and keeping the fresh gourmet syrups stocked and “on ready.” Special events – like game night, group outings, and church activities – supported us in our endeavor. I am so grateful to the continued support from the surrounding communities and growth we have experienced in the last few years. We are now in our fourth year and well-trained staff gives Aleisha the time to mingle and connect with the patrons who enjoy her hospitality.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Snobowla is a gourmet shaved ice service that begins with ice that, when shaved, is “uniquely” snow-like that mimics the snow ‘powder’ of a Utah ski resort. This powder texture of the snow keeps the syrup throughout the shaved ice so that every bite has flavor. Juice doesn’t drop to the bottom; each bite is a delicious experience. This requires a block shaver from New Orleans, famous for “snowballs.” We also then make our own syrups using the best traditional concentrates and gourmet flavors around. Three things make us different: 1.) Gourmet Flavors 2.) Hospitality and 3.) Location.
1. Our flavors are traditional and unique, featuring our homemade syrup and a little treat at the bottom. Surprise! We also have traditional flavors, vegan syrups, essential oil flavors, and sugar-free options. Popular and unique concoctions are: Z’s lemonade: lemon basil with a touch of peach and honey on top. The Carrie: Tigers blood and wedding cake with cream.
Lucy in the Sky… cotton candy, bubble gum, and ice cream flavored syrup for the frequently requested rainbows! Hippie Love… lavender and citrus mix with cream on top. “Hawaiian style” with a scoop of vanilla ice cream in the middle hails back to my Utah roots and the Hawaiian shave ice I grew up on!
2.) Hospitality – our mission is fun, play and delight through shaved ice and with friends. We have a 70s hippie retro vibe and flavors are named after songs and slang from pop culture. Employees are trained to say “yes” and because of our training, you know what you’re going to get every time you visit: consistent product and a happy experience. Our “shaved ice intuitives” can help you discover new flavor combinations too! We are animal friendly and 50% of “pupcicles” sales are an ongoing fundraiser benefitting Austin Pets Alive.
3.) Location: We get a lot of comments about the pink and teal colors that draw attention to the friendly contrast to the busy Burnet Drive. Our facilities border the Pets Alive store and you can relax in our comfortable patio (that used to be a drive-through bank window) surrounded by plants watered by recycling our gray water.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I love being able to put a smile on our customer’s faces with a cold, delicious shave ice treat. I am a big fan of creating a cold treat culture where it is the thing to do on the hot summer evenings! I myself am looking forward to my next trailer and continuing to do events for corporations, movie sets, schools, birthday parties and private events!
Pricing:
- My prices go from $3-$8 for a shave ice. They include most toppings and tax.
Contact Info:
- Email: snobowla@gmaill.com
- Website: snobowla.com
- Instagram: gourmetshavedIceATX@snobowla
- Facebook: snobowla @haveaniceday
Image Credits
Sarah Sizemore @sarah_the_photog
