We recently had the chance to connect with Katie Winkelman and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Katie , thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I always start my morning the same to start my day off right and to have a successful productive day! My Morning Routine: I get up wash my face and do my daily morning skin care regimen while I sip on my matcha tea! I get in my daily workout/steps in. I drink a protein packed protein shake everyday! 48 grams of protein! No better way to start your day off right! I then feel right minded to start my day and get to work!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My husband, Kyle, and I had been discussing opening an ice cream shop in Red Bud for a few years. I grew up in Florissant, MO, and when I moved to Red Bud, I missed having a local ice cream shop to go to. I am a huge foodie, especially ice cream! Our first date was at an ice cream shop in South St. Louis County so it just was meant to be! We were on vacation in the summer of 2019 and went to this ice cream shop that sold Bliss Artisan Ice Cream, and I immediately fell in love with the product. We were on vacation for 5 days and visited that ice cream shop 7 times! I was determined to try every flavor! When we got home, Sling N Scoops began to take shape. We opened up our store front shop in March of 2020 as a side hustle to our day jobs. We were only open for 6 days and had to temporarily close due to COVID. We re-opened our store front in the fall of 2020 following all the COVID rules.
In the fall of 2020, I got laid off from my full-time job due to COVID-19 and knew I did not want to go back to a 9 to 5 job and our ice cream shop was my passion. So, in spring 2021, we took Sling N Scoops to a new level! We began offering catering! Catering weddings and events with a custom-built ice cream cart. We can cater any event, big or small. In 2022, we had our second ice cream cart built so we could potentially do two weddings/events in one day.
Oh, and it does not stop there. In 2023, we launched our new ice cream bike, which is also used for catering weddings and events, but instead of scooping ice cream from it, we use it for our custom pre-scooped cups and homemade artisan popsicles!
In spring 2023 we also launched a new sister company to Sling N Scoops, Fresh & Frosty. We offer artisan homemade, dairy-free, gluten-free popsicles with no preservatives and no color dyes in our products. They are made with natural sugars, real fruit, and fruit juices.
In 2024 we started offering more add-ons to our packages…like warm cookies, warm brownies, waffle chips and more!
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
My parents! Be hardworking and never give up no matter what obstacles you face.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self to never give up and even if you fail keep trying again! The hard times in life only make you stronger! Step out of your comfort zone to grow!
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
My morning routine! Doing my morning skincare lineup, taking my supplements to fuel my body, and getting in my daily workout and walk in.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.slingnscoops.com
- Instagram: sling_n_scoops
- Facebook: Sling N Scoops
- Youtube: Sling N Scoops
