Sweet Joy Ice Cream

Growing up, Talia Holmes spent summers in the kitchen with her mother and grandmother making homemade ice cream. As an adult, she worked for different companies, and when both passed away, she decided it was time to follow her vision and open an ice cream shop. It had been a shared dream of all three women, and Talia wanted to leave a legacy for her daughter.

Although Talia comes from a family of entrepreneurs, and knew the type of business she wanted to open with a preliminary business plan, she needed help preparing to become a business owner. In 2018 through the SBA’s website she linked with the ACE Women’s Business Center and scheduled a same-day business coaching session

She attended two WBC Access to Capital workshops to learn about the requirements needed to obtain a loan through ACE. ACE’s Annual Speed Coaching event allowed her the opportunity to meet with four business coaches who provided advice on how to operate specific areas of her business.

Sweet Joy Ice Cream, named after Talia’s mother, is progressing well and she has hired 4 employees so far.  She wants to be known as one the best homemade ice cream shops in Georgia. Talia is already thinking of expanding to a second location and opening a breakfast boutique. She continues to obtain Business Advisory Services through ACE for bookkeeping and marketing support.

“Through ACE, I was able to obtain all the guidance and support I need to open and operate my business. They always go the extra step to make sure you succeed; exceptional customer experience. With ACE providing me with the skill sets to move forward and on-going support, it’s allowing me to win and grow in my business,” Talia says of the support she received from ACE’s Microloan Program.