Today we’d like to introduce you to Meredith Flynn.
Hi Meredith , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
After teaching for 17 years of my life, I made the decision to leave the classroom and pursue a different career. During this transition, some major and unexpected changes occurred. I had to completely reinvent myself. Through what I truly believe was guided by God, I decided to start a mobile concession business – Snowbirds Sweets & Treats. Never in a million years would I ever have thought I would own a dessert truck, nor did I have any previous experience in this industry. I took a chance and decided to jump right in. My children were getting older and I wanted to do something together with them before they left the nest. Together, my kids and I designed the trailer, came up with the name, the logo, the design, and of course the menu. Through the support of my community, family, and friends, we now have a thriving business!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not always been such a smooth road. It is difficult to build a new business starting from scratch. Most people have certain food trucks they use from time to time and are reluctant to try new ones. I would call or visit places and use social media to help promote bookings. There are a lot of “no’s” and “no response” to communication but I kept at it and stayed positive.
Weather is another huge issue. If it rains, most likely you are not working that day. But that is just the nature of it and you can’t control that aspect. Also, your business is in constant motion, literally. Things break at the worst time possible it seems. That’s where you learn to just roll with it and do the best you can with what you have! One of the most significant struggles would be the amount of physical labor involved. I had NO IDEA how much work it was to run a food trailer/truck. Ask anyone that has one, it is grueling but worth every injury, ache and pain! There were several moments when I would think to myself, “what am I doing”? But I kept working at it and landed some really incredible opportunities! You never know your strength until it is tested.
As you know, we’re big fans of Snowbirds Sweets & Treats. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Snowbirds Sweets & Treats is a dessert food trailer that delivers unique and custom tasteful treats such as shaved ice/snow cones, milk shakes, waffles on a stick, and cake pops. All of my ingredients and machines are from New Orleans that I use for my shaved ice/snow cones. I customize the flavor combinations for each event. From large corporate events, to sporting events or games, to local businesses, to even private parties, I tailor each occasion to the customer. For example, if I am working a University of Memphis football game, I have a special flavor combination named the “Memphis Blues”. I love being able to be creative and create personalized dessert options. We are known for our soft ice – not the crunchy ice, but it is almost like soft serve. My flavors are all homemade and change with the season while keeping our most popular flavors on the menu. But we are so much more than just snow cones. During the winter months, I offer fresh waffles on a stick custom to order. Recently, I added milk shakes to the menu and they took off immediately.
The biggest opportunity has been serving as a vendor at the FedEx/St. Jude Classic. Last year we had two locations and it was a huge success! Being a part of such a meaningful event for Memphis was a big confidence booster that opened the door for new opportunities as well. Look for us again this year!
I think what sets us apart from other vendors is that this was started as a family and work as a family. We have FUN too! Always meeting new people, seeing new locations, and listening to stories from customers is something I treasure. I am so proud of this business and everyone that has helped make it a success.
When you book us, you do not get a processed treat that is pulled out of a freezer, you get a personalized and unique product. Not only do we work as a family, but the additional employees are mostly friends who have also become a part of the Snowbirds family. Together, we deliver high quality personalized treats for any occasion.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I have learned that you cannot predict the future, no matter how much you plan. A goal would be to add a second truck eventually and keep doing what we do best, serving the wonderful people in the Mid-South!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.snowbirdstreats.com
- Instagram: @snowbirdstreats
- Facebook: @snowbirdstreats
