And there it was—an ice cream maker, sitting on the counter like a magic lamp, silently daring Ida Nelson to give it a whirl. Who knew that one click on Amazon could lead to a whole new career?
Born and raised in Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood on the West Side, Ida Nelson has always been a problem-solver with a sprinkle of flair. When the pandemic upended her life and left her laid off, she found herself searching for her next move. She glanced over her shoulder, and there it was: the ice cream maker she’d bought to create fun activities with her kids. Like many families during the COVID lockdown, Ida’s household bonded over their shared love of ice cream. What began as a way to make the best of a challenging time turned into the coolest idea ever—launching her own ice cream business.
Known for her legendary cooking skills (honestly, her mac and cheese alone could bring world peace), Ida decided to take her culinary talents into the frozen dessert world. By 2020, Ida’s Artisan Ice Cream and Treats was born, churning out handcrafted, artisan ice cream that’s as delicious as it is meaningful.
But Ida’s achievements don’t stop at the freezer. Her ice cream has landed her partnerships with major Chicago organizations, led to a feature on national TV, and even helped her host community events that uplift her hometown. She’s also been featured in the Museum of Ice Cream, where she leveraged her partnership with Kellanova to shut down the museum for a day and give over 100 very deserving kids an exclusive, unforgettable experience at MOIC Chicago. Oh, and let’s not forget her mission to serve 5,000 kids across Chicagoland who’ve made the honor roll. Ida isn’t just scooping ice cream; she’s scooping up hope and opportunity for her community.
One of her standout initiatives, "Ice Cream Social…Awareness," highlights the beauty and resilience of North Lawndale.
"I want to shine a light on Lawndale and empower people, showing the good that can come from our community. Sure, we face high poverty and crime, but there are incredible people here who just need a chance or a little motivation," says Ida, ever the community cheerleader.
From crafting custom flavors for corporate events to hosting neighborhood socials that leave everyone smiling, Ida’s Artisan Ice Cream and Treats is more than a business—it’s a movement.
So, what are you waiting for? Dive into Ida’s sweet success story with a scoop of your own. Order today by clicking [here] or call/text (773) 610-0369. Trust us—this is ice cream worth celebrating.
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