Today we’d like to introduce you to Tomeka Soremekun.
Hi Tomeka, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
After moving to Tampa, FL to begin my career in Law, I started to gain a love for visiting new establishments and concept restaurants. I would often catch myself daydreaming about owning my own business and serving the community. It wasn’t until a few years later, when I was at home watching an episode of Fixer Upper, that I saw Joanna Gains was building her own dream bakery. She stated that you’re never too old to start. It was just the push I needed. I was so moved and motivated that I rushed to Michaels Craft store and purchased a planner. I was ready to set my dreams into motion, but first, I had to get my feet wet. Now I may not be able to paint, draw, or knit, but I consider myself a very crafty individual full of ideas. I knew I wanted to base my business around something I was passionate about – Ice cream! I began by making samples for my family, coworkers, and friends to taste test, but I was still hesitant. What if my product isn’t good enough? What if I fail? I was so riddled with self-doubt that I met up with a business guru and shared my fears with him. “Has anyone told you that they didn’t like your ice cream?” He asked. “If not, then what are you waiting for?” He was right. The name Moonlight’s came to me one night during one of my Kaytranada, Kings of Tomorrow dance sessions. Listening to house/tribal music has always instantly put me in a better mood and heightened my creative dreams. Being surrounded by that type of energy also generates hunger in my spirit geared towards my comfort food, ice cream. Additionally, this tasty treat also serves as my blank canvas, and there is truly no limit to the various flavors and creations I can make with it.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Coming from a degree that has nothing to do with being business savvy, I often ran into questions and didn’t know where to turn. My sister ran her own clothing company and helped with the basics, like how to start an LLC. As for licensing, permits, and food safety knowledge, I relied on my best friend, Google. From there, it branched into finding different small biz networking groups where I met some of the most helpful people that strived to help you succeed.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Being a Criminal Justice major, I started working as a legal assistant in different law firms. I’ve always felt that I needed a creative outlet but couldn’t figure out what it was. Once I was in a dead-end spot at the law firm; I began to create a plan for Moonlight’s. Moonlight’s Ice cream is from-scratch small-batch ice cream. It is a two day process from the beginning step of cooking all the ingredients together to it curing overnight, Then the next day of churning it in a small ice cream maker. I believe that’s what sets my ice cream apart. It really gives it that homemade taste you remember as a kid. I try to create unique flavors that aren’t seen everywhere like Rum Cake, Chocolate Amaretto with brownies and almonds, and the best seller Cake Batter Cookies and cream.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Listening to audibles on the drive keeps me present and aware, like The Secret. Or books that make me laugh, such as Issa Rae’s Awkward Black Girl Bio. It keeps me in the sense of self and allows me to stay true to myself because we’re not all put together. A podcast called Mytaughtyou by Myleik Teele was one of the 1st podcast I listened to that showed me owning a business isn’t easy. She tells you stories of how she came up and her struggles and offers listeners different reading materials and gives encouragement. Lastly, the Girl Boss Podcast is one of my most listened to the podcast. I love hearing stories from other women entrepreneurs on how they got their start.
Contact Info:
- Email: moonlightsicecreamemporium@gmail.com
- Website: www.moonlightsicecream.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/moonlights_icecream
- Facebook: facebook.com/moonlightsicecream
Image Credits
M and F Productions
