Wow double costs are crazy, my prices here in Northern, CA have went up about 35% for just groceries, businesses have had to raise prices for fast food, restaurants, etc. We live in farming country, almond capital right here is Blue Diamond Almonds, nuts, & we cannot get any because tree harvest is low, the 2yr drought, fires smoke, has affected us & fresh produce ( corn on cob in july 2020 was 5 - $1.00@, July 2021 5-$2.50) its everything! So sorry for your business, its very hard. Not sure of an ending, fires here have burnt a million acres of forest just this year,, 50+ yr old trees & wildlife are irreplaceable, thats my worry, need rain so bad, along with covid, just so many problems. We try count our blessings, work from home, low house pmt, etc. Try to help our community or the animals for us! I think is all most can do. Pls give love to your furrbabies! Hope you & hubby stay safe & well. 🤗❤🙏
I believe things are going to go back to a NEW normal , it is never going to be the same again and we will have to adjust. Here in Brazil is no different,prices have rocketed,as well as unemployment- we had about 12 million people unemployed before the pandemic,now it is more than 14 million . A lot of companies have shut . But we have to try and stay positive- at least we are still alive . Best of luck for everybody all around the world!!
What a darling ice cream shop! You make beautiful treats! The tables and chairs look good. Maybe consider painting the walls in assorted ice cream colors. If the floor is concrete, that could be painted too. A pale Robin’s egg blue on the ceiling? That would be a fairly cheap, easy update and would probably make the place look cheerier.
@@thacker41 Sunday blue laws were wonderful. They were for religious reasons. In my Southern suburb, many small businesses close on Sunday. We love the peace and quiet.
Renee, I know what it could be like with teenagers and their schedules. Have you considered maybe trying some older adult workers or seniors? Your shop is beautiful!
That is a great idea. The best employees at my job are women between the ages of 50-70. I was so happy to have a good job after raising my kids that I give it my all.
@@katherinekeon7034 I'm sorry but I don't agree. Do teenagers want to work? No! But does work teach them valuable life lessons that they need in order to be contributing members of society? Yes! At some point these kids can't live off of mom and dad anymore. You have to work to get paid and live your life. A life that probably includes getting married and having children at some point. Not leaching off of the government as so many still are right now. I'm a nurse. Yes, in my younger years I worked a ton of hours, but I now have a house to show for this. Now I've been able to back off on my hours and enjoy family time. On the flip side my mother has been a nurse for 45 years. Would she work at an icecream shop for minimum wage? Yes! The need to help and serve never leaves. She is currently looking for part time work. She has had open heart surgery so she isn't in perfect health. This would be a perfect way to have some contact with people, yet not put her health at risk as this is not direct care.
I'm glad that you made this video. It gives insight into why prices are going up everywhere and understanding why does help. Usually people assume the business is just trying to make a larger profit, but that's not always the case. By the way, the finished product in the cup looks insanely delicious! 😋
Hi Renee! This was a very interesting video. I enjoy the variety you give us on your channel. It makes me sad that you and other small businesses are having these issues. I see it at places I frequent as well. Your shop is lovely and your ice cream creations are gorgeous! 💙 and good wishes to you and your sweet family from SC
Around here (mid Ohio) many of our local restaurants have closed in the afternoon, closed a dining room, limited seating, and changed menus. One day I asked, the answer was similar if not the same as yours. No employees or limited employees, no supplies or supplies that are not available. Will it change, yes but at the cost of many small businesses 🤔. Iam old and I do not remember seeing this before. It affects small, privately owned businesses but I see it now affecting chain business. (ie., Panera, Bob Evans). I pray 🙏 that it gets better sooner than later and cudos to you for sticking it out. Shows that a good business sense helps you and your business. Thank you for sharing and hang in there. I so enjoy viewing your Channel which I found by accident ( I think it was on your first visit to the Humane Society where you met Pollux). God bless you all.
Good morning Brenda!!! It's so frustrating that normal every-day supplies are unavailable or the price has tripled. I understand why some business have been forced to raise prices or take things off of their menu. I'm trying to stick it out as-is.
We all need to try and support our own country's home-based business, buying from China is killing our own industries and if it carries on the situation will only get worse where China will end up totally controlling and dominating the whole world's manufacturing.
Sorry you are being impacted so much by this pandemic. Appreciate your openness in sharing the hardships you have faced. You're an inspiration, truly! You keep positive and keep going. Best wishes!
Hi Renee. You have really had a very tough time of things this year but it’s amazing how you keep such a positive attitude! I give you a lot of credit! Let’s hope things get better soon!
I wish someone would do your printing cups in the USA! I don’t believe things are gonna go back to like it was in 2019. Everyone support your local stores!
Me too!!! The ice cream business in the US is huge!!! Why in the world there isn't a company who can print custom cups at a reasonable cost is beyond me.
America needs to start making stuff again instead of importing it all from China. It would help the US economy, create jobs, cost less and help the environment! It's a win win win, the problem? The elites who run America make a lot of money from 'Globalism' even if it makes absolutely no sense. Why are we letting China and other countries build our stuff when we have more than enough capacity to do it in our own countries? Corruption in government by mega corporations is the ultimate problem all round. We need to stop voting for parties that no longer represent small businesses and working class people. Our governments no longer represent us and it's destroying the economy :/
Renee you are an amazing woman. U have had a rough year with your health issue and also your hubby’s. 2022 will hopefully be better for everyone. Your positive attitude in your videos often cheer me on when my life goes sideways! Thank you for being you.
Good idea to share this, Renee. We are all affected by the current economy/inflation, it's important to hear the real story of a business owner. Congratulations on creating a thriving business, hope you return to normal business hours soon!
It's crazy that something as simple as custom ice cream cups are not printed in the US....and those that are cost about 3x the price. Just think about how many ice cream shops are in the US! It's a huge market.....but one that is taken seriously here. It's unfortunate.
Well China has almost slave labor. They also use child labor and pay very low salaries. The scariest thing is how much of our medical supplies which the pandemic has exposed is made in China. And China does not have Americas best interest at heart. Almost everything we buy is made outside the US. Prices are rising in everything because of the shutdown which will bring such deep inflation then people will get laid off and loose their homes, cars etc and bring unbelievable hardships for the next ten years. Most people don’t understand this and that’s why they support this administration, but this administration with the bills they’re passing in the trillions of $ they’re spending is it going to cripple us even more! The open border with millions of cheap laborers coming in will take any American jobs because they will work a lot cheaper and the American citizen will suffer again! Who is ever running this country has to be deliberately doing these things!
@@Zaa-102 Well are you raising your children to be migrant workers, landscapers etc? What do you think these "cheap laborers" are doing? Let me tell you - the crappy jobs most Americans are "too good for." Americans want CHEAP products and they want it delivered immediately, via Amazon for instance. As someone who handles shipping and freight on the daily, prices are not going down any time soon. Containers we used to book for $5K are now $20K. That's one 20 foot container! Why? Supply and demand. No one was buying last year and now there is a huge demand for cheap crap. PS - the strawberries are probably from China as well. Or California which is currently a dumpster fire.
My heart goes out to you. I was a small business owner for 34 years, a dentist. I finally closed the practice last Sept and retired earlier than planned due to Covid. I know how tough it has been. Good luck!
We just had my favourite ice cream shop …”Scoop n Roll” open a permanent shop on my side of town. They only had mobile trucks in several locations in my city. So despite the effects from COVID…they opened up their shop. Congratulations to small business in my city. I’m so happy for them. 👍👏😊 I will be a loyal customer…I love ice cream! So many people are happy they finally opened this permanent shop so we can enjoy rolled ice cream all year round. In the past…we only had it for 2 months…our summers are short here in Edmonton. Thanks for sharing your story Renee. Yes…teenagers grow up & leave for post-secondary. Even at the Cancer hospital where I used to work…we had a few high school & University students who worked as casual staff for us…all year round. Wow! That’s a big change for you…only working weekends because shortage of staff. That’s unfortunate for your regular customers. Yes…unfortunately COVID has put a wrench in all festivals & popular events where alot of people congregate. I’m sure everyone around the world has felt COVID’s devastating effects. Hoping & praying the economy will open up again in the near future. It’s been brutal! Have a great day everyone! 👍🇨🇦😊
You did a great job explaining things from the business owner's side. I don't think people in general realize all that goes into running even a small business. Thanks for sharing.
I wish you and your business all the best. It's been so hard for so many people across the country. I have tremendous hope for your ice cream shop. All this talk about ice cream made me want to go out and get some. Take care.
It isn't just your costs that have gone up. Any trip to the grocery store is a shock. Either prices have gone way up on a product or produce OR the price has stayed the same but the package is a lot smaller. Shipping issues are being felt in most industries & even individuals. I now check before placing an order on Amazon or other sights to find out where the product is coming from. I placed an order that took foreer to come in and it was coming from China. I didn't know that when I ordered it.
You're welcome! And I could have gone so much more in depth on issues....but I didn't want to bore people with the details. It really is a crazy time and EVERYTHING within my business has been effected.
That one day is so important! The two gals who used to clean the shop are now off at college so that duty is back to me. It's what I'm doing today in fact. Not a ton of fun but sooo satisfying when everything is clean and shiny.....then we just mess it all up again on Friday LOL 🤪
Hi Renee, I’m so sorry you are having to deal with all this but yet you remain so bright and cheerful, you are quite the inspiration. I would say hold out on buying the new tables and chairs. Where I live it seems as though a lot more older people are working because as with your area the younger ones just not interested. The truth is I am a natural optimist but I’m sorry to say that I really don’t see things returning back to normal anytime soon, in fact if ever. We all just have to keep adapting as best we can and you look like you’re doing an amazing job. Hats off to you, and I genuinely hope it gets better.
Thanks so much. I do think our "new normal" is on the horizon. The silver lining for me is that we're on the other side of Labor Day which means a natural slow down to ice cream sales. We will remain slow thru the winter then ramp back up in April of next year. Hopefully 2022 will resemble something as we used to know it.
Hi Renée. Consider hiring some older adults looking to supplement their income (50's, 60's, even some in their 70's). Older adults won't leave as quickly as teenagers. Yes, teenagers attract other teenagers by word of mouth but you're going to go through shortage of staff on a regular basis if you only hire teenagers. This darn pandemic has affected everyone 😔. Please, it scares me to walk into a supermarket. Prices are soaring 😳. I hope you get your equipment soon and your business picks up. I would love to visit your ice cream shop when life gets better. It looks lovely. Heck, I would love to visit your state! I really love the black tables and chairs. I love crafting and I would mosaic the table tops for a pop of color. The tables turn out beautiful. Yes, it takes a little work and patience but the final results are fantastic. Hang in there, it will get better. Wishing you the very best. 😊
Your ice cream creations look so yummy!! I wish I could fly over and have some! I feel so bad that a lot of the small business's are suffering because of the pandemic. I'm in California and a lot of my favorite places to eat have closed. I see so many new ones pop up and then close shortly after. I always get food from local restaurants to support them. I pray that things will get back to normal soon for all our sakes.
It's been tough but I'm trying to make the best of what I have. Small businesses are struggling everywhere and it is so sad to see. Many people only shop at and support big box stores and restaurants. They won't even give local small business a try. It's unfortunate.
Wow, Renee, that was a real eye opener for me. I can’t begin to tell you how much admiration of have for you and your work ethic and for so many small business owners like yourself. I hope that things turn around soon and that your business can do what what it’s supposed to do, provide you and your staff with a living and provide your customers with a wonderful product and a welcoming place to patronise……..thanks so much for sharing this.
I discovered you with the adoption of Pollux video...Immediately subscribed...The tables and chairs are fine...Wait to see what happens before spending more money...Immediately loved your personality and of course Pollux and Maxi💖💖
Thank you...you've given a great explanation of what issues befall a small business owner and why we're seeing costs rise everywhere. I don't like to pay more for what I buy but I now understand why many things are costing more. I certainly hope that we all come out of this soon and we don't lose a lot of businesses like yours. I sure would be a customer of yours if I lived close to you but northern Illinois is a little too far to drive!
Everything you touch turns to gold! What a classy little shop, and such a lovely product you are supplying to your community. Small businesses, like yours are the heart of our communities. Please hang in there. I truly believe that things will get better, for everyone, eventually. It’s good to understand the inner workings, and challenges, that small businesses are encountering, during this difficult season. Thank you for making us all a little more aware. Change is all around us, we need to be flexible, supportive, and understanding, for all of our local small businesses 👍❤️
Thanks for sharing what it is to operate a small business in theses times.😥 I sure hope things will get better next season for your business. 🤞🏻🙏🏻 Thanks for sharing and your upbeat attitude to all this uncertainty 🤞🏻🙏🏻😍
I live in a town about the same as Paducah in central Ky. Now, that schools are back in session and the Delta variant is raging we’re seeing small businesses struggle bc of quarantining. One of our town’s most popular Mexican restaurants hasn’t been opened for a week. Many of the staff there are family. I hope they’re able to re-open. My husband is a small business owner too. I know what it’s like not to have a big safety net for hard times. I am worried for all the businesses who depend on every single night’s sales deposit to keep them from bouncing checks and for the families who live paycheck to paycheck. ☹️
Many of the restaurants in Olympia had gone to take out only in order to stay afloat. A lot are re-opened now but are doing outdoor service during the summer months. I don't know what it's going to be like when cold and flu season starts up. We try to support our local businesses as much as we can. But it's expensive to eat out a lot, so I understand the struggle and appreciate all that they are doing to keep us all from losing our minds, and to stay in business. We also had cancelled a lot of downtown events that bring people into the area so they have struggled with that loss of business too. It's a hard line to walk safety vs. paying the bills.
Hi Rene Thank you for breaking everything down on what it’s costing you. It’s very sad what’s going on right now. You have a lovely ice cream shop and I hope and pray that you will be able to get back to your normal schedule. God bless you and your family.
Keep plugging away Renee. My hopes are that this virus will fade away. Everyone needs to do their part. I will pray for you and your family so they weather this storm. You are an inspiration to so many folks.
I've noticed prices going up even at Walmart. Good luck getting your machines, Renee! I hope they arrive soon. It's a good thing you plan 6 months ahead on the ice cream cups order! Love your channel btw.
I understand your pain with all you are experiencing. My family owns a bakery, and they are having the same exact problems with the shortage and increase with their supplies. Also their staff..going the same route in hiring and those who have stayed on, wanting increases in their pay in order to stay and not quit. It’s very overwhelming and discouraging…I pray there will be an end and things will get back to ‘normal’ again…
What a wonderful video and you have a BEAUTIFUL Ice Cream Shop!! If I’m ever in Paducah on a Friday (after 5 😊) Saturday or Sunday … you can bet your curls I’ll be stopping in to have a bite and to meet you! I’m new to your channel and you are just the sweetest RUclipsr and always sooo happy. I’ll have my 4 dogs with me so I’m sure they’ll need a some curls too!! 🐶🍦🐶🍦🐶🍦🐶🍦 I’m a female, retired 63 year old youngster and will be traveling in my conversion van so it probably wouldn’t be too hard to convince me to help you out a little in your shop ….. looks like a fun job, (unless of course) you’re the one with all the headaches of having a small business!!!!! I feel ya sister, I own Bed, Biscuits & Beyond Boarding Kennels for dogs and cats and guess what? ………. N-O O-N-E traveled in 2020 and STILL very few are venturing out ….. hence, my early retirement!! 🎉 ‘They’ say: everything happens for a reason!! 😁 I like your positive attitude, we sure need more positivity in this world today!!
So sorry you are still facing difficulties with your business. You are taking the healthiest approach to the situation and making the best of it. Hopefully things will be better in 2022 for all of us. Hang in there . ❤
A lot of large churches have a bulitin board where you can post help wanted notices, and the work ethic in most of those kids is usually quite strong. 😉
Boy. I really didn't know how your shop worked. That's impressive. MANY years ago I frequented the Rocking Horse Ice Cream parlor in Philly - and they had a crazy product and presentation. Yours is much better.
You have such a wonderful business. It’s so sad to see businesses like yours have to suffer. So true, nobody wants to work! Hopefully things will get better. Thank you for sharing this Renee. Your ice cream looks so delicious! 🥰🙏🏻
Gosh...Im praying for you!!!! SO many people hurt by the virus!!! I love the way your ice cream curls look...so creative!!!! If I were closer Id work there!!!!!
Your positive attitude is just refreshing especially during the pandemic. I am happy that you aren't the ones that try to blame everything else for something that is not happening your way. Your hair is rocking btw. Stay safe and yes, 2022; let's hope for the best.
Ahhhh Renee so sad to hear you have to cut back your hours. Bless your heart. The rolled ice cream looks sooo good. I hope your loyal base of ice cream visitors will be there when Covid lets up and you can hang on to the shop. Lots of love to your family and ice cream staff. And lets not forhet Pollack and Muey.
Hey Renee- yes it’s so very heartbreaking to see our local businesses struggle or close. Thanks for the further insight about the kind of issues small businesses are dealing with. I didn’t even think of the impact of supply delays - but of course!! I try to support my local businesses as much as possible. The world is holding out for a better day.
Wow! I was so taken back by hearing how the pandemic has impacted your buisness. Every point you made I related to. Being in the same industry I have been dealing with the same things. It's so refreshing to see your positivity through the struggles many can't understand. Your doing amazing!
Wishing you the very best, Renee. It's a beautiful shop. If I ever visit Kentucky, I will run over to buy one of those rolled ice cream treats. They look yummy!!!
I had to add this separately because it applies to every single business that depends on "foot traffic." For your ice cream shop, you should look into creating the rolled ice cream into products that would sell in a store. You could add a recipe book of some favorites and sell that but do not sell it on Amazon, please. You could create print-on-demand products from images of your famous ice cream designs in the cup. Those look great for image designs because they are unique to your shop. You have to research ways of surviving without thinking about depending on "foot traffic" alone because that traffic will never ever be there exactly as it was plus all of the losses over the last year on many economic levels will not recover anytime soon.
I just love your business. The creative ideas you come up with. I would love to live near a shop like yours. Although, I'd be 10 lbs. heavier. Hoping before we know it thongs will ease up and prices will normalize again. I know how tough it is and how worrisome it can be to be a small business owner these days. Sending good vibes and thoughts your way girly.
Your shop is super cute ~ Sharing over on Linkedin ~ this is a great slice of life for the typical small business owner. I feel for you fellow curly girl .... your marketing, product and presentation are amazing.
I need ice cream now! The rolled ice cream looks great. I went to Target to food shop and so many shelves were almost empty . Yet there are so many trucks on roads here in NJ it’s crazy time . Good luck your store looks great. 🍧🍨
I am in Ardmore, outside of Philadelphia and our our Target has NOTHING!! This is a college town too that is very, very quiet at present. Without the ability to just "hang out" at our shops many, many of them have closed, including our ice cream shop ...which was attached to a video shop...closed...and so it goes. I am 65 and would like a job but I can't afford gas to travel back and forth × I so appreciate this site! I hope finding pet food is ok. Near impossible here! Our Pet Value closed !! And stay healthy! Our doctors and hospitals WON'T let you in with anyone.
Hi Dear Renee, It was the Suez Canal in Egypt which backed up cargo for weeks. Add to that extreme global weather affecting agriculture, covid restrictions and lockdowns affecting labor and the increase of raw materials. The pandemic has caused havoc pretty much every place on the planet. Challenging times but we will get through it. Best wishes from Tel Aviv.
Hi Renee, thank you for your very honest and open video! I’ve owned three separate businesses in years past and one of them was a Paint Party store. It’s so hard to run a small business in the best of times! I can’t imagine what you’re going through. Best of luck and I’m praying things will improve!!!! Good luck!🍀
I’m so sorry, I know first hand what you’re going through, although not this bad. We owned two quite successful franchise restaurants in 2001, then 9/11 happened. Everything went down the toilet and we weren’t even in the lower 48! We had to sell one under duress to shore up the second with a small influx of cash.We couldn’t save that one either. Hope things get better for you soon.
It is so rough for all of us in small business. Everything has changed. From shipping costs, COG, supply chain issues, and on and on it goes, it is shocking really what we cannot find produced in the US, and then when you do find it how much it is over your overseas goods in price. The international shipping issues are a nightmare. 10% of my business was shipping to overseas customers and I had to shut it all down because of rising costs and lost merchandise. Hang in there. Hopefully things will start loosening up again as the planet rerights itself.
We own a restaurant and we have encountered the same issues. My husband and manager work 70 + hours and 2 full time employees work 40 + hours a week to make it work. We are opened 7 days a week and have 12 employees so it's tough. We just put on a new commercial A/C so yea, Only God!!
I absolutely love Paducah! Have been visiting there almost every April for 20 years. I had no idea that’s where your ice cream shop is located, but I will definitely look you up next Spring during the quilt show. Yummy! 😋
Hi Sarah! Oh the annual Quilt Show....hopefully they will have it next year. My ice cream shop is downtown on the cobblestone streets right beside the Market House Theatre. See ya there!
It is wonderful to finally see your place. You explain things very clearly and I feel for Kentucky- one of the few places I have never been in this fine Country. You are indeed an unusual person and so upbeat. Thank you for being direct. Cause a lot of people around here in Pa. are going thru the same thing. God bless us,every one.
So in March 2020 I was buying nitrile gloves in the UK for £26.70p for a box of 10. Here we are in September 21 and they are £149.50p for the same box! I have to fight for them some months too. I get every excuse under the sun thrown at me, No delivery drivers, Brexit, Covid, Ship stuck in a canal, but when it boils down to it, I think its good old fashioned greed getting in the way!
Renee, I understand your pain and frustration. Stay strong. You are a smart, creative woman. I don't believe the world will ever be as it was before COVID hit, but it will get better, and you will come out on the other side. I thought: Would it be possible to pre-make the ice cream rolls, freeze them ahead of time and plop them in the cups as needed? That way you could have stock ready for when labor is low. Best wishes from Oregon.
We need to bring back manufacturing here in the US again. NO more depending on other countries! There is NO reason America can't do this ourselves. I am glad people are finally seeing the folly in what has been done to our country over the past FEW decades.
I tend to agree with you but a large part of the price of any product is the labor cost. Just manufacturing things here is not the problem. We have to pay many times more for labor than other countries do and unless that imbalance is corrected, manufacturers will continue to invest overseas. Also, companies that manufacture overseas escape the taxes here and that needs to be corrected as well. The big guys will continue to do well while the middle class workers will suffer.
Looks amazing. I will have to make a trip to Kentucky to visit your ice cream shop. Would love to meet Pollux and Maxie. My two fur babies love socializing.
Hi Renee, I reside in the “Third World” so if you are getting pinched, we are being bitten… This is indeed a Crazy Time.I love ❤️ Your Shop Just the way it is. You paid a lot of attention to detail. And I Love it 🥰 I recently went to an Ice cream Shop In my neighborhood. And I saw Ice Cream made from Vegetables!!!! Pumpkin!!! Beets!!! Maybe it’s time to experiment with new ideas… using what grows in your neighborhood. Who knows what 🍇 grapes would taste like in ice Cream. Maybe you already combine the curls. Mixing the flavors. To everything there is a season. Hopefully Soon this too will pass. COVID-19 didn’t only come with a number. It came with a Price!!! We all are looking forward to a Brighter Tomorrow. Continue being Creative and Stay Safe.🌿🌻
Aw Renee, I feel for small business owners right now but I also feel for workers, what a mess. The US government has allowed the Main-Street economy to fail whilst they bailed out massive corporations and Wall-Street. It's extremely corrupt. Both parties work together to prop up corporations over regular people and small businesses. The best advice I can give is to offer higher wages and try to get full time adult employees. Businesses need to offer better benefits all round to attract workers and make them risk their health to work, but I understand that isn't financially feasible in every case. But your government really needs to invest in America and Americans, instead of global corporations. That's the ultimate problem. They are allowing America to fail. I really think the government should help out with higher wages and also provide the American people free healthcare once and for all, like the rest of the developed world, if people's healthcare was free they wouldn't be as scared to work during a pandemic. A lot of workers wages have been stagnant for almost half a century and have not risen with inflation. You know I read a study that showed there's no state in the US where people can work a minimum wage job and afford rent. People arent going to work when they can't even afford the basics of life at the end of the day. That means they are working for free, essentially. It's all a hot mess but honestly, our governments across the west are so corrupt they don't care about small business or the long term sustainability of the economy. Too many people are getting rich from all this corruption. I really hope it gets better for you and this situation works out for everyone, small business owners and workers. But we must stop voting for politicans who no longer represent working class people or small businesses..that's a MUST! 💜
I'm glad you did this video. Our friends own a small restaurant, and we know what they pay for things and how hard it is to make a profit after factoring in labor, maintenance, and any unforeseen problems. When we eat out, the cost of a meal has gone up and the serving sizes have gotten smaller. Yes - we want "normal".
Hi Renee, Why in the world would you want to change all your tables and chairs? They look to be in perfect condition. Maybe the color? If so get a paint sprayer and change the color but I wouldn't change a thing. Does anyone agree?
Hoping that things will eventually get better. Encourage people to buy local and to help their small businesses out. Would love to try your ice-cream but I live in Australia!
Wow where have I been?????? Never heard of rolled ice cream, Nor ever seen it!!!!!!! It looks so good and yummy. I wanted to REACH thro the phone and get one of each kind you showed, Renee!!!! Sorry for all the problems covid has caused YOUR business, and all the local businesses😨 Stay STRONG and HANG in there.There is a silver lining. Trust in the Lord, have FAITH And you will be just FINE. I PERSONALLY THINK YOU SHOULD HANG IN THERE WITH YOUR TABLES AND DECOR, there will always be other times to take care of things like that. I'm sure your regulars will UNDERSTAND as long as they get that yummy LOOKING ice cream 😋😋😋😋❤❤❤
Will things ever be normal again? I sure hope so! If you have any business questions, let me know 🌀
Wow double costs are crazy, my prices here in Northern, CA have went up about 35% for just groceries, businesses have had to raise prices for fast food, restaurants, etc. We live in farming country, almond capital right here is Blue Diamond Almonds, nuts, & we cannot get any because tree harvest is low, the 2yr drought, fires smoke, has affected us & fresh produce ( corn on cob in july 2020 was 5 - $1.00@, July 2021 5-$2.50) its everything! So sorry for your business, its very hard. Not sure of an ending, fires here have burnt a million acres of forest just this year,, 50+ yr old trees & wildlife are irreplaceable, thats my worry, need rain so bad, along with covid, just so many problems. We try count our blessings, work from home, low house pmt, etc. Try to help our community or the animals for us! I think is all most can do. Pls give love to your furrbabies! Hope you & hubby stay safe & well. 🤗❤🙏
Sorry you have to o overseas for your equipment, thats awful, very sad, but we need more manufacturing here in the US. 😟
I believe things are going to go back to a NEW normal , it is never going to be the same again and we will have to adjust.
Here in Brazil is no different,prices have rocketed,as well as unemployment- we had about 12 million people unemployed before the pandemic,now it is more than 14 million . A lot of companies have shut .
But we have to try and stay positive- at least we are still alive .
Best of luck for everybody all around the world!!
What a darling ice cream shop! You make beautiful treats! The tables and chairs look good. Maybe consider painting the walls in assorted ice cream colors. If the floor is concrete, that could be painted too. A pale Robin’s egg blue on the ceiling? That would be a fairly cheap, easy update and would probably make the place look cheerier.
@@thacker41
Sunday blue laws were wonderful. They were for religious reasons. In my Southern suburb, many small businesses close on Sunday. We love the peace and quiet.
Renee, I know what it could be like with teenagers and their schedules. Have you considered maybe trying some older adult workers or seniors? Your shop is beautiful!
That is a great idea. The best employees at my job are women between the ages of 50-70. I was so happy to have a good job after raising my kids that I give it my all.
@@leslie3610 Exactly!
She probably would hire older workers if they applied!
@@katherinekeon7034 I'm sorry but I don't agree. Do teenagers want to work? No! But does work teach them valuable life lessons that they need in order to be contributing members of society? Yes! At some point these kids can't live off of mom and dad anymore. You have to work to get paid and live your life. A life that probably includes getting married and having children at some point. Not leaching off of the government as so many still are right now. I'm a nurse. Yes, in my younger years I worked a ton of hours, but I now have a house to show for this. Now I've been able to back off on my hours and enjoy family time. On the flip side my mother has been a nurse for 45 years. Would she work at an icecream shop for minimum wage? Yes! The need to help and serve never leaves. She is currently looking for part time work. She has had open heart surgery so she isn't in perfect health. This would be a perfect way to have some contact with people, yet not put her health at risk as this is not direct care.
Your ice cream creations are gorgeous. Looks so delicious.
Thank you so much!!! It's so much fun....I love what I do 😊
I'm glad that you made this video. It gives insight into why prices are going up everywhere and understanding why does help. Usually people assume the business is just trying to make a larger profit, but that's not always the case. By the way, the finished product in the cup looks insanely delicious! 😋
Hi Renee! This was a very interesting video. I enjoy the variety you give us on your channel. It makes me sad that you and other small businesses are having these issues. I see it at places I frequent as well. Your shop is lovely and your ice cream creations are gorgeous! 💙 and good wishes to you and your sweet family from SC
Around here (mid Ohio) many of our local restaurants have closed in the afternoon, closed a dining room, limited seating, and changed menus. One day I asked, the answer was similar if not the same as yours. No employees or limited employees, no supplies or supplies that are not available. Will it change, yes but at the cost of many small businesses 🤔. Iam old and I do not remember seeing this before. It affects small, privately owned businesses but I see it now affecting chain business. (ie., Panera, Bob Evans). I pray 🙏 that it gets better sooner than later and cudos to you for sticking it out. Shows that a good business sense helps you and your business. Thank you for sharing and hang in there. I so enjoy viewing your Channel which I found by accident ( I think it was on your first visit to the Humane Society where you met Pollux). God bless you all.
Good morning Brenda!!! It's so frustrating that normal every-day supplies are unavailable or the price has tripled. I understand why some business have been forced to raise prices or take things off of their menu. I'm trying to stick it out as-is.
Have you tried the 50 + crowd for workers. Specially if it is part-time work.
We need to bring industry and agriculture back to US. I know that is complicated but we better get to it.
Amen!
I totally agree. The same for us here in Canada.
Woulda Coulda Shoulda
Easy to say, impossible to do.
@@mircat28 Lmao It’s hardly impossible.
We all need to try and support our own country's home-based business, buying from China is killing our own industries and if it carries on the situation will only get worse where China will end up totally controlling and dominating the whole world's manufacturing.
Sorry you are being impacted so much by this pandemic. Appreciate your openness in sharing the hardships you have faced. You're an inspiration, truly! You keep positive and keep going. Best wishes!
Renee, have you thought about hiring vital senior citizens to replace lost staff?
That's what I was thinking too.🤔 Maybe a new sign is in order to include the senior citizens.
Hi Renee. You have really had a very tough time of things this year but it’s amazing how you keep such a positive attitude! I give you a lot of credit! Let’s hope things get better soon!
I wish someone would do your printing cups in the USA! I don’t believe things are gonna go back to like it was in 2019. Everyone support your local stores!
Me too!!! The ice cream business in the US is huge!!! Why in the world there isn't a company who can print custom cups at a reasonable cost is beyond me.
@@WelcomeToMyCurls your cups are so cute. I don’t blame you for wanting them. I wonder if you could get a custom sticker to put on a plain cup?
@@leslie3610 That sounds like a great idea!
America needs to start making stuff again instead of importing it all from China. It would help the US economy, create jobs, cost less and help the environment! It's a win win win, the problem? The elites who run America make a lot of money from 'Globalism' even if it makes absolutely no sense. Why are we letting China and other countries build our stuff when we have more than enough capacity to do it in our own countries? Corruption in government by mega corporations is the ultimate problem all round. We need to stop voting for parties that no longer represent small businesses and working class people. Our governments no longer represent us and it's destroying the economy :/
@@leslie3610 Oh, that's a GREAT idea! I hope she reads your comment (suggestion). 😊💖
Renee you are an amazing woman. U have had a rough year with your health issue and also your hubby’s. 2022 will hopefully be better for everyone. Your positive attitude in your videos often cheer me on when my life goes sideways! Thank you for being you.
Good idea to share this, Renee. We are all affected by the current economy/inflation, it's important to hear the real story of a business owner. Congratulations on creating a thriving business, hope you return to normal business hours soon!
How very sad so many things are only made in other countries, or are only affordable from other countries. America is hemorrhaging in so many ways.
It's crazy that something as simple as custom ice cream cups are not printed in the US....and those that are cost about 3x the price. Just think about how many ice cream shops are in the US! It's a huge market.....but one that is taken seriously here. It's unfortunate.
Well China has almost slave labor. They also use child labor and pay very low salaries. The scariest thing is how much of our medical supplies which the pandemic has exposed is made in China. And China does not have Americas best interest at heart. Almost everything we buy is made outside the US. Prices are rising in everything because of the shutdown which will bring such deep inflation then people will get laid off and loose their homes, cars etc and bring unbelievable hardships for the next ten years. Most people don’t understand this and that’s why they support this administration, but this administration with the bills they’re passing in the trillions of $ they’re spending is it going to cripple us even more! The open border with millions of cheap laborers coming in will take any American jobs because they will work a lot cheaper and the American citizen will suffer again! Who is ever running this country has to be deliberately doing these things!
@@Zaa-102 Well are you raising your children to be migrant workers, landscapers etc? What do you think these "cheap laborers" are doing? Let me tell you - the crappy jobs most Americans are "too good for." Americans want CHEAP products and they want it delivered immediately, via Amazon for instance. As someone who handles shipping and freight on the daily, prices are not going down any time soon. Containers we used to book for $5K are now $20K. That's one 20 foot container! Why? Supply and demand. No one was buying last year and now there is a huge demand for cheap crap. PS - the strawberries are probably from China as well. Or California which is currently a dumpster fire.
@@Zaa-102 ….I think so too. Is he evil? Everyday I am asking myself that question. ♥️😢🙏
@@WelcomeToMyCurls I mean, you get it cheaper from other countries because the workers are paid next to nothing 😬
My heart goes out to you. I was a small business owner for 34 years, a dentist. I finally closed the practice last Sept and retired earlier than planned due to Covid. I know how tough it has been. Good luck!
We just had my favourite ice cream shop …”Scoop n Roll” open a permanent shop on my side of town. They only had mobile trucks in several locations in my city. So despite the effects from COVID…they opened up their shop. Congratulations to small business in my city. I’m so happy for them. 👍👏😊 I will be a loyal customer…I love ice cream! So many people are happy they finally opened this permanent shop so we can enjoy rolled ice cream all year round. In the past…we only had it for 2 months…our summers are short here in Edmonton. Thanks for sharing your story Renee. Yes…teenagers grow up & leave for post-secondary. Even at the Cancer hospital where I used to work…we had a few high school & University students who worked as casual staff for us…all year round. Wow! That’s a big change for you…only working weekends because shortage of staff. That’s unfortunate for your regular customers. Yes…unfortunately COVID has put a wrench in all festivals & popular events where alot of people congregate. I’m sure everyone around the world has felt COVID’s devastating effects. Hoping & praying the economy will open up again in the near future. It’s been brutal! Have a great day everyone! 👍🇨🇦😊
You did a great job explaining things from the business owner's side. I don't think people in general realize all that goes into running even a small business. Thanks for sharing.
I wish you and your business all the best. It's been so hard for so many people across the country. I have tremendous hope for your ice cream shop. All this talk about ice cream made me want to go out and get some. Take care.
It isn't just your costs that have gone up. Any trip to the grocery store is a shock. Either prices have gone way up on a product or produce OR the price has stayed the same but the package is a lot smaller. Shipping issues are being felt in most industries & even individuals. I now check before placing an order on Amazon or other sights to find out where the product is coming from. I placed an order that took foreer to come in and it was coming from China. I didn't know that when I ordered it.
Thank you for sharing this info more in depth that I've heard it before. Normally you hear it or read it in snippets.
You're welcome! And I could have gone so much more in depth on issues....but I didn't want to bore people with the details. It really is a crazy time and EVERYTHING within my business has been effected.
Recovery will happen, you are strong, smart, and determined. I think closing one day a week to clean is smart.
That one day is so important! The two gals who used to clean the shop are now off at college so that duty is back to me. It's what I'm doing today in fact. Not a ton of fun but sooo satisfying when everything is clean and shiny.....then we just mess it all up again on Friday LOL 🤪
Hi Renee, I’m so sorry you are having to deal with all this but yet you remain so bright and cheerful, you are quite the inspiration. I would say hold out on buying the new tables and chairs. Where I live it seems as though a lot more older people are working because as with your area the younger ones just not interested. The truth is I am a natural optimist but I’m sorry to say that I really don’t see things returning back to normal anytime soon, in fact if ever. We all just have to keep adapting as best we can and you look like you’re doing an amazing job. Hats off to you, and I genuinely hope it gets better.
Thanks so much. I do think our "new normal" is on the horizon. The silver lining for me is that we're on the other side of Labor Day which means a natural slow down to ice cream sales. We will remain slow thru the winter then ramp back up in April of next year. Hopefully 2022 will resemble something as we used to know it.
@@WelcomeToMyCurls I definitely support you all the way, as I know the rest of your RUclips family do too. We’re rooting for you girl ! 😁
Hi Renée. Consider hiring some older adults looking to supplement their income (50's, 60's, even some in their 70's). Older adults won't leave as quickly as teenagers. Yes, teenagers attract other teenagers by word of mouth but you're going to go through shortage of staff on a regular basis if you only hire teenagers. This darn pandemic has affected everyone 😔. Please, it scares me to walk into a supermarket. Prices are soaring 😳. I hope you get your equipment soon and your business picks up. I would love to visit your ice cream shop when life gets better. It looks lovely. Heck, I would love to visit your state! I really love the black tables and chairs. I love crafting and I would mosaic the table tops for a pop of color. The tables turn out beautiful. Yes, it takes a little work and patience but the final results are fantastic. Hang in there, it will get better. Wishing you the very best. 😊
Your ice cream creations look so yummy!! I wish I could fly over and have some! I feel so bad that a lot of the small business's are suffering because of the pandemic. I'm in California and a lot of my favorite places to eat have closed. I see so many new ones pop up and then close shortly after. I always get food from local restaurants to support them. I pray that things will get back to normal soon for all our sakes.
It's been tough but I'm trying to make the best of what I have. Small businesses are struggling everywhere and it is so sad to see. Many people only shop at and support big box stores and restaurants. They won't even give local small business a try. It's unfortunate.
Wow, Renee, that was a real eye opener for me. I can’t begin to tell you how much admiration of have for you and your work ethic and for so many small business owners like yourself. I hope that things turn around soon and that your business can do what what it’s supposed to do, provide you and your staff with a living and provide your customers with a wonderful product and a welcoming place to patronise……..thanks so much for sharing this.
I completely agree with your comments and wish Renee all the best.
Blimey, I live in the UK...I wish we had your franchise here!!. The ice cream looks beyond delicious!!..BEST OF LUCK!. X
I discovered you with the adoption of Pollux video...Immediately subscribed...The tables and chairs are fine...Wait to see what happens before spending more money...Immediately loved your personality and of course Pollux and Maxi💖💖
Thank you...you've given a great explanation of what issues befall a small business owner and why we're seeing costs rise everywhere. I don't like to pay more for what I buy but I now understand why many things are costing more. I certainly hope that we all come out of this soon and we don't lose a lot of businesses like yours. I sure would be a customer of yours if I lived close to you but northern Illinois is a little too far to drive!
Everything you touch turns to gold! What a classy little shop, and such a lovely product you are supplying to your community. Small businesses, like yours are the heart of our communities. Please hang in there. I truly believe that things will get better, for everyone, eventually. It’s good to understand the inner workings, and challenges, that small businesses are encountering, during this difficult season. Thank you for making us all a little more aware. Change is all around us, we need to be flexible, supportive, and understanding, for all of our local small businesses 👍❤️
Glad you’re still up and running our local ‘rolled’ ice cream shoppe here in Pittsburgh closed! Hope you have better luck! Best wishes always!
Thanks for sharing what it is to operate a small business in theses times.😥 I sure hope things will get better next season for your business. 🤞🏻🙏🏻 Thanks for sharing and your upbeat attitude to all this uncertainty 🤞🏻🙏🏻😍
I live in a town about the same as Paducah in central Ky. Now, that schools are back in session and the Delta variant is raging we’re seeing small businesses struggle bc of quarantining. One of our town’s most popular Mexican restaurants hasn’t been opened for a week. Many of the staff there are family. I hope they’re able to re-open. My husband is a small business owner too. I know what it’s like not to have a big safety net for hard times. I am worried for all the businesses who depend on every single night’s sales deposit to keep them from bouncing checks and for the families who live paycheck to paycheck. ☹️
Many of the restaurants in Olympia had gone to take out only in order to stay afloat. A lot are re-opened now but are doing outdoor service during the summer months. I don't know what it's going to be like when cold and flu season starts up. We try to support our local businesses as much as we can. But it's expensive to eat out a lot, so I understand the struggle and appreciate all that they are doing to keep us all from losing our minds, and to stay in business. We also had cancelled a lot of downtown events that bring people into the area so they have struggled with that loss of business too. It's a hard line to walk safety vs. paying the bills.
I am a senior citizen in Philadelphia. The rising food costs are making this all the more frightening .
Hi Rene Thank you for breaking everything down on what it’s costing you. It’s very sad what’s going on right now. You have a lovely ice cream shop and I hope and pray that you will be able to get back to your normal schedule. God bless you and your family.
Keep plugging away Renee. My hopes are that this virus will fade away. Everyone needs to do their part. I will pray for you and your family so they weather this storm. You are an inspiration to so many folks.
Ice cream looks yummy👍 As for the furniture replacement, I say hang on and wait, things I'm afraid are only going to get worse🙄
I'm telling you....try adding Spumoni to your specials list. Keep it up. small businesses are the backbone of the local economies. Manny F.
Yes, Spumoni ice cream is outstanding. Yummy!
Hi Renee, Your ice cream looks delicious! Wishing you the best of luck going forward.
Thanks for sharing your reality! We stopped in and enjoyed every spoonful. We were visiting family in TN and on our way back to MN.
I've noticed prices going up even at Walmart. Good luck getting your machines, Renee! I hope they arrive soon. It's a good thing you plan 6 months ahead on the ice cream cups order! Love your channel btw.
Wish you the best Rene! You are an amazing woman! I hope you can survive this time we are in.Many blessings to you and your family and your pups!
I understand your pain with all you are experiencing. My family owns a bakery, and they are having the same exact problems with the shortage and increase with their supplies. Also their staff..going the same route in hiring and those who have stayed on, wanting increases in their pay in order to stay and not quit. It’s very overwhelming and discouraging…I pray there will be an end and things will get back to ‘normal’ again…
Wow this is the first time I’ve seen your shop, it’s AMAZING! I’m so sorry the pandemic has affected you, praying for better days ahead.
What a wonderful video and you have a BEAUTIFUL Ice Cream Shop!!
If I’m ever in Paducah on a Friday (after 5 😊) Saturday or Sunday … you can bet your curls I’ll be stopping in to have a bite and to meet you! I’m new to your channel and you are just the sweetest RUclipsr and always sooo happy. I’ll have my 4 dogs with me so I’m sure they’ll need a some curls too!! 🐶🍦🐶🍦🐶🍦🐶🍦 I’m a female, retired 63 year old youngster and will be traveling in my conversion van so it probably wouldn’t be too hard to convince me to help you out a little in your shop ….. looks like a fun job, (unless of course) you’re the one with all the headaches of having a small business!!!!! I feel ya sister, I own Bed, Biscuits & Beyond Boarding Kennels for dogs and cats and guess what? ………. N-O
O-N-E traveled in 2020 and STILL very few are venturing out ….. hence, my early retirement!! 🎉 ‘They’ say: everything happens for a reason!! 😁 I like your positive attitude, we sure need more positivity in this world today!!
So sorry you are still facing difficulties with your business. You are taking the healthiest approach to the situation and making the best of it. Hopefully things will be better in 2022 for all of us. Hang in there . ❤
Let's hope!
A lot of large churches have a bulitin board where you can post help wanted notices, and the work ethic in most of those kids is usually quite strong. 😉
Boy. I really didn't know how your shop worked. That's impressive. MANY years ago I frequented the Rocking Horse Ice Cream parlor in Philly - and they had a crazy product and presentation. Yours is much better.
You have such a wonderful business. It’s so sad to see businesses like yours have to suffer. So true, nobody wants to work! Hopefully things will get better. Thank you for sharing this Renee. Your ice cream looks so delicious! 🥰🙏🏻
Gosh...Im praying for you!!!! SO many people hurt by the virus!!!
I love the way your ice cream curls look...so creative!!!! If I were closer Id work there!!!!!
Wishing you all the best. ❤️🇨🇦
Your positive attitude is just refreshing especially during the pandemic. I am happy that you aren't the ones that try to blame everything else for something that is not happening your way. Your hair is rocking btw. Stay safe and yes, 2022; let's hope for the best.
So sorry to hear. It's not just the pandemic that's hurting small businesses. Sending prayers!
Ahhhh Renee so sad to hear you have to cut back your hours. Bless your heart. The rolled ice cream looks sooo good. I hope your loyal base of ice cream visitors will be there when Covid lets up and you can hang on to the shop. Lots of love to your family and ice cream staff. And lets not forhet Pollack and Muey.
Hey Renee- yes it’s so very heartbreaking to see our local businesses struggle or close. Thanks for the further insight about the kind of issues small businesses are dealing with. I didn’t even think of the impact of supply delays - but of course!! I try to support my local businesses as much as possible. The world is holding out for a better day.
Wow! I was so taken back by hearing how the pandemic has impacted your buisness. Every point you made I related to. Being in the same industry I have been dealing with the same things. It's so refreshing to see your positivity through the struggles many can't understand. Your doing amazing!
Looks delicious !
Sorry you’re going through all this!
Beautiful shop!!! Looks like an amazing treat to go there. Thank you for sharing.
Fortunately your store doesn't need an urgent update. It looks lovely and will still be fresh and inviting for some time to come.
That ice cream looks amazing! I want to come visit and try all the flavors ❤️
Wishing you the very best, Renee. It's a beautiful shop. If I ever visit Kentucky, I will run over to buy one of those rolled ice cream treats. They look yummy!!!
I can’t wait to go to your ice cream shop!!!!
I had to add this separately because it applies to every single business that depends on "foot traffic." For your ice cream shop, you should look into creating the rolled ice cream into products that would sell in a store. You could add a recipe book of some favorites and sell that but do not sell it on Amazon, please. You could create print-on-demand products from images of your famous ice cream designs in the cup. Those look great for image designs because they are unique to your shop. You have to research ways of surviving without thinking about depending on "foot traffic" alone because that traffic will never ever be there exactly as it was plus all of the losses over the last year on many economic levels will not recover anytime soon.
I just love your business. The creative ideas you come up with. I would love to live near a shop like yours. Although, I'd be 10 lbs. heavier. Hoping before we know it thongs will ease up and prices will normalize again. I know how tough it is and how worrisome it can be to be a small business owner these days. Sending good vibes and thoughts your way girly.
Oh Wow!!! Had no idea you were going through all this!!! I noticed everything has gone up..... food especially!!!
So interesting to get a first-hand view of the effects of COVID. I LOVE ice cream & I’m wishing you only the best Renee. P.S love your vids 👍❤️
Your shop is super cute ~ Sharing over on Linkedin ~ this is a great slice of life for the typical small business owner. I feel for you fellow curly girl .... your marketing, product and presentation are amazing.
I need ice cream now! The rolled ice cream looks great. I went to Target to food shop and so many shelves were almost
empty . Yet there are so many trucks on roads here in NJ it’s crazy time . Good luck your store looks great. 🍧🍨
I am in Ardmore, outside of Philadelphia and our our Target has NOTHING!! This is a college town too that is very, very quiet at present. Without the ability to just "hang out" at our shops many, many of them have closed, including our ice cream shop ...which was attached to a video shop...closed...and so it goes.
I am 65 and would like a job but I can't afford gas to travel back and forth ×
I so appreciate this site!
I hope finding pet food is ok. Near impossible here! Our Pet Value closed !!
And stay healthy! Our doctors and hospitals WON'T let you in with anyone.
OMG your ice cream products look incredible, Renee. Hope things are back to normal (whatever that is) soon.
Hi Dear Renee,
It was the Suez Canal in Egypt which backed up cargo for weeks. Add to that extreme global weather affecting agriculture, covid restrictions and lockdowns affecting labor and the increase of raw materials. The pandemic has caused havoc pretty much every place on the planet. Challenging times but we will get through it. Best wishes from Tel Aviv.
Own a ice cream shop! Oh my. Nectar of the gods.Rasberry Sunday. Love your channel.
That’s so sad!!!! I’m so sorry. What is happening in our country is scary. I never thought I would be here to see this. 😢
Hi Renee, thank you for your very honest and open video! I’ve owned three separate businesses in years past and one of them was a Paint Party store. It’s so hard to run a small business in the best of times! I can’t imagine what you’re going through. Best of luck and I’m praying things will improve!!!! Good luck!🍀
I’m so sorry, I know first hand what you’re going through, although not this bad. We owned two quite successful franchise restaurants in 2001, then 9/11 happened. Everything went down the toilet and we weren’t even in the lower 48! We had to sell one under duress to shore up the second with a small influx of cash.We couldn’t save that one either. Hope things get better for you soon.
Hope things pick up soon. Wish you lots of success it'll get better
It is so rough for all of us in small business. Everything has changed. From shipping costs, COG, supply chain issues, and on and on it goes, it is shocking really what we cannot find produced in the US, and then when you do find it how much it is over your overseas goods in price. The international shipping issues are a nightmare. 10% of my business was shipping to overseas customers and I had to shut it all down because of rising costs and lost merchandise.
Hang in there. Hopefully things will start loosening up again as the planet rerights itself.
I am semi-retired, very energetic and I would work for you in a heartbeat! Looks like fun!
Now I’m Craving the Curls! If I’m ever in your neck of the woods, I’ll be sure to stop in!
We own a restaurant and we have encountered the same issues. My husband and manager work 70 + hours and 2 full time employees work 40 + hours a week to make it work. We are opened 7 days a week and have 12 employees so it's tough. We just put on a new commercial A/C so yea, Only God!!
I absolutely love Paducah! Have been visiting there almost every April for 20 years. I had no idea that’s where your ice cream shop is located, but I will definitely look you up next Spring during the quilt show. Yummy! 😋
Hi Sarah! Oh the annual Quilt Show....hopefully they will have it next year. My ice cream shop is downtown on the cobblestone streets right beside the Market House Theatre. See ya there!
It is wonderful to finally see your place. You explain things very clearly and I feel for Kentucky- one of the few places I have never been in this fine Country. You are indeed an unusual person and so upbeat. Thank you for being direct. Cause a lot of people around here in Pa. are going thru the same thing. God bless us,every one.
Now I see what they mean by the curls!!!
I hope things turn around, and get better. I support all local businesses in my area, after all it is home, and needs to be done.
So in March 2020 I was buying nitrile gloves in the UK for £26.70p for a box of 10. Here we are in September 21 and they are £149.50p for the same box! I have to fight for them some months too. I get every excuse under the sun thrown at me, No delivery drivers, Brexit, Covid, Ship stuck in a canal, but when it boils down to it, I think its good old fashioned greed getting in the way!
Renee, I understand your pain and frustration. Stay strong. You are a smart, creative woman. I don't believe the world will ever be as it was before COVID hit, but it will get better, and you will come out on the other side. I thought: Would it be possible to pre-make the ice cream rolls, freeze them ahead of time and plop them in the cups as needed? That way you could have stock ready for when labor is low. Best wishes from Oregon.
The best workers are senior citizens. They really would work hard and appreciate the job.
We need to bring back manufacturing here in the US again. NO more depending on other countries! There is NO reason America can't do this ourselves. I am glad people are finally seeing the folly in what has been done to our country over the past FEW decades.
I tend to agree with you but a large part of the price of any product is the labor cost. Just manufacturing things here is not the problem. We have to pay many times more for labor than other countries do and unless that imbalance is corrected, manufacturers will continue to invest overseas. Also, companies that manufacture overseas escape the taxes here and that needs to be corrected as well. The big guys will continue to do well while the middle class workers will suffer.
sorry about what you are going through with your business , wish you the best of
luck.
Looks amazing. I will have to make a trip to Kentucky to visit your ice cream shop. Would love to meet Pollux and Maxie. My two fur babies love socializing.
Hi Renee, I reside in the “Third World” so if you are getting pinched, we are being bitten… This is indeed a Crazy Time.I love ❤️ Your Shop Just the way it is. You paid a lot of attention to detail. And I Love it 🥰 I recently went to an Ice cream Shop In my neighborhood. And I saw Ice Cream made from Vegetables!!!! Pumpkin!!! Beets!!! Maybe it’s time to experiment with new ideas… using what grows in your neighborhood. Who knows what 🍇 grapes would taste like in ice Cream. Maybe you already combine the curls. Mixing the flavors. To everything there is a season. Hopefully Soon this too will pass. COVID-19 didn’t only come with a number. It came with a Price!!! We all are looking forward to a Brighter Tomorrow. Continue being Creative and Stay Safe.🌿🌻
Hi Renee, love your channel, so hoping for better times
Aw Renee, I feel for small business owners right now but I also feel for workers, what a mess. The US government has allowed the Main-Street economy to fail whilst they bailed out massive corporations and Wall-Street. It's extremely corrupt. Both parties work together to prop up corporations over regular people and small businesses. The best advice I can give is to offer higher wages and try to get full time adult employees. Businesses need to offer better benefits all round to attract workers and make them risk their health to work, but I understand that isn't financially feasible in every case.
But your government really needs to invest in America and Americans, instead of global corporations. That's the ultimate problem. They are allowing America to fail. I really think the government should help out with higher wages and also provide the American people free healthcare once and for all, like the rest of the developed world, if people's healthcare was free they wouldn't be as scared to work during a pandemic. A lot of workers wages have been stagnant for almost half a century and have not risen with inflation. You know I read a study that showed there's no state in the US where people can work a minimum wage job and afford rent. People arent going to work when they can't even afford the basics of life at the end of the day. That means they are working for free, essentially. It's all a hot mess but honestly, our governments across the west are so corrupt they don't care about small business or the long term sustainability of the economy. Too many people are getting rich from all this corruption.
I really hope it gets better for you and this situation works out for everyone, small business owners and workers. But we must stop voting for politicans who no longer represent working class people or small businesses..that's a MUST! 💜
I remember when we used to make things in our country Both party’s are to blame
My house burnt down 12 weeks ago . Forget trying to rebuild - the price of wood is crazy. So stressful not to have a home.
I'm glad you did this video. Our friends own a small restaurant, and we know what they pay for things and how hard it is to make a profit after factoring in labor, maintenance, and any unforeseen problems. When we eat out, the cost of a meal has gone up and the serving sizes have gotten smaller. Yes - we want "normal".
So interesting! Thanks for the skinny on this subject.
Glad you enjoyed it! So much more I could say....
Are the cups biodegradable? Crikey, so much plastic etc. Here in the UK we are trying to cut down on so much waste- seems shocking.😪
Hi Renee, Why in the world would you want to change all your tables and chairs? They look to be in perfect condition. Maybe the color? If so get a paint sprayer and change the color but I wouldn't change a thing. Does anyone agree?
Painting tables and chairs a different color Is a great idea. My favorite color is blue, but I think a red would look better with the bricks.
I do agree. When you have remodel, go with paint. Unless you want to go Victorian those tables and chairs look great!
Good luck Renee. Love from Down Under.
Love you Renee hope your husband is doing good and hope your business gets back to normal
Thanks Carol! Randy and I will be filming a video this week to give everyone an update on our recent medical issues :)
Hoping that things will eventually get better. Encourage people to buy local and to help their small businesses out. Would love to try your ice-cream but I live in Australia!
Wow where have I been??????
Never heard of rolled ice cream,
Nor ever seen it!!!!!!! It looks so good and yummy. I wanted to REACH thro the phone and get one of each kind you showed, Renee!!!!
Sorry for all the problems covid has caused YOUR business, and all the local businesses😨 Stay STRONG and HANG in there.There is a silver lining. Trust in the Lord, have FAITH
And you will be just FINE. I PERSONALLY THINK YOU SHOULD HANG IN THERE WITH YOUR TABLES AND DECOR, there will always be other times to take care of things like that. I'm sure your regulars will UNDERSTAND as long as they get that yummy LOOKING ice cream 😋😋😋😋❤❤❤