Nicholas Mendoza’s Crème Ice Cream Company features hand-crafted, high-quality small batch ice creams, ices, infused ice creams, and non-dairy and vegan options.
Open since July, Crème offers exotic flavors like Ecuadorian Chocolate, Saffron Pistachio, Matcha, Coconut Chaos, and Rose Chai Raspberry Chip, among others.
Crème is located on College Avenue in Fayetteville in a former pizza parlor, now transformed into a parlor with a distinctly different vibe. With a pink glow on the bank of floor-to-ceiling windows, the shop offers abundant seating and an interactive children’s play area.
A Goal to be the Universe’s Best
A member of the Navajo tribe from Tucson, Arizona, a young Mendoza was drawn to the cooking and manufacturing shows presented on PBS public television. It sparked his interest in exotic and flavorful foods.
Starting as a dishwasher at Maynard’s Market & Kitchen, a French bistro in Tucson, he learned under the mentorship of the executive chef. Later taking on the responsibilities of a pastry chef, Mendoza’s passion for “everything sugar” grew.
Though Mendoza had attempted various entrepreneurial projects and even created a leather goods business at age 21, he held onto the lofty goal of creating the “greatest ice cream in the universe.”
Knowing he would need expert help to achieve success, he was directed to the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center at the University of Arkansas by local business owners and a Google search.
Connecting with ASBTDC business and marketing consultant Lori Lieblong, Mendoza crafted a business plan, reviewed extensive market research, and developed his market and brand strategy. Lieblong also referred Mendoza to FORGE, the Community Loan Fund that links investors with borrowers. FORGE awarded him a small startup loan.
“The market research I received about the city is what stood out to me the most,” said Mendoza. “Analyzing the data and developing our target market helped me gain more awareness towards whether or not my business could thrive – priceless information.”
Mendoza also attended several educational events offered by the center.
“I took almost every free course that was offered; from business finance to Google Analytics,” said Mendoza. “Those courses are filled with incredible information and are available every month. There’s not one aspect of starting a business that the ASBTDC can’t help you with.”
Advice for Other Young Entrepreneurs
Mendoza shares this advice to other entrepreneurs starting from scratch:
- Ask as many questions as possible and dedicate your time to working with as many people as you can.
- Complete one step at a time and don’t take days off.
- Your business should encompass every talent and hobby you have.
- Know that you are going to spend more than you originally budget.
- Start your permit and licensing process as early as you can.
“ASBTDC helped me actualize my ideas and vision. I was able to get organized and see the business from a realistic point of view,” said Mendoza. “I started the whole business with nothing other than an organized, well-thought-out plan and the resources I’ve received from the ASBTDC.”
To learn more, visit Crème Ice Cream Co.’s Instagram.