In the picturesque setting of California’s Central Coast, Kathy Callahan is turning heads and delighting palates with SLO Mama Sweets in her impeccably restored 1954 Chevy ice cream truck, affectionately named “Baby.” Callahan’s venture offers a nostalgic twist on the sweet treat experience.
“I’m not just any truck driving through the neighborhoods. I’m a beautifully restored, classic 1954 Chevy Good Humor ice cream truck with extra bells and whistles,” she said.
A Passion For Nice Cars And Ice Cream
Callahan’s journey into the world of vintage automobiles and ice cream is a serendipitous blend of lifelong passions. Growing up, she was immersed in the car culture thanks to her father, a devoted enthusiast. She was surrounded by timeless models, instilling in her a deep appreciation for automotive beauty and history.
“My dad had a 1931 Model A Ford that he just sold last year. He’s 91,” she said. “He was in a car club my whole life, so somehow it’s in my blood.”
Callahan’s love for ice cream also has deep roots. Her first job, when she was 15 years old, was at a Baskin-Robbins store. That early exposure to the delectable joys of ice cream would later circle back in a future fusion of her interests.
“The two have come back into my life later in my life, which is interesting. We always go back to our first loves, I guess,” she said.
The Entrepreneurial Journey
Callahan’s professional path is as eclectic as her interests. After studying political science at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, with plans to attend law school, she shifted gears post-marriage, delving into the world of apparel manufacturing with her sister. Their venture into high-end children’s apparel spanned several years and included showrooms across the country. However, the demanding travel schedule and the arrival of her own children prompted her to steer in a new direction.
Returning to a more hands-on creative endeavor, Callahan found joy and success in baking wedding cakes.
“It was time to shut the [apparel] business down and have kids, be moms,” she said. “Because I am a creative brain and have a love for baking, I started doing wedding cakes.”
This home-based business allowed her to balance her professional aspirations with her domestic responsibilities. As a mother of three in a family with a firefighter, Callahan found herself managing parenting duties single-handedly much of the time. But the physical demands of baking and her innate drive for something unique steered her in yet another creative direction.
Crafting The Dream Truck
The concept for SLO Mama Sweets (the acronym “SLO” standing for San Luis Obispo, California, where Callahan lives) began during a family vacation to Washington, D.C., in 2014. While visiting the American History Museum, Callahan encountered a 1960s Good Humor truck. The sight of the vintage truck sparked an idea: she would recreate that sense of classic Americana charm in her own unique way.
Finding and restoring the right vehicle proved to be a daunting task.
“After quite a few months of trying to find a truck, I found the freezer, and then that kind of led into ‘I’m gonna build it the way they used to where they took the bed off,'” she said. “But that in itself was reinventing the wheel, to be honest.”
Callahan decided to replicate the historical method: constructing an ice cream truck by starting with the 1954 Chevy, and custom fitting it with a vintage freezer box. This ambitious project took two years to complete that were fraught with obstacles, not least of which was navigating the male-dominated world of vehicle restoration, a sphere where she often found herself at a disadvantage due to her lack of mechanical expertise.
Despite these challenges, Callahan’s determination never waned. Her efforts eventually paid off when one of her first clients turned out to be ABC Television, giving SLO Mama Sweets a fantastic launch pad. Since then, the truck has been equipped with a brand-new engine and transmission to ensure it runs smoothly to events all over the region.
A Heartfelt Approach To Every Event
SLO Mama Sweets doesn’t just serve ice cream; it delivers an experience. Callahan offers two distinct menus: a traditional selection and a local artisanal menu, each designed to cater to a variety of tastes and preferences. This attention to detail and commitment to quality has made SLO Mama Sweets a beloved fixture at numerous private events, particularly during the bustling wedding season.
Callahan’s experience spans a spectrum of emotions and events, from corporate celebrations to intimate weddings. However, it’s celebration-of-life events, where she finds she often fosters a genuine connection with her clients, that resonate the most deeply with her. At these events, SLO Mama Sweets becomes more than just a vendor; it serves as a tribute to loved ones, reflecting their passions and stories.
“I have this very unusual privilege of serving at celebration-of-life events. And I have to say the very first time I did one, I think I was more nervous than I’ve ever been to do any event because I wanted to be respectful, and I wasn’t really sure how I would be received,” she said.
“I was hired by a woman whose husband had passed from cancer. And what I learned about him was he was this tremendous human being — just this funny, wonderful, life-loving guy. And his two favorite things were beer and ice cream. So they had a beer truck and my ice cream truck.”
Callahan added that even though not many celebration-of-life events are like that one, guests who were inspired sentimentally by the SLO Mama Sweets truck visited it and told her fond stories about the departed gentleman. The experience made a huge impact on her life.
“I am fascinated by the people I meet, and, to be honest, I do have a beautiful opportunity,” she said. “It sparks emotion in them whether it’s joy or interest or curiosity or sentimentality, and I love that.”
And when those nostalgic emotions fill her customers’ hearts, she finds that they’re joyfully open about sharing them with her.
“It gives people an opportunity to share with me a little bit about their childhood or ‘My dad had a truck like this,’ or ‘This was my experience,’ and this and that. It’s just a lovely, lovely job.”
Memorable Moments With Client Connections
Callahan’s favorite aspect of her business is the delighted reactions she witnesses when arriving at events. Whether it’s a wedding, a corporate gathering, or a more intimate celebration, the arrival of “Baby,” the SLO Mama Sweets truck that’s a cherished member of the family, is always a highlight. Callahan treasures these moments, especially the surprise and glee on guests’ faces when they hear the music from her truck and see the ice cream. These moments affirm her love for her work.
“It’s all music from the ’40s and ’50s. I’ve got Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson, Etta James, Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles — fantastic music,” she said. “I love music, so I pick it out myself, and it’s the good stuff. So when they come to the truck, they’re hearing my favorite music.”
Callahan’s meticulous attention to every detail — from the music playing from the truck to the attire she chooses for different events — ensures that each appearance is special and tailored to the occasion.
Family And Future
Callahan’s entrepreneurial spirit is matched by her commitment to family, with her three children playing significant roles in the business. From helping with operations to driving the truck, her family’s involvement has been pivotal. As her children grew, so did their roles, making SLO Mama Sweets a true family affair. In fact, her son, a recent college graduate, has been instrumental in running the business, reflecting Callahan’s deep trust and reliance on her family’s input.
“They all have grown up with the business, so they’ve all in some way worked it,” she said. “It’s totally a family business because they were with me along the way the entire time.”
Looking to the future, Callahan dreams of expanding her fleet, potentially adding another truck that would be stationed permanently in Southern California. This expansion would allow SLO Mama Sweets to reach even more people, spreading joy and sweet memories — and sweet treats! — across a wider area.
A Technological Shift For A Timeless Business
Recognizing the importance of modern technology in today’s business landscape, Callahan was quick to embrace the digital world when establishing SLO Mama Sweets.
“I ran a business in the early ’90s on a Rolodex and a landline, so now everything is technology-based. I do all my bookings through my website. It’s critical,” she said.
Her immediate priority was to develop a robust online presence for SLO Mama Sweets, and her website became the central hub for all business interactions — from showcasing beautiful images of her truck and events to gathering customer information through contact and reservation forms.
The integration of her website and social media ensures that Callahan can manage her schedule effectively and maintain personal connections with her clients, often meeting them for the first time at their events while already feeling like old friends thanks to the rapport built through digital interactions.
Despite her artistic and creative inclinations, Callahan has faced challenges in mastering the technological aspects of her business. However, her determination to learn and adapt has been paramount. She emphasized that, as a DreamHost Shared Unlimited hosting customer since 2019, she relies on DreamHost to maintain and troubleshoot her website, ensuring it remains operational and effective.
“Learning more technological-based applications is a little bit more challenging for me, but I really plug in, I really try to learn. And if I can’t, I contact DreamHost support,” she said.
“I defer to DreamHost because I don’t want to disrupt the way things are running or functioning on my site. Day to day, it’s critical that my clients can reach me through my website.”
For those embarking on their entrepreneurial journeys, Callahan advises a clear understanding of one’s target clientele and the importance of effectively using digital tools to reach them.
“Find your niche and try to learn as many things as you can about the tools that allow you to reach those customers,” she said.
She emphasized the need for a reliable and functional website, which is as crucial as the physical aspects of any business, especially one like SLO Mama Sweets that creates unforgettable experiences.