Melissa Tavss, founder and CEO of Tipsy Scoop, transformed a fun side project into a multimillion-dollar enterprise. After feeling burnt out from her corporate job in marketing and PR, Tavss decided to pursue a new path by reviving a family tradition of ice cream-making.
Tavss, who had been working in the wine and spirits industry, began developing recipes for boozy ice cream while attending graduate school. Inspired by her family’s ice cream legacy and her professional experience with alcohol-infused foods, she created a unique product that combined great taste with a hint of alcohol.
Starting with a modest ice cream push cart and support from friends and family, Tavss began selling her creations at events across New York City. The early days involved catering and event-based sales, which allowed her to test the market with minimal overhead. As demand grew, Tavss opened her first storefront in May 2017, leading to a significant increase in revenue. Within three years, Tipsy Scoop had earned over $100,000 and established a strong presence in the market.
Today, Tipsy Scoop has expanded into a multimillion-dollar business with three company-owned stores and several franchises. The company ships nationwide through Goldbelly and is continuing to grow with additional franchise locations planned. Tavss attributes her success to listening to customer feedback and growing the business incrementally.
Reflecting on her journey, Tavss enjoys the creative process of developing new flavors and collaborating with brands. She finds fulfillment in interacting with customers and seeing her original vision come to life. Her advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is to start small, avoid becoming overwhelmed, and allow the business to grow organically.
Tipsy Scoop’s growth from a simple side hustle to a thriving business demonstrates the potential for passion-driven ventures to achieve remarkable success.
