Meet Stephanie Serrano

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Stephanie Serrano a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Stephanie, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

Resilience is a quality that has shaped both my personal and professional life, allowing me to navigate challenges and grow stronger through each experience. I believe my resilience comes from a blend of personal experiences, support systems, and a mindset focused on growth and learning.

Growing up, my family faced numerous financial hardships. Watching my parents work tirelessly to provide for us, I learned the value of hard work, perseverance, and the importance of not giving up, no matter how tough the situation. Their unwavering dedication and optimism in the face of adversity instilled in me a deep sense of resilience.

One significant moment that tested and built my resilience was when I decided to start OC Ice Cream. The idea of launching a business was both exciting and daunting. I encountered countless obstacles, from securing funding to managing logistics and building a customer base. There were moments of doubt and fear, but I was determined to succeed.

During the early stages, I faced a major setback when our first big event was nearly a disaster due to unexpected equipment failure. The ice cream machine broke down just hours before the event, leaving me in a state of panic. However, instead of succumbing to the stress, I quickly rallied my team, sourced a replacement, and managed to pull off the event successfully. This experience taught me the importance of staying calm under pressure, thinking on my feet, and finding solutions even in the most challenging circumstances.

Support from my mentors, colleagues, and family has also been a crucial factor in building my resilience. Their encouragement and advice have provided me with different perspectives and coping strategies, helping me navigate difficult times with more confidence and clarity.

Lastly, I’ve developed a habit of continuous learning and self-improvement. By embracing challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, I’ve been able to maintain a positive outlook and stay resilient. Whether it’s through reading, attending workshops, or seeking feedback, I constantly strive to better myself and adapt to new situations.

In summary, my resilience is rooted in my upbringing, shaped by personal and professional experiences, supported by a strong network, and strengthened by a commitment to lifelong learning. These elements combined have enabled me to face challenges head-on and emerge stronger each time.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

OC Ice Cream is more than just a business; it’s a passion project that brings joy and sweetness to events all across Orange County. As the founder, I have poured my heart into creating a brand that not only serves delicious ice cream but also creates memorable experiences for our customers.

Our story began with a simple idea: to spread happiness through a universally loved treat—ice cream. From corporate events and weddings to community gatherings and private parties, we strive to make every occasion special. We offer a variety of flavors, including classic favorites and unique creations, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

One of the most exciting aspects of our business is the personal touch we bring to each event. We don’t just serve ice cream; we provide a complete experience with friendly service, customizable menus, and a fun, festive atmosphere. Whether it’s a small family gathering or a large corporate event, we tailor our services to meet the specific needs and preferences of our clients.

What sets OC Ice Cream apart is our commitment to quality and innovation. We use the finest ingredients to create our ice creams, and we continuously experiment with new flavors and combinations to keep our offerings fresh and exciting. Our team is passionate about what we do, and it shows in every scoop we serve.

Recently, we’ve expanded our services to include more customizable options, such as personalized ice cream bars and themed dessert stations. This allows us to cater to a wider range of events and provide a unique touch that guests will remember long after the event is over.

We are also excited to announce that we will be launching a new line of seasonal flavors this summer, inspired by local ingredients and summer favorites. These new flavors will be available at select events and through special orders, allowing our customers to enjoy a taste of summer in every bite.

At OC Ice Cream, our mission is to create moments of joy and connection through our delicious ice cream and exceptional service. We are grateful for the support of our community and look forward to continuing to spread happiness, one scoop at a time.

If you have an upcoming event and want to add a touch of sweetness, we would love to be a part of it. Visit our website to learn more about our services and book us for your next celebration. Thank you for considering OC Ice Cream, and we can’t wait to serve you!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, the three most impactful qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge in my journey have been adaptability, communication skills, and industry knowledge. Embracing change and turning challenges into opportunities has been crucial; I recommend seeking experiences that push you out of your comfort zone to develop adaptability. Clear communication has led to better collaborations, so practicing active listening and empathy, and engaging in public speaking and writing are key to improving this skill. Staying informed about industry trends has kept me ahead of the competition; dedicating time to reading, attending conferences, and networking is essential. For those starting out, focusing on practical experience, mentorship, and continuous learning will be most beneficial.

Tell us what your ideal client would be like?

My ideal client possesses a combination of characteristics that make our collaboration smooth and rewarding. They are communicative and responsive, ensuring clear and timely exchanges of information. They value quality and are enthusiastic about creating memorable experiences for their guests, which aligns with our mission at OC Ice Cream. Additionally, they are flexible and open to suggestions, trusting our expertise in providing top-notch service. A client who appreciates the unique and fun atmosphere we bring to events and is organized in their planning makes our partnership truly enjoyable and successful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ocicecream.com
• Instagram: @ocicecream
• Facebook: @ocicecream
• Linkedin: @ocicecream
• Twitter: @ocicecreamtruck
• Youtube: @ocicecream
• Yelp: @ocicecream

Image Credits

Copyright 2024, OC Ice Cream