Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaide-Monet Davis.
Hi Jaide, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Rhubarb & Ice Ltd. Co. started out as a conversation. I and my mother are very close and talk a lot. Oftentimes, we’ll brainstorm different ideas we’ve been thinking about or collecting throughout our day. I’ve created a few businesses in the past with the help of my family so we’ve always had the small business mindset.
One of those conversations must have ignited something within us because our discussions shifted from just an idea to putting it into action. During COVID 2020, I had a lot of downtime and I thought I should start investing more energy into myself and my family. My mom and co-partner have very many talents and I’ve always admired her adaptability. I asked her to teach me some of her gifts and we started creating things together.
Working on recipes, metalwork, and creating our brand. We wanted others to feel a piece of home and as though each item they receive from us is specifically for them or someone they love. With the name Rhubarb & Ice, we wanted to highlight the foods and beverages aspect of the brand. We use a lot of citrus, fruits, and vegetables on our menu. Rhubarb grows wild in Wisconsin, and for us makes us think of our elders. Ice is a double entendre of our icy drinks and our icy jewelry and sparkly gifts we make.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
This business has been quite an experience. There have been many teaching moments that have strengthened my connection with my family, friends, and those around me. It led me to think differently about our society, my own spending habits, and how I relate to others.
There are times it has been difficult to go out to a market and advocate for our creations because it can feel awkward and like you’re having to change people’s minds about why they should believe in you. It has crossed my mind that maybe this isn’t something I should be doing because my sales weren’t where I wanted them or there wasn’t the turnout at an event as expected.
It’s also changed our family dynamics in a way where we’re having to communicate differently with each other. We’ve had to separate our personal relationships from our business relationships in our family.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As Rhubarb & Ice Ltd. Co., “We have a little of a lot.” I believe that slogan encompasses what we do and how we create. Our earrings are handcrafted out of metals using both copper and brass, as our faux septum rings, nose rings, ear cuffs, and finger rings. We have bracelets and anklets made from a mix of Czech and glass beads, with a mix of freshwater pearls, cowry shells, bamboo, and crystal stone beads.
Our sugar scrubs are made using freeze-dried strawberries, blueberries, raspberries which we crush ourselves and include, hibiscus leaves, rose petals, coconut oil, Morena sugar, and a dash of vanilla. Bath and shower salts are made with lemon and lemon zest, lime and lime zest, dried mint leaves, Epsom salt, sea salt, coconut oil, and a dash of tequila. We have propagated pothos and bamboo in recycled and new glass bottles. Our dazzling sun-catchers are created using glass beads and crystals with hand-hammered copper hooks. As for our drinks, we have a fresh-pressed Lemon-Orange Lemonade, Lavender Lemonade, Mint Lemonade, Basil Lemonade, Butterfly Pea Flower Lemonade (all using a handmade herb-infused simple syrup), seasonal Apple Cider, and different flavors of Juices using fresh fruits and vegetables.
We also have a revolving mini munchies menu which included our family recipe of Dump Truck Cakes made with cake mix, butter, and Strawberry-Rhubarb or Key Lime pie filling. We have the most delicious Caramel Apple Dope Dip which uses different sugars, cream cheese, and a hint of vanilla. We have a wonderful Taco Dope Dip that has sour cream, cream cheese, taco seasoning, shredded cheese, and vegetables. We also include a vegetable and cheese and meat charcuterie board.
We are most proud of our unique lemonade. We’ve received many accolades about it being the best lemonade some have ever had, and the facial expressions tell us the same.
What sets us apart from others is our blend of fresh citrus, and vegetables that we love to incorporate in our lemonades, juices, and foods. We also give back to the community each month to local schools and animal shelters. Since we’ve been in business we’ve contributed to underserved youth and sheltered animals to give back some of the gifts we’ve been given by those who believe in us.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up I’ve had many interests in music, art, fashion, and psychology. Many of these interests stemmed from talks with my mom, family, and friends. I have a Master’s Degree in Community Psychology on the counseling track from Alverno College which is in my hometown, Milwaukee WI.
Growing up in Milwaukee, it was diverse but there is a lot of segregation. This taught me to love others for their uniqueness and to go with the ebb and flow of changes around me. My education has helped me have a better understanding of relating to and empathizing with my community. I am open to the needs of others and continuously look to support however I can.
I’ve always been intentional with my words and maintain an unbiased approach to situations that may arise in order to find helpful solutions. Having so many interests and creative skills, my main goals are to design tasty drinks, adult comfort foods, and gifts that translate through the work of Rhubarb & Ice.
Pricing:
- Lemonade: $8
- Bracelets: $13-$21
- Bath/Shower Salts & Sugar Scrubs: $11-$21
- Crystal Sun Catchers: $11-$27
- Earrings: $16-$31
Contact Info:
- Email: rhubarbandice@gmail.com
- Website: www.rhubarbandice.com
- Instagram: @rhubarb_and_ice
- Facebook: Rhubarb & Ice
- Twitter: @rhubarb_and_ice
Image Credits
Priscilla Quiroga
