Today we’d like to introduce you to Carissa Carter.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Carissa. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was born and raised in New Orleans, La. I moved to Houston due to the infamous, Hurricane Katrina. Within five-six years, I earned two Associate Degrees from Houston Community College and my BSN at University of Texas Medical Branch. Even while working at some of the top hospitals in the country, my spirit was telling me there was more for me. After completing a travel assignment in North Carolina, I decided to take the leap into the world of entrepreneurship. I was horrified. I knew my passion encompassed my strong cultural ties to my home, New Orleans. I started selling shaved ice. But to who? I picked up my cell phone and I did it the old fashioned way: Cold caking and emailing. My first customer base was and still is Woodlands-Market Street. I then collaborated with Memorial City Mall. I extended to Hotel Zaza. As 2019 gets underway, I’m confirming vendor assignments with various companies for the upcoming festival season! We also have a mobile food trailer. So look out for our New Orleans themed trailer around town!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It started out as many other entrepreneurs can agree with, financial! Working my career job as an ICU Registered Nurse, which is extremely stressful. Then scrounging up energy to workout as well as mommy/ son time with my 11 year old, Christopher,let’s just say, 24hrs FLY BY! Secondly, a lack of knowledge. Google has become my go-to. Researching everything I needed to know. I didn’t know who to go to in regards to sales, permits, contracts, liability insurance, equipment, etc. I’ve received a lot of support from people! Be it emotional and or financial support. In the midst, bodybuilding has become a huge passion of mine. I’m also preparing for my first bodybuilding competition fall of 2019. One of my biggest supporters has been my mother, Vanessa Green and my dear friend, Tameia Frank.
Please tell us about Big Easy Daiquiris & Frozen Treats.
I’m bringing the true essence of New Orleans in every snowball, every Daiquiri and frozen treat we sell. With names like “Bourbon Street Blast” and Fancy “French Quarter”, our customers can “taste the culture” of New Orleans. We use a syrup made with 100% sugar cane which originate from Louisiana which is gluten-free. We add the classic childhood candies to our snowballs and cereal (optional) to our ice cream. Instead of the vanilla and chocolate, we offer our gourmet and colorful soft serve ice cream ranging from delectable deep blue to royal purple. Our Daiquiris encompass a special Louisiana blend that enhances sweetness without the gluten! For the kiddos, we have our frozen slushees. I’m excited and proud to serve the people of Houston and surrounding areas. Summertime is much more fun with snow cones!
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Eating! In New Orleans, we take food very seriously! Gumbo, crawfish, po-boys, dirty rice, and list goes on and on. Snowballs (shaved ice) is the classic delight in the summertime! Riding bikes and playing outside was nothing without the neighborhood “Candy Lady” for snacks and a snowball or “cold cup.” In New Orleans, food has been and will always be fun. I want my customers to enjoy our desserts and have a “taste of New Orleans” in every bite.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 8323818882
- Email: bigeasydaiquirisfrozentreats@gmail.com
- Instagram: BigEasyDaiquirisFrozenTreats
- Facebook: Big Easy Daiquiris and Frozen Treats
Image Credit:
Tiffany Carter, Hotel Zaza, Memorial City Mall
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
