In the heart of Winston Salem, there's a hidden gem where ice cream lovers gather to experience flavors that dance on their taste buds. Dream Kreams Ice Cream Shop, founded by the determined and creative Kyndra Bell, has quickly become a local favorite. But the story behind Dream Kreams is more than just delicious treats—it's a tale of passion, perseverance, and the power of family.
From Cosmetology to Creamery: Kyndra’s Journey
Photo Credits: Dream Kreams
Kyndra Bell, a mother of 12-year-old twins, didn’t always envision herself as an ice cream entrepreneur. Originally a licensed cosmetologist and makeup artist, Kyndra found herself struggling to build a steady clientele after moving back to Winston Salem in 2018. With time on her hands, she turned to one of her other passions—cooking. What began as a fun activity for family and friends soon turned into something more significant as Kyndra’s homemade ice cream gained popularity among her loved ones. Encouraged by their rave reviews, she decided to transform her hobby into a business, and Dream Kreams was born.
Kyndra initially intended Dream Kreams to be a summer project for her sons, teaching them the ropes of entrepreneurship while allowing them to earn some money. But as soon as she launched the business, it took off faster than she ever imagined. She quickly realized that Dream Kreams was more than just a summer project—it was her true calling.
Challenges and Triumphs
The path to success was not without its hurdles. Kyndra faced numerous challenges when starting Dream Kreams, particularly in navigating the complex rules and regulations surrounding the food industry. She discovered that she couldn’t legally make ice cream in her home kitchen if she intended to sell it, which was a significant setback. Additionally, the process of getting licensed to retail, understanding food handling requirements, and securing insurance was daunting. However, Kyndra’s determination to succeed pushed her to overcome these obstacles.
One of her most significant challenges was transitioning from her career in cosmetology to banking and then to the food industry. The fear of failure loomed large, especially after closing her salon. But Kyndra’s optimism and belief in the success of Dream Kreams ultimately outweighed her fears. She took a leap of faith, quitting her job at the bank to focus on her business full-time—a decision that proved to be life-changing.
A Scoop of Fame: Attracting Chance & Tabitha Brown’s Attention
As Dream Kreams began to grow, its unique flavors and Kyndra’s dedication to quality started to attract attention beyond Winston Salem. One of the most notable moments in the journey of Dream Kreams was when Kyndra’s ice cream caught the eye of Tabitha Brown, the beloved actress, and social media personality known for her vegan recipes and positive vibes. Tabitha’s enthusiasm for Dream Kreams brought a wave of attention to the business, with fans eager to try the flavors she raved about. This recognition significantly boosted Dream Kreams' visibility and solidified Kyndra's place as a rising star in the ice cream industry.
Photo Credits: Dream Kreams
A Sweet Interview with Lanie Pope
Kyndra’s journey with Dream Kreams also caught the attention of WXII’s news anchor, Lanie Pope. In their interview, Kyndra shared her story, discussing the challenges she faced, her inspirations, and her plans for the future. The interview provided an intimate look into Kyndra’s life as a business owner and mother, showcasing her resilience and passion for her craft. Lanie Pope's platform helped further elevate Dream Kreams’ profile, bringing even more attention to the brand and its delicious offerings.
Community Engagement and Personal Growth
For Kyndra, Dream Kreams isn’t just about making delicious ice cream; it’s about being an integral part of the Winston Salem community. She has partnered with local organizations like Cobblestone Farmers Market, Innovation Quarter, and the Arts Council of Winston-Salem for various events, ensuring that Dream Kreams remains a community-focused business. Kyndra believes that community engagement is crucial for any business, as it not only helps the business thrive but also fosters a strong connection with customers.
Running Dream Kreams has also had a profound impact on Kyndra as a person and a business owner. She has become more focused, organized, and resourceful, learning to balance the demands of her business with her personal life. A typical day at Dream Kreams involves making ice cream, baking pastries, taking care of customers, and managing various business operations—all while ensuring she carves out time for her family.
Photo Credits: Dream Kreams
Photo Credits: Dream Kreams
Looking to the Future
Kyndra has big dreams for Dream Kreams. In the next 5 to 10 years, she envisions expanding the business to multiple locations across Winston Salem, Charlotte, Greensboro, Raleigh, and Atlanta. She also plans to establish a distribution center to manufacture and distribute Dream Kreams’ products to grocery store chains. Her long-term goal is to make Dream Kreams a household name, known for its unique flavors and commitment to quality.
Photo Credits: Dream Kreams
Balancing Work and Life
When Kyndra isn’t busy running Dream Kreams, she enjoys unwinding with her family, going on fun and adventurous outings, attending concerts, and indulging in self-care activities like shopping and getting her nails done. Her love for art and painting also provides a creative outlet outside of work.
Final Scoop
Kyndra Bell’s journey with Dream Kreams Ice Cream is a sweet reminder that with passion, perseverance, and a little bit of creativity, dreams can turn into reality. As she continues to grow her business and share her delicious creations with the world, there’s no doubt that Dream Kreams will keep delighting customers for years to come.
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