Janet Marsh, a retired U.S. Postal Service supervisor, isn’t sitting around doing nothing. She is the proud owner of Mesquite, Texas’s only Black-owned, year-round storefront snow cone shop, Snow Cone City.
The 63-year-old founded the company two years ago to remember her late husband’s unwavering support. Marsh came up with the idea while driving around Mesquite, when she observed something missing: there were no Black-owned snow cone shops, according to Black Business.
When she brought the concept home, her late husband, Clarence, and their family embraced it right away. They started off together with a modest trailer, which gradually expanded into the storefront that is now a popular community landmark that is open year-round.
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Despite the fact that health issues forced him to take a backseat, Clarence was instrumental in the construction of Snow Cone City’s foundation. He remained Marsh’s biggest supporter until his death.
He supported her during her doubtful times, particularly when she was on the verge of quitting her business cohort program. However, Marsh persevered, finished her training, and made Snow Cone City a reality with the help of her community.
Snow Cone City has evolved into an experience instead of only a snow cone shop. In addition to sipping unique cocktails and enjoying endless self-serve flavor combinations, visitors are drawn to the customer-first environment, which encourages them to return.
“We don’t just serve snow cones,” Marsh said. “We create moments you’ll never forget.”
Starting off as a family-run trailer, the company has expanded into a successful physical store and internet brand. Snow Cone City represents reinvention, community pride, and Black entrepreneurship by providing a limitless variety of flavors, unique drinks, and unforgettable customer experiences.
Marsh told Bold Journey Magazine that she had always stood out from the crowd since she was very young. “The tallest, the darkest, the smartest, the loudest,” she said.
Marsh stated that she was frequently teased for having a speech impediment, which prevented her from pronouncing some words. At the young age of 18, she had to learn how to take charge and stand up for herself after moving away from home.
She explained that she just had herself to rely on, and her ambition and determination to succeed and make it on her own gave her the courage to live so far away from home. That confidence has developed over time.
She advised that for people to get ahead in their businesses, “The three most important qualities, I would say, are first of all, Prayer. I prayed about everything and waited for God to Guide me. Early on, when I was searching for a location, this was key. I looked at many locations before deciding on the spot that we have. Through it all, I was in deep prayer to ensure that the right decision was made.
“Second, I would say have a mentor. Someone who is more knowledgeable than you are in business and/or entrepreneurship. It could make a big difference having someone to bounce ideas off of and getting their opinions.
“Third, get as much knowledge as you can. There are many programs available, but you may have to seek them out. I took 3 Cohort classes where I gained much knowledge about all aspects of running a business. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals. Knowledge is Power.”
