Kate Williams is the sweet force behind portland’s award winning kate’s ice cream, your new favorite plant-based + gluten-free ice cream. Kate continues to prove that you can balance family with entrepreneurship and why not have your ice cream and eat it, too?

As a fellow Louisiana girl, growing up in the south was all about catching up to the ice cream truck or heading to the closest snowball stand to grab your favorite treat. As a kid, I struggled because I was not a dairy girl and this was long before the days when plant-based and dairy free options were as available as they are now. Kate is one of the sweetest, coolest, and hardest working people I’ve met and knowing her is a treat within itself. Building a business during COVID was no easy task nor ideal, but Kate did it. She continues to soar and Kate’s Ice Cream has been winning award after award. I was so happy to feature her so get to know my sweet friend and next time you’re in Portland, you have to visit!

At A Glance:

Best advice you’ve ever been given?

"Work smart, not hard" was advice from my late father-in-law. I've always had a strong drive to succeed, and this reminds me that my biggest priority is my family and personal time. If I work smart not hard, I will have time for the things most important to me.

Favorite book you’re reading at the moment?

The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle is a life-changing book. It has taught me to be present in the Now because the future doesn't exist. This has helped me tremendously with my own energy. Highly recommend. Also, Black, White, and The Grey is my favorite read of the year.

Favorite ice cream flavor at Kate’s at the moment?

Such a tough pick! Our most popular flavor is Marionberry Cobbler (marionberries are native to the Pacific Northwest). My personal favorite flavor currently is Moose Tracks and Java Chip. I love anything with chocolate in it.

Arrow + Phoenix: Tell us about Kate’s Ice Cream and the inspiration behind it!

Kate: Kate's Ice Cream is a 100% plant-based and gluten-free ice cream shop in Portland, OR. I was inspired by my sister who couldn't have dairy, and I wanted to make ice cream everyone could enjoy. I find such purpose in being able to provide joy to people. I grew up a huge ice cream lover and I wanted to create a classic ice cream shop experience that brings back nostalgia from childhood. I'm also proud to be serving a product that's in forward motion being plant-based, I believe the future of food is more plants and I am grateful I've been able to make such a quality ice cream that you forget it doesn't have dairy!

A+P: There aren’t many plant based ice cream shops let alone ones that offer a wide range of flavors so you’re doing something different. What inspires your flavors?

K: What makes our ice cream shop so special is that people who can't eat at normal ice cream shops due to allergies or preferences can come to Kate's and choose from any flavor in the shop. We carry 16 ice cream flavors at a time and many desserts, even bringing out the Choco Taco every now and then! I like to bring back nostalgic flavors like Mint Chocolate Trip and Cookie Dough, while also playing around with unique flavors like Rose Water Cardamom Almond. I always have kid inspired flavors too, like Cotton Candy! We make our own gluten-free waffle cones, my own recipe, and the smell is so captivating. Smells like warm cinnamon pancakes. When you come to Kate's, don't skip the cone!

A+P: Kate’s is intentional on supporting local, woman, and minority owned businesses much like A+P. Why is that so important to you?

K: I've always loved working with women and surrounding myself with people who think differently than me so I can constantly be learning and growing. I naturally gravitate to creative, diverse women and businesses who are doing amazing work and I want to work with them. It's also important to me that my team reflects our commitment to diversity and I'm really proud of the company culture we've created, as well as the amazing people we have been able to work alongside for delicious flavors, desserts, art, collabs.

A+P: We’re both Louisiana girls and know that the summers can be HOT lol what are some of your favorite ways to relax and unwind in the summer despite it being a busy season for business?

K: I love me some Louisiana girls! I feel most relaxed when I'm actually waking up early and in a routine, it makes my days smoother. I also like hiking with my dog, being active, girl dates, and my husband and I love to host friends at our home for summer BBQ and wine. We're also big runners so that's a great way to work out any stress and feel good!

A+P: What has been your biggest hurdle on your entrepreneurial journey?

K: Going big enough. For a long time, I was playing small out of fear, and I made no money that way. The company wasn't profitable. It wasn't until I took the leap to open the ice cream shop that the company took a 180 degree turn and took off.

A+P: What advice would you give to someone looking to take the leap into entrepreneurship but needs a little push?

K: Talk to people who are doing what you're doing, find inspiration in their stories. You can sit on Google forever trying to figure out your steps, but if you make the effort to talk to someone, you'll leave that meeting with so much gusto compared to two hours researching "how to start a business."

A+P: What can we expect next from Kate’s and from you as an individual?

K: I'm working on our second ice cream shop location in Portland, and I'm super excited to bring more accessibility to the community of plant-based ice cream. In my personal journey I'm working on being present and enjoying exactly where I am, reminding myself that the future doesn't exist.