Meet Lauren Koritko | Entreprenuer and business owner.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lauren Koritko and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lauren, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Our biggest why was for the opportunity to give our children firsthand knowledge and experience with entrepreneurship and business ownership. We wanted them to see that with hard work you can turn dreams into a reality and create and build something from the ground up, which is thrilling to experience!

Every step of the way our children were an integral part of the business. From unloading hundreds of buckets of our Italian Ice and ice cream, to helping our muralist paint, to our oldest son building our beautiful counter. As with anything worthwhile, it wasn’t always easy. There was a lot of hard and frustrating moments we encountered, however, learning to work together and overcome was worth every growing pain!

Community is key. We also desired to have an avenue in which we can serve our community and provide a space for families and friends to create memories while enjoying a delicious treat!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

Since I was young my mind has always reeled with business ideas! Little endeavors here and there would get started, knowing one day it would lead to something bigger. Along the way, my husband has always been a huge encourager and he too had a shared vision of business ownership.

As we prayed about the possibility of a family business we knew we wanted it to be something our kids were a part of as well as having it be something which was new to our area.

After learning about Sunset Slush Italian Ice we knew that was what we wanted to bring to our area! Not only is Sunset Slush a premium product that is delicious and refreshing, it is also a great option for every one as it’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free. We also have dye-free and sugar-free options as well. Everyone can truly enjoy this treat!

For a year and a half we took our mobile cart to countless events and parties. A year later when we expanded and opened up our brick and mortar we wanted to add more dessert options.

In choosing an ice cream brand, we desired a premium product that fit with our high standards in not only taste and consistency but also high standards with where they sourced their ingredients. After much researching, hearing their story, and sampling many flavors from Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream company we knew we found the one! We were very excited to be the first in the state to carry this brand! The cream they use in their ice cream is sourced from an organic dairy farm 20 minutes up the street from their processing facility in Madison, WI. Using all natural inclusions and cane sugar, the flavor is unmatched. On opening day we had customers from all over including some who drove over an hour to our shop because they knew Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream is the best of the best!

Another exciting treat that we carry is The Naked Waffle! The flavor of these Belgian Liege waffles is unlike anything you’ll ever taste. Made with fresh and pure ingredients, we offer four choices which are Original Sweet, Cinnamon Bun, Lemon Poppy Seed, and Four Cheese Savory. Made in sunny San Diego and shipped to us fresh!

“We can do hard things” is something I’ve always told my kids and that became a more saying as we set out on this adventure! If anything, it gave me many more opportunities to live out what I preached! Just because it gets difficult doesn’t mean it’s not worth doing. Learning and overcoming is a crucial part of entrepreneurship. It’s a great thing to be a lifelong learner and we encourage our children to be as well. If we stop learning, we stop growing as a person. Hitting roadblocks is merely an indication that we need to reevaluate if that’s the best way or if we should adjust and approach the project or goal from a different angle. As Mary from Five Mary’s Ranch says, “Get scrappy!” Learn to do it yourself, so that’s what we did!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

When we have friend’s or family visit we love to give them a tour of our hometown and beautiful square in Historic Newnan, GA., and the surrounding cities. The Flying Biscuit in Peachtree City is our favorite breakfast spot! Lake Peachtree is perfect for enjoying the outdoors. The Newnan square beautiful boutiques for shopping. Lunch and dinner choices are plentiful on the square whether it be Meat n’ Greet, The Cellar, or Fabiano’s, all of which are our family favorites! We’d top off any given evening with dessert at Sunset On Main, of course! A decadent Affogato, a double waffle cone, a koozie full of Italian Ice swirls, or a flight for when one flavor just isn’t enough! The night would end at the 1890 Room in The Grand Hotel on main street Hogansville for live music, incredible cocktails, and a phenomenal atmosphere!

We’re excited to share that location #2 is in the works! Sunset On Main Senoia will be opening early summer. Located in Mess Hall on Main at 30 Main St., Senoia.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

We would not be where we are today without the help encouragement, and really mentorship from multiple people, books, and podcasts. They have been instrumental as we built our brand and business.

The Sellers family and owners of Sunset Slush Italian Ice in Ocean Isle, NC. have been along side us every step of the way, answering questions and helping us understand logistics as we added our distribution center to the Italian ice side of our business.

Patrick and Jessica Watson, owners of Sunset Slush Middle Georiga, have been beyond instrumental when we began our mobile business two years ago. They graciously answered countless calls and texts and offered invaluable business insight that is unique to the mobile food truck world. So thankful for their friendship!

Nathan and Brittany Todd, owners of Sugar Bowl and Mill Street Mocha in Decorah, IA have also been instrumental in the early days of our shop opening. Brittany is an amazing mother, business woman, and a true entrepreneur at heart. She is insightful and encouraging and I’ve learned so much from her!

Building A Story Brand is a book I highly recommend! Learning to clarify your message and effectively connect with your customers is crucial for growth and longevity.

Website: www.sunsetonmain.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/sunsetonmain

Facebook: www.facebook.com/sunsetonmain