Meet Quinton Porter | Mr. “Ice Creeme” Man

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

Hi Quinton, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
My work life balance has definitely changed over the years of owning a business. I started Scoopt’d: Dairy Free Treats in 2016 as a side hobby. In 2018 I became serious about wanting to push the allergy free “ice creeme” to the market, and in 2020 it became my full time career. In all 3 transitions, I had to adjust my work-life balance, which for me, was not an easy adjustment. In 2016, as a gymnastics coach and making ice creeme on the side, I had much more free time in my day to focus on personal development, spending time with friends and loved ones, other passion projects, and catch up on shows and movies. Moving into 2018, I obtained a full time position at an import/export company. Going from a very active environment to being behind a computer screen, I would become mentally exhausted after work. I would not really feel like doing anything after work for at least the first 2 hours. Often times I would make the ice creeme mixes until 1am, wake up at 4am to turn it into ice creeme, then head to work by 8am and do it all over again for 2 weeks straight. I burned myself out. I didn’t even make time for myself. I knew I had to create a daily plan to ensure I did not overwork myself anymore. It took around 7 months for me to adjust to working a full time position behind a desk, making ice creeme, working out and meditating, making sure I made time for friends and family on a daily basis.

Now, I try to fulfill all my daily ice creeme duties by 6pm. If something is not completed that is not of major importance, by 6pm, leave it and make sure I handle it first the next day. I find that if I plan my day, I can not only do more throughout the day, but as well, be more flexible and be able to enjoy my day more – which is a big aspect of work life balance to me. When I enjoy work, I strive to become better than what I am doing currently. I feel as though my blessings are constantly becoming better with that midset. As I am constantly reminded by older family members, Life is short, enjoy every moment of it. That is what I’ve started to do.

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

I am the owner of Scoopt’d: Dairy Free Treats where we create “ice creeme” free of the Big 8 Food Allergens. I started this company because of the love of my nephew and the need of ice cream that caters to kids like him with food allergies.

There are both children and adults that have never had ice cream because of food allergies and lactose intolerance. My nephew, Justus, was one of those kids. Growing up, he was allergic to 6 out of the 8 Food Allergens, so we had to read every label and ask how his food was being prepared at restaurants. In 2014, Justus attended a summer camp and at the conclusion of his camp was an ice cream social. Justus was the only kid that did not have the ice cream. He was devastated and so was I. As his uncle, I want Justus to enjoy all life can offer, including the wonderful taste of ice cream. For two summers, I was researching food allergens and their substitutions. At that time, it was difficult to create certain flavors and inclusions due to the lack of the allergy free products in the U.S. market, so I had to create many of the ingredients for ice cream since there were no options in stores. I realized I was entering into a market that was needed – so I had to create it! With the help of Facebook, I was able to meet with people who has food allergies and vegan chefs to assist in growing my understanding of allergy free diets.

With the help of my taste testers (gymnasts I was coaching at the time) that were brutally honest, they helped perfect my taste for the ice creeme. After about 8 failed attempts on a perfect tasting ice creeme, I finally came up with a recipe that made the gymnasts jump in satisfaction. Two summers after Justus summer camp finished up, I handed him a spoonful of “ice creeme” I created and told him to taste it. With an epee pin in my hand, I watch my nephew Justus take the first bite of the soy free, nut free, and dairy free “ice creeme”. A few minutes after eating, a great bug smile came across his face. That was the only REACTION, I wanted to see.

I dedicate Scoopt’d: Dairy Free Treats, to Justus, the children, and adults with sever allergies, Vegetarians, vegans, and individuals who switched to a healthier lifestyle.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love my city. I tell anyone, anything you like to do or see, it is here in Atlanta. Let them relax and settle in a bit, then take a night cruise around the city to see the city lights. Might even hit an after hour spot for some late night eatery. The cloud kitchens are taking the market by storm, so I’d suggest Faux Real Burger or GOOD AS BURGERS. Not in the mood for burgers? My next go-to is R. Thomas. Have to hit a brunch in the a.m. Depending on the day, Atlanta Breakfast Club, Flying Biscuit, or First Watch you may find me. Knowing that Atlanta has rich history, have to do a tour of the city/or a hip hop tour. Maybe attend the Aquarium or the Coca-Cola museum. I personally prefer to be outdoors. I pack some food in a cooler and make a drive to one of our waterfalls around the city. But in Atlanta, you most definitely have to hit “hole-in-the-wall” places- both for food, drinks and for nightlife. Weekday free entries at Northside Tavern for live Blues and a fun time always! I’d also say to come to Chicago stepping class on Wednesday at Backstage on Godby Road to get some smooth dancing in, then watch Chris Moten and the TrapJazz Allstars live at Paradise Lounge on Thursday. Friday’s have a chat over a cigar at one of Atlanta’s black owned cigar lounges. These are some of the activities and places I like to go!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My nephew Justus- the reason why I started Scoopt’d Treats The Porter “Po’Head” family
Young Entrepreneurs of Atlanta
The Urban League of Greater Atlanta

Website: Scooptdtreats.com

Instagram: @ScooptdTreats

Facebook: @ScooptdTreats