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Introduce yourself! Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Brooke Costa, and I own B’s Ice Cream, a homemade ice cream shop in Marshfield, Kingston, and coming soon to Plymouth. I’m the head ice cream maker and recipe developer. I also do my fair share of cleaning floors, defrosting freezers, and anything else that needs to get done. Like any other small business owner, we do it all. I live locally on the South Shore with my husband AJ and two sons, Jake and Nolan. They’re my biggest supporters and would eat ice cream every day if I let them.
What made you want to start your own business?
I worked at an ice cream shop in high school, Erickson’s in Carver. I loved working there, it was a fun environment and it was busy! Lines all day and night on the weekends. I started to see the business side of ice cream and how it could be successful and rewarding. I knew one day I would own my own ice cream shop. I didn’t know when or how, but it was a constant in my mind that someday I would make it happen. I went on to college and earned a degree in marketing and worked in a corporate setting for 15 years. I knew I wanted to make homemade ice cream, so I experimented with recipes at home for years and also learned from industry leaders and local ice cream shop owners before I finally opened B’s in 2019.
What do you love the most about owning a business in Massachusetts?
I believe Massachusetts is one of the best places to live, especially the South Shore. We have the best beaches, parks, and trails. There’s so many great restaurants and music venues, and I enjoy the change of seasons. As a business owner, you become acquainted with the other small businesses in your town, and there’s a spirit of friendship and community. In my experience, this has been especially true with the women led businesses. They’ve always reached out to welcome me and the business.
What are your favorite small businesses to support in Massachusetts?
I love to shop small. I often go to Mono Mono Boutique in Marshfield. If you ever need a gift, this is the place to go. They have cute and unique items. If you have a baby shower or a birthday party to attend, head to Olivia Rose Children’s Boutique. They are the kid experts, cutest clothes and fun toys. If I get the chance to go out to eat, I love Orta in Kingston, Liv Creative Cuisine in Marshfield, and my sons love The Blueberry Muffin in Kingston.
What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned throughout your career?
When I first opened B’s, I wanted to please everyone and say yes to every request from a customer or community member. I’ve slowly learned that you truly can’t please everyone or say yes to everything. It still hurts when I have to turn down a last minute cake order, but if it’s going to disrupt time with my family, I have to say no.
If you weren’t in your current position, what would your next dream job be?
I still can’t believe that I own an ice cream shop and will soon have three locations. I work every single day, and I love it. I don’t have dreaded Mondays, but I also don’t get the “it’s the weekend” vibe. However, if I wasn’t making ice cream, I’d love to work outside as a landscape designer. I love discovering new plants and flowers and working in the garden.
When you’re not working, what activities do you enjoy?
I enjoy spending time on the water with my husband and sons, headed to the beach, or going fishing. We love to take advantage of the spring and summer weather. We have the best beaches and hiking trails. I also head outside as much as possible to garden, and I’m a soccer mom!
Thank you for sharing more about yourself! Tell us how we can get in touch with you or find you online.
You can learn more about Brooke and B’s Ice Cream via their website, Facebook, and Instagram.