The Popsicle is Revealed!

She's Here! The Ice Cream Dream Machine is Here!

Yesterday was final chapter in the Popsicle Project.  She has been delivered, wrapped and is serving up happiness everywhere she goes. I couldn't wait to show the world the her new graphics, tires, freezer, air conditioner, and sign boards.

The Popsicle! Yay!!

Recap of the Day's Events

A big part of the Popsicle Reveal and most crowdfunding campaigns is the distribution of the perks for the people who contribute.  My crowd funding campaign on was located on Indiegogo.com.  Some of the first people to support me were three ladies from my school. Mrs. Michele Cummings, Mrs. Sharon Casola, and Mrs. Angie Johnson.  I delivered the perks to them personally.

Mrs. Cummings approves of her shirt and fan!  I love my school.

Before going to the The Popsicle Reveal, I delivered Popsicle heaven to the ladies at the 2014 ACS Cheerleading Camp.  I made two trips and I had a blast both times.

Cheerleaders are always so happy!

Great choice on the ice cream

Thanks to Mrs. Bennett for inviting me again this year. 

After leaving the ACS cheerlading camp, we headed over to Ashford Bed and Breakfast in Watkinsville Ga. This B&B is so awesome.  (Please follow this link to learn more about how this is an awesome place to host an event: http://ambedandbreakfast.com/).  We set up the Popsicle and Popsicle Perks under the tent and waited for people to come and her.  I was super excited.  I was so excited that I offered everyone samples of the items I sell.  I got a lot of great tips. Please see the pics below of the people looking at the Popsicle and tasting my cool popsicles and ice cream pops.

In between serving ice cream and giving tours of the Popsicle, I tried my dunk the owner, Dave Shearon in a water tank, ate some great food by Taziki's, listened to some great music by the Red Oak String Band, and met some old Chamber friends from the past year.  It was an awesome time.

Thanking Those Who Made the Popsicle a Reality
Of course this evening gave me a chance to thank all of the people have supported the me and my dream.  Several of these people showed up.  Please see them in the pictures below.  I also include some pictures of the Sign Bros staff who wrapped the trailer.

Mr. Greg Shumate of Brand Mortgage

Ms. Michele and the ladies of Peach State Federal Credit Union

Doc, Mr. Shumate and Ms. Tammy and Ms. Georgiana

Jason and Josh of Towable Tailgates

Mr. Justin, Brantley, and the staff who helped designed and wrap the Popsicle! Great work guys!

I could go on and on about the Popsicle, but I think I have taken up enough of your time.  Please look for me and the Popsicle around town! Remember #happinessisicecream and You're the Coolest!

Beau

Family & Friends Day at New Grove

The New Grove Baptist Church Family...

...knows how to have fun,  Yesterday, Sunday July 13th was Pastor Washington's 40th marriage anniversary to Mrs. Washington.  And it was also Family & Friends Day at New Grove.  This my Church and I was really excited about bringing the Popsicle to celebration.  The day began with an awesome church service that included our great Mime Team and the outstanding reunion choir.  I prayed, clapped my hands and had an awesome time with my family and church family.  Make sure you join us for July 26th Youth Day Service. It's gonna be great!

My family and I just after service.  We had a great time worshiping together with our New Grove family!

After service we went outside to start serving up happiness! I am so grateful for this opportunity to not only bring the Popsicle to New Grove, but this is also a fundraiser for the NGBC Educational and Community Services, Inc.  It feels good to give back especially to your church!

She knows exactly what she wants! 

Making your friends smile is a great feeling!

So many choices!

Pastor Washington is the Coolest!

The Popsicle Project

What and Who is the Popsicle?

The Popsicle is name of my awesome new trailer that I use for large festivals and events with a lot of people.  Just a few months ago she was sitting in our yard collecting dust and leaves.  She used to belong to mom.  She used for projects and businesses that she setup for her students in her entrepreneurship classes.  She had not been using it for about 3 or 4 years and was trying to sell it.  I asked if I could have to turn it into a dream ice cream machine.  She thought it was a great idea so she let me have it. She told me that I would have make the money to fix it up.  I started calling her the Popsicle - because  I knew when I fixed her up, she would make my sales POP! A LinkedIn connection and family friend suggested that I try to raise the money by setting up a crowd funding campaign through Indiegogo.  My mom asked me if I wanted to do it and I said yes. She warned me that we might not raise the entire $5,000, but I told her whatever we raised would help.

The Popsicle Project - by Beau Shell Click here to see video)

The Popsicle before she was remodeled. I was so happy my parents let me have her. 

By the end of the campaign, I had raised $3,169 of the $5,000 I was seeking. That was enough to go ahead with fixing up the Popsicle.  I needed her to be ready by June 14th.  This was the date of my first big event, Hot Corner Festival.  My parents picked her up from Jason Green, owner of Towable Tailgates, on the morning of June 14th (just in time for the festival).  We drove the trailer straight to the festival and I waited with her.  Please see the pictures from that day below.  We had an awesome time at the Hot Corner Festival. I learned about the history of African American businesses and entrepreneurs from Athens. I ate the best food ever, and I got a chance to hear some great music.  I hope to take the Popsicle back to Hot Corner Festival next year. Thanks to Dr. Tawana Mattox and Mr. Homer Wilson for letting me come.

My first time ringing the bell on the Popsicle. Best day of my life! Can't believe she is actually here.

My cousins can't believe the Popsicle is actually here! They are amazed!

Ready to work at the Hot Corner Festival.  Waiting on the ice cream and signs.

My brother Rock and Turtle helping me and hanging out at the Hot Corner Festival. 

Serving our customers!

Dr. McRae, my dentist, stopped by for a cool treat!

Since the Hot Corner festival the Popsicle has been very busy. Her next event, Athfest, was the very next weekend. Athfest was another great place for awesome music, kids activities (Kidfest), and great artists.  Athfest was a 3-day festival and the Popsicle had to stay overnight, but some very nice police officers watched over her and other tents both nights.  The second day of the Athfest was so busy because it was Kidfest.  We sold out of just about everything! It was great ice cream weather.  We made more signs for the Popsicle and signs so people would know it was me. I had an awesome time meeting new people and working with my family.  The Popsicle made it possible for me serve a whole lot of people because she can hold a lot of ice cream.  My family made it possible for me to have fun and feel loved while doing it.

Ready for business! Malia rings the bell

My favorite as of yesterday!

This is where I belong. I don't understand why Mom will not let me sleep in the Popsicle!

My doggie ice cream is always a hit!

My classmate from Athens Christian School

My grandmas hung in there with me all night. She's the coolest Grandma ever!

I know how it feels to want more than one!

Family is awesome!

Dad and Mom, my biggest fans and supporters.  

Out of town visitors. They came all the way from Atlanta to Athfest!

Work selfies with my brother Rock and cousin Malia!

The whole family before we left Athfest. Everyone worked hard to make sure everything went well.  

The most recent event that the Popsicle worked was the 4th of July Fireworks at Georgia Square Mall.  This was the first event where the Popsicle had her wrapped graphics, which were produced and installed by Sign Bros.  We were working so hard on the 4th that we hardly took any pictures.  We got in a few at the end.

Serving the last customer of the night.  I worked so hard the whole day. I never had so much fun in my life.

Last picture before we close up the Popsicle for the night!

Met a fellow entrepreneur, Frankie of Fast Frankie Lemonade. He gave me a lot of great advice about never giving up on my dreams. 

As you can see the Popsicle has been busy.  I am glad I asked my parents to let me have her. I knew she had potential.  Her official reveal is next Thursday, July 17, 2014 at Ashford Manor in Watkinsville, Ga.  Check out the invite on the right side of the blog.