Today we’d like to introduce you to Dasia Kabia.
Hi Dasia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Ice Queens: A Baltimore Classic with a New Orleans Twist
Ice Queens was established in 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland, by Dasia Kabia during her second year of college. Like many young people, she was searching for direction but always knew one thing for certain: she wanted to build her own business. Inspired by childhood memories of enjoying snoballs with her grandmother and the comforting aromas of homemade desserts baked by the women in her family, Dasia’s vision began to take shape. From the warm sweetness of peach cobbler topped with ice cream to slices of pound cake passed around at family gatherings, her love for desserts was rooted in tradition and love.
That passion grew into Ice Queens—a snoball and dessert shop located on a colorful corner in Baltimore’s historic Locust Point neighborhood. A snoball, a finely shaved ice treat topped with flavorful syrups and indulgent toppings such as marshmallow, sweet creams, candies, and fruits, is a Baltimore classic with deep New Orleans roots. Ice Queens bridges the vibrant cultures of both cities, serving up nostalgia, flavor, and joy in every cup.
Owned and operated as an LLC (running as an S-Corp) by Dasia and her mother, Melanie Kabia, Ice Queens has grown from a single shop into a thriving business with both a brick-and-mortar location and a mobile food truck, making their signature sweets accessible at schools, festivals, weddings, family reunions, corporate events, and beyond.
Despite launching at the start of the 2020 pandemic, Ice Queens experienced explosive growth, expanding from three to twenty employees within just one month and serving a customer every two minutes during peak hours. Their early decision to add a mobile truck amplified their visibility, widened their reach, and helped them embed themselves in the heart of Baltimore’s community.
Known for over 100 flavor combinations, specialty desserts, and freshly made beignets, Ice Queens has become a hometown favorite. Ice Queens sets itself apart with eco-friendly practices, vegan-friendly options, and nut-free treats—ensuring there’s something safe and delicious for everyone. Their creativity, unique flavors, and commitment to customer service and community outreach have earned them recognition as Best of Baltimore by Baltimore Magazine four years in a row, as well as the Mayor’s Recognition Award and The Baltimore Sun’s Best Snoball Award during their very first year in business.
Guided by the mottos, “We are more than just snoballs” and “Where Smiles and Sprinkles are free,” Ice Queens is about more than sweet treats—it’s about creating opportunities and spreading joy. Staying true to its roots, Ice Queens maintains a strong connection with Dasia’s alma mater, the Western School of Environmental Science and Technology. The business hires students from its culinary arts program and is committed to awarding a scholarship to one deserving student, fostering the next generation of food and hospitality leaders.
Looking forward, Ice Queens plans to develop a business training program to empower other young entrepreneurs to build their own companies. With a mission to make Baltimore snoballs a household name, Ice Queens continues to celebrate tradition, community, and the power of dreaming big.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As if opening Ice Queens during a worldwide pandemic wasn’t difficult enough, we were faced with some backlash from a few members within the community that did not want our business in the neighborhood. We were vandalized 7 times and hit with numerous conflicts and challenges from a small group of people. The community showed overwhelming support, and we have thrived on our little corner in South Baltimore. Financially it has been difficult to start and run a small business with limited access to capital as a young female entrepreneur.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Answered in question one but here are a few more thoughts on what we are trying to do:
Environmental Sustainability: Eco- Friendly – reducing environmental impact by using eco paper products and packaging, recycling and utilizing services like Too Good To Go to minimize food waste.
Charitable Giving and Community Outreach: – donating cash and in-kind goods to local non-profits such as Horizon Day Camp supporting kids with cancer and their siblings and My Sisters Place Women’s Shelter.
Community Support: Culinary Arts Student Program – hiring culinary students and neuro-diverse student workers to provide job opportunities and work experience. Developing a scholarship to go along with this initiative and Life Classes pertaining to personal budgeting and financial managment.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Ice Queens’ competitive advantage is being unique, inclusive, community-driven, and award-winning. Location and footprint growth takes those strengths and multiplies their impact, making Ice Queens not just a neighborhood favorite but a citywide (and eventually regional) brand.
Pricing:
- $3-$10 average spend
Contact Info:
- Instagram: _icequeens
- Facebook: Ice Queens Snoball and Dessert Shop
