Meet Stephanie Serrano | Client Relations Manager & Co-Owner

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

Hi Stephanie, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting OC Ice Cream was inspired by a deep love for those nostalgic moments from our childhood. We wanted to bring back the joy and excitement of enjoying novelty ice cream just like we did when we were kids. The thought of creating a space where people could relive those cherished memories and share the happiness with their loved ones was truly inspiring.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Our “art” at OC Ice Cream lies in recreating the simple, yet delightful experience of enjoying novelty ice cream from our childhood. What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to preserving that nostalgic magic. We take pride in our dedication to authenticity and quality, sharing timeless classic treats that transport people back in time.

The journey here hasn’t been without its challenges. Building a brand centered on nostalgia in a fast-paced world had its share of hurdles. However, these challenges only fueled our determination to succeed. We overcame them through persistence, adaptability, and a belief in the power of our concept.

The key lesson we’ve learned is the importance of staying true to our vision. Authenticity resonates with people, and it’s the heart of our brand. We want the world to know that OC Ice Cream is more than just a business; it’s a journey back to the carefree days of youth. We hope our story inspires others to embrace their passions and create something that brings joy to people’s lives.

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.
If my best friend were visiting the area for a week, I’d want to create an unforgettable experience filled with fun and nostalgia:

Day 1 – Welcome to the Neighborhood
– Start with a classic breakfast at the local diner, Super Antojitos at 642 W Chapman Ave a, Orange, CA 92866, known for its mouthwatering Chapman Burrito.
– Spend the morning exploring the charming streets of the historic downtown Orange area, with its unique boutiques and vintage shops.
– For lunch, we’d head to Wursthaus, an old-fashioned German & Belgian brews with classic & gourmet sausages & fries. A spot that complements our love for nostalgia.
– In the afternoon, we’d visit the local arcade, to relive some childhood gaming memories.
– We’d end the day with a drive-in movie at Van Buren Drive-In Theatre, complete with popcorn and classic films.

Day 2 – Beach Day
– Pack a picnic and head to the beautiful Laguna Beach for a day of sun, sand, and ocean waves.
– Enjoy a seafood feast at Laguna Feasts, known for its fresh catches of the day.
– Evening stroll along the beach, grabbing ice cream from our very own OC Ice Cream truck.

Day 3 – Cultural Exploration
– Explore the local art scene with a visit to the Bowers Museum.
– Lunch at the Café Cultura, known for its fusion of global cuisines.
– Afternoon hike at Peters Canyon South Trailhead.
– Evening dinner at Kentro Greek Kitchen, a casual space for a Greek-centric menu of homestyle Greek coffee & beers.

Day 4 – Adventure Day
– Spend the day at Knott’s Berry Farm, enjoying Timber Mountain Log Ride, and Old West Ghost Town.
– A quick snack at Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant.
– Evening bonfire on the beach with s’mores and stories.

Day 5 – Foodie Delight
– Explore the local food truck scene for breakfast.
– Guided food tour through the diverse culinary offerings of the city.
– Evening cooking classes, learning to make a signature dish.

Day 6 – Nature Escape
– Day trip to Crystal Cove State Park for hiking and picnicking.
– Evening campfire with stargazing and storytelling.

Day 7 – Farewell
– Breakfast at a local mom-and-pop café.
– Visit the Anaheim Farmer’s Market for some last-minute souvenirs.
– A relaxed afternoon at our place, OC Ice Cream, to relive childhood memories and enjoy our favorite treats.

This week-long itinerary would showcase the best of our area, mixing nostalgia, local culture, and outdoor adventures, ensuring my best friend has the best time ever!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate this shoutout to my husband, Jose. His unwavering support, encouragement, and belief in the vision of OC Ice Cream have been instrumental in making this journey a reality. He’s been there through every step, offering invaluable guidance and love. Additionally, I’d like to recognize our loyal customers who have embraced our nostalgic treats and shared in the joy of reliving those childhood moments with us. Their enthusiasm fuels our passion for what we do.

Website: www.ocicecream.com

Instagram: @ocicecream

Twitter: @ocicecreamtruck

Facebook: info@ocicecream.com

Yelp: www.yelp.com/biz/oc-ice-cream-orange

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ocicecream

Other: www.tiktok.com/@ocicecream www.facebook.com/ocicecream

Image Credits
Image Credits: Jose Serrano – ocicecream.com