Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Larson.
Hi Kelly, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Kelly Larson’s journey into the ice cream world began early. At just 15, she took her first job at Temptations, not knowing it would become the foundation of her entire career. By the time she was 19, her parents purchased the store, and Kelly stepped naturally into a larger role while balancing school and work.
During her college years, the family expanded their footprint, purchasing both a candy store and a T-shirt shop, giving Kelly a crash course in running small retail businesses. After graduating from Northwestern, her parents had the opportunity to buy Skoops, then a brand-new shop. Kelly joined the family business full-time, and over the next few years they began making their own ice cream, eventually combining their ice cream and candy operations to create what would become Sweet Temptations.
Growth came quickly. A year later, they purchased The Front Porch, and in 2009, moved Sweet Temptations to Grand Landing, where Kelly expanded into wholesale and corporate customers, bringing the brand far beyond its retail roots. About eleven years ago, she seized another major opportunity—the purchase of Fortino’s, a move that deepened her impact on the local community and solidified her as a leader in the region’s specialty food scene.
Kelly has long believed in honing her craft. She’s been active with the North American Ice Cream Association, attending conventions regularly to continue learning and refining her skills. That dedication has paid off: Kelly has earned three prestigious blue ribbons, an achievement that represents both exceptional product quality and years of hard work.
From teenager scooping cones to award-winning ice cream maker and multi-store owner, Kelly’s story is one of steady growth, hands-on experience, and constant commitment to getting better—one batch at a time.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
When we moved Sweet Temptations to Grand Landing in 2009, the excitement of expansion quickly collided with the economic crash, and we suddenly found ourselves fighting just to stay in business. We had to rethink everything—tightening budgets, working longer hours, and learning how to adapt on the fly. That challenge ultimately pushed us to develop new revenue streams, including wholesale production and corporate holiday gifting, which became essential to our survival. And like many family businesses, we also had to navigate the delicate balance of working together; as my responsibilities grew, I had to intentionally work on improving communication with my parents so we could make effective decisions and keep moving forward. Because of these skills and experiences, we were able to navigate COVID as well—quickly adapting and figuring out how to stay in business during another period of intense uncertainty.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Sweet Temptations?
Sweet Temptations is best known for our homemade ice cream and caramel corn, crafted in small batches with care, creativity, and high-quality ingredients. We specialize in unique and delicious seasonal flavors that keep our customers excited to see what we’ll dream up next, all while maintaining the classic favorites that have built our reputation over the years. What truly sets us apart is our commitment to excellence and continued learning—we don’t just make ice cream, we work to perfect it. Our passion has been recognized by the North American Ice Cream Association, where we’ve earned blue ribbons for both our Vanilla Bean and Dark Decadence ice creams. With one more blue ribbon next year, we’ll be eligible to pursue the honor of becoming a Grand Master, a distinction we’re incredibly proud to be working toward. Above all, we want readers to know that our brand is driven by craftsmanship, family, community, and a genuine love for creating treats that bring people joy.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
So much of our success is rooted in the people who have stood beside me, believed in me, and lifted me up along the way. My parents have been the heart of my journey from the very beginning. My dad’s manufacturing background has been a quiet superpower for our business—he has a gift for building strong, reliable processes, and he’s taught me how to think with both precision and purpose. My mom is one of the most inspiring leaders I know. She motivates with kindness, connects effortlessly with people of every age, and has always offered the kind of advice that stays with you long after you’ve heard it. My husband, a CPA, has been my rock—steady, honest, and endlessly supportive. He helps me see what’s truly possible, even in the moments when I doubt myself. And our community… they are the reason we’re here today. Their love, loyalty, and encouragement have carried us through countless challenges and milestones. We wouldn’t be who we are without them, and I am deeply, sincerely grateful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sweettemptationsgh.com
- Instagram: sweettemptationsgh
- Facebook: sweettemptations
