I bet just about every business owner has a story about how they got started. Rooted somewhere deep within that story is a passion that drives the person. This is very much the case for Donna Mott, the owner of Ooh De Lolli. Ooh De Lolli started from a love of homemade ice cream. Donna was “tinkering” around with recipes, when a friend of hers encouraged her to start handing out her popsicles at events and potlucks. From there began Donna’s vision for a business. For 3 years Donna made and sold her popsicles at weddings, ArtHop, and other special events. Her brand made an impression on those people she encountered. She built relationships with people within the community. The people of FresYes were falling in love with Ooh De Lolli.
I met Donna a good 5 or so years ago, when Ooh De Lolli was fairly new. I think I first heard about Ooh De Lolli on Twitter. ArtHop was going on, and she had her cart out in front of Twee. (I miss Twee.) I don’t remember which flavor I tried, but I do know that it was very refreshing. From then on I was hooked. I followed Ooh De Lolli to the various places the cart visited. I was even excited when she opened her café about a year or so ago. Although the café was short lived, her sweets are still available at Mia Cuppa (in the Tower District), and on the menu at Peeves Public House (Fulton Mall). I’m told there will be something special with her Cheese Fritters next month at Peeves. So, keep an eye out!! 🙂
Speaking of keeping eyes open, Donna is looking to have an occasional Sunday Pop Up event at a bakery or desert venue. I love this idea, especially since summer is right around the corner, and a popsicle would be a good way to cool down. So, if you know of any businesses willing to help her with that, reach out to her!
Oh, and before I forget, I’d like to share with you how the name of Ooh De Lolli came about. One day, while Donna was holding her granddaughter, she began to sing Roger Miller’s song, “Oo-de-lally, oo-de-lally, golly what a day.” This was fitting because in the United Kingdom, they call their popsicles Ice Lollies. And so, there you have it, Ooh De Lolli. I love that story, and I thought you’d all enjoy it. 🙂
You can follow Ooh De Lolli on Twitter and Instagram to find out where she’ll be next. (And you’ll also see me holding a pie!) I highly recommend looking for her on Instagram, which is how I got my latest treat. I saw that Donna’s been making Lemon Chiffon pie, with a lavender crust. The crust alone made me want the pie. So, I told her so. She reached out to me, and I ended up stopping by her shop to buy the pie.
While there I also got an extra treat-an avocado popsicle. Have you ever had an avocado popsicle? It’s hard to describe, but I can tell you it doesn’t taste like guacamole on a stick, so don’t worry. It almost has a kiwi taste to it. At any rate, it’s very refreshing and light. It made for the perfect after lunch treat. While talking with Donna I realized why I like Ooh De Lolli so much. It’s simply because of the connection. Donna connects with her customers. She’s interested in us all. She values us and takes what we say to heart. Lots of people have been commenting on the pictures of the pie crust. From that she’s decided to try a new treat with the crust and Nutella. (Whaaaaat?!) See, she’s listening to what the public wants. So, for that reason, I say we support her each chance we get. I just love her as a person, and I am a huge proponent for supporting local businesses. Donna has a love for what she does, and for who she does this for, and it shows. You know what? If she had a secret ingredient, that’s what it would be-love.
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