Meet Nico Nguyen and Karmen Lau

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nico Nguyen and Karmen Lau and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nico Nguyen and Karmen Lau, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Our journey to starting our own business was fueled by a long-standing desire for independence and a yearning for more meaningful work. Prior to the starting Milkytreats, we found ourselves entrenched in traditional 9-5 jobs, but we knew deep down that this path was not aligned with our long-term aspirations. Our shared passion for entrepreneurship and the pursuit of something greater led us to embark on this venture.

Choosing the ice cream industry as our focus was a deliberate decision. We recognized that Texas, with its predominantly warm climate, provided a year-round demand for frozen treats. Whether it’s a post-date indulgence, a birthday celebration, or simply a personal pick-me-up, ice cream has an ability to evoke joy and happiness. Spreading positivity and creating moments of delight became our personal mission and core values.
Beyond our entrepreneurial drive, I have always possessed a creative spirit. We noticed a gap in the market, with few ice cream brands resonating with the younger generation. Our vision extended beyond just opening another local ice cream shop; we aspired to build a modern, edgy, and relevant ice cream brand that would captivate the newer generation. This aspiration fueled the birth of Milkytreats.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
At MilkyTreats, We serve super premium handcrafted ice cream made with the highest quality ingredients. What sets us apart is our dedication to quality and innovation. With 16 rotating flavors made in small batches, including unique creations like custom milkshakes, cereal-infused soft serve, and warm-pressed ice cream donut sandwiches, we’re all about offering our customers a one-of-a-kind treat.

We built this business from the ground up in 2018. Those early years were a test of our resilience, navigating the challenges of establishing a new business without the luxury of credibility or recognition. But we refused to be deterred. We poured our hearts into marketing, determined to make a name for ourselves.

Then, just when we were finding our stride, COVID-19 hit, presenting a whole new set of obstacles. But in the face of adversity, we doubled down on our efforts, leveraging social media to connect with our community in new ways. And the response was overwhelming – viral content put us on the map, drawing visitors from near and far to experience the magic of MilkyTreats.

Running a business isn’t for the faint of heart. Every day brings its own set of challenges, from financial hurdles to equipment malfunctions to staffing issues. But through it all, we’ve learned the importance of adaptability and problem-solving. With the support of mentors and a commitment to staying organized, we’ve weathered the storms and emerged as more adept and proficient business owners as a result.

Despite the challenges we face, witnessing the delight on our customers’ faces as they savor our products and enjoy our establishment rejuvenates our spirits. Their satisfaction motivates us to persevere through any obstacles we encounter. Looking ahead, our objective is to broaden the reach of MilkyTreats, building more locations, and extending our commitment to spreading joy and positivity, one scoop at a time, to additional communities nationwide.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When it comes to showing my best friend the best time in Dallas, the options are endless. A culinary adventure would be at the top of the list, exploring the city’s diverse food scene. We’d start with a bowl of authentic ramen at Wabi House in Lower Greenville, followed by savoring Korean barbecue delights in KTown. For a taste of classic Texas barbecue, a visit to Hutchins is a must. Of course, no food tour would be complete without indulging in desserts at MilkyTreats.

After satisfying our appetites, we’d mix in some shopping and outdoor activities like golfing, pickleball, or exploring local trails. As night falls, the fun continues with visits to upscale bars in Uptown or hitting the dance floor at an EDM show, perhaps even venturing to an underground rave for a truly memorable experience. With Dallas offering a wide array of activities, boredom is simply not an option.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
We extend our commendations to Prive Beauty Spa and Elicit Lash Studios located in Wylie, Texas, on their recent grand opening. Owned by two dedicated and hardworking female entrepreneurs, who also happen to be my sisters, these establishments exemplify excellence in the beauty industry. Their unwavering support and invaluable mentorship have played a significant role in shaping my professional journey, imparting valuable lessons in business acumen, confidence-building, and exceptional customer service. I encourage you to visit Prive Beauty Spa and Elicit Lash Studios for all your lash and beauty needs.

Website: https://www.milkytreats.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milkytreatsicecream/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MILKYTREATSICECREAM/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/milky-treats-plano-2

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtnymOwiyDHV5IQuN8e-k8w

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@milkytreatsicecream?lang=en

Image Credits
Milkytreats