Bringing nostalgic flavors to life with Tizzy K’s

Tess 'Tizzy' and Kelly Ireland, co-owners of Tizzy K's

A great idea can be the spark that starts a small business. After discovering cereal milk ice cream, Tess ‘Tizzy’ Sullivan and partner Kelly Ireland set on a mission to create their favorite flavors for themselves. The pair worked in the service industry for over a decade before launching their business, Tizzy K’s. Selling exclusively cereal-milk infused flavors, the pair owns locations in both Providence and Warren. They hope to one day open their flagship location, complete with manufacturing capabilities and games for visitors to enjoy. 

Tess ‘Tizzy’ and Kelly Ireland shared their path to cereal milk, hopes for the future, and advice for entrepreneurs. 

Fruity Pebbles is just one of the many cereal flavored items on the menu, rotating daily throughout the season.

What sparked your decision to make cereal milk ice cream?

 Tess: About seven years ago, Kelly and I were watching the ‘Chef’ documentary episode that featured Milk Bar’s Christina Tosi. She had over 15 bakeries in New York and created this concept of cereal milk ice cream. I had never been so moved by an idea. I had to have it. Kelly and I took a day off the following week, driving to New York with the hopes of meeting Christina herself (I’m not sure why I thought that would happen, but I can dream!?) and a plan to try our favorite cereals as ice cream. 

Once we arrived, we realized that the only flavor on the menu was corn flakes. Corn flakes? Where were the fruity pebbles? Frosted flakes? We left in search of these flavors, but found nothing in all of New York. We returned home, knowing we had to figure out how to make it for ourselves. 

After some recipe research and experimenting we made a big batch of golden graham cereal mix and left it in the fridge overnight to churn the next day. We knew we had something special when we couldn’t stop drinking it before morning!

What is your ice cream creation process? 

Tess: We spend between 60-75 hours a month steeping cereal into our delicious ice cream base and straining it out to create our cream milk. Then we churn, churn, churn!! It’s such a difficult process with the cereal but it’s definitely worth it!!  

What has it been like building your team?

Tess: It’s really challenging growing a team! We’ve been lucky with a wonderful and dedicated Team Tizzy. They really care about making people happy and having fun with the customers. Our reviews always reflect the amazing customer service experience. It’s the thing that brings us the most joy. But also there’s so many challenges, when issues arise it’s definitely the most stressful part of owning a business! But I wouldn’t change it. :) 

What is your dream for Tizzy K’s?

Tess: We want to eventually open a true flagship location; one where we can manufacture ice cream and churn milkshakes. It will be more than ice cream - we want this to be a destination to make memories. We’d like to include games or experiences for customers to enjoy alongside their favorite ice cream. 

What is your advice for entrepreneurs looking to start their own business?

Kelly: Start small - it’s going to take a lot longer than you think. A lot of people have this idea that they can’t start a business without money to invest in it. We started with just an idea and the confidence to make it happen. Having a huge initial investment could potentially amplify those mistakes you’re going to make in your first few years. Have a job and do this on the side as you build it up, learning from your mistakes as you go. 

Tess: You have to be very passionate about your idea, because it’s going to take more work than you can imagine, and you have to have five years of foresight knowing that it’ll take a long time to see any results. Start where you are and grow. When we started we had no dollars to our names. How did we do it? I don’t know - and yet we did! If you dream it and keep working at the goal, you’ll get there. 

Tizzy K’s is located at James, S Water St, Providence, RI 02903 and  747 Main St, Warren, RI 02885. Both locations will close for the season on Halloween and reopen in the spring.