Meet Jocelyn Lightfoot | Owner of Hemp Ice Factory LLC.

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

Hi Jocelyn, as a parent, what have you done for you children that you feel has had the most significant impact?
I have always wanted to own my own business. I knew I would eventually become an entrepreneur, but after becoming a mother I just went for it. I wanted to be able to raise my children, see their first steps, exclusively breastfeed, etc. Becoming an entrepreneur allowed me to do all of those things and make my own rules. One rule is that my boys can tag along. They are able to learn about what it takes to be a business owner and I get to set the example. They are able to see everything from the mistakes I have made to just the overall growth of an idea blossoming into an actual business.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Hemp Ice Factory is home of the dopest frozen treat you’ll ever eat. Hemp Ice is made with whole organic fruits, alkaline water, organic cane sugar, Himalayan salt and infused with 33mg of CBD derived from the hemp plant. Hemp Ice is a refreshing, relaxing and revolutionary and that’s what set us apart from other brands. The infused sorbet-like category is very small. I haven’t come across many companies, if any at all that are doing what we do at HIF. Starting a business and building a brand is not easy at all. I started building HIF in 2018 and during that time it was illegal to make infuse consumable hemp products. I had to watch the laws develop and change in the state of Texas so I could apply for the proper license once it became legal. I spent over a year on just research. Recipes were never an issue because I have always made baby food and popsicles for my boys. I didn’t have to worry about product development so I was able to put more energy into research about Hemp, CBD and branding. Once I was ready to launch COVID 19 hit and changed everything. I had to decide if I was going to panic to stick to the plan. I decided to move forward with my plan and use that down time to develop my brand even more. I purchased a used cart and spent hours in the Houston sun fixing it up. I fixed up my vehicle so I could transport the cart from place to place. I made sure that I got the proper permits for my cart and I spent my entire savings on HIF. I was scared but not scared enough to quit. I had to make this work because if it didn’t then I would have to get a regular job. With every obstacle that presented itself (and there were plenty) I just problem solved and kept it moving. With those obstacles came plenty of lessons, but the number one lesson was never give up. One Challenge was getting my product into CBD stores. I knew that I would get turned down because dispensaries don’t carry freezers. They don’t carry freezers because this is a new category. I decided to swipe my credit card and purchase display freezers, brand them myself and sell them to the stores so they could carry HIF. I was so scared but it worked! I changed the game. It’s so cliché but you have to believe in yourself and you have to believe in your brand. People will have their opinions and will try to convince you to change up what you are doing but you have to stay true to your vision. I was able to block out a lot of negativity and other people’s fears by only discussing HIF with my team of advisors. I didn’t share anything until my brand and product was ready to test the market. During this journey I have realized that all of my past decisions and experiences have prepared me for Hemp Ice Factory even though HIF did not exist. I still have a long way to go but I am proud of the progress so far. Practice gratitude daily!!

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.
I would consider myself super lame lol but I do know a few hot spots in the city. We would go to a Daisies and Pancakes skating event for sure, eat at That Vegan Joint so she could try the vegan Whataburger, go on a bike tour with Third Ward Tours, check out some art galleries, check out some of the markets and of course Yoga class on Sunday with AK-47 Yoga.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Nipsey Hussle inspired me to let my ideas live and to stay strong. I started reading books off of his book list the day he was killed. Shoutout to my small circle of entrepreneurs that allowed me to share my ideas and gave me advise during the building of Hemp Ice Factory! Koron, Vikki and my brother Alan!! Shout out to my parents for forcing me to read when I was a kid. I had to read encyclopedias all the time. All of that helped with my business development. Shoutout to all of the entrepreneurs that allowed me to tag along growing up! I have always worked for small business owners and I have learned so much about the hustle. Shout out to Houston for embracing this Detroit girl. I still remember the feeling I felt when I moved here and someone said to me “Welcome to Houston”! Oh and Shout out to The Academy of Cannabis Science right here in Houston! I learned so much about Hemp and Cannabis with Dr. Davidson and her team. That was an incredible and much needed experience. Shoutout out to 93 Wellness for everything and Shoutout to Hydrate Hill.

Instagram: @HempIceFactory

Facebook: Hemp Ice Factory

Other: email TheHempIceFactory@gmail.com