Behind the Business Part 2: Meet Natalie Castro of Sunny Sundaes Luxury Ice Cream Cart
Some businesses sell a product. The memorable ones create a feeling people want to return to. This second installment of Behind the Business highlights Natalie not just as the name behind Sunny Sundaes, but as the person doing the work, shaping the experience, and showing what it looks like to build something personal from the ground up.
During my conversation with Natalie, I was reminded of the qualities that initially attracted me to her: her sincere and authentic personality. Meet Natalie Castro, a natural leader, mentor, mother, entrepreneur, and creator of smiles.
Journey Into Ice Cream
About a year ago, Natalie started her business after her daughter asked for an ice cream sundae bar at her birthday party. She and her husband constructed their first cart, which turned out to be a huge success! Soon, people began asking her to cater other events. In addition to ice cream, Natalie is willing to provide other treats such as esquite, churros, and tostilocos.
Personal Growth and Resilience
Natalie manages a full-time job at a national retail shipping chain while also operating her small business. Throughout this journey, her mom and husband have supported her, helping with building the carts and designing the custom banners, spoons, and menus.
But that's not Natalie's only venture! Surprisingly, she also 3D prints the napkin and spoon holders customized to match the theme. Her biggest challenge has been learning how to set up her carts precisely to her liking. Every event has been a learning experience and thats the only way to grow and improve.
Entrepreneurial Spirit
Managing several small businesses alongside household responsibilities can be overwhelming. Some days are less hectic than others. The chaos makes you doubt yourself and can become quite disheartening. Natalie advises to continue marketing, consistently promote yourself, and keep balancing and prioritizing tasks.
Hard work yields results. Natalie takes pride in the fact that after a year in business, she's already expanding and continues to do so. She is delighted to share her progress with others. She has observed that women often inquire about where she sources some supplies or even about her methods; she's glad to share and assist others in growing alongside her.
The comfort that other women feel in approaching Natalie to inquire about her industry secrets is not merely a coincidence; it is both a blessing and a profound testament to her character. This unique dynamic highlights the trust and respect she has cultivated within her professional community. his nurturing environment fosters a sense of camaraderie, allowing others to feel safe in seeking guidance and advice.
In essence, the comfort that other women experience when asking Natalie for her industry secrets is a reflection of her integrity, her selflessness, and her unwavering belief in the power of shared knowledge. It underscores the importance of mentorship and the profound impact that one individual can have on the professional journeys of many.
Overcoming Challenges
If you're not learning, you're not growing. Natalie has realized that not every client is meant to be yours. Occasionally, a lead will disappear, and quotes won't lead to anything, and that's perfectly fine. This occurs in every business. People decide who they want to collaborate with based on human emotions, especially when booking services for special events like birthday parties or weddings. Within her first year, Natalie booked Sunny Sundaes for a wedding and caught the attention of the next Bride to be! She hired Natalie's sundae cart for her wedding too! Word of mouth is the best referral source by far.
Balancing Life and Work
Like many working women, finding balance is the true challenge. Being a mom, a full-time employee, and investing immense effort into building your dream can be an exhausting journey. However, the end result is almost always worth the sacrifices and late nights. The drive to establish a successful business that she can proudly show her daughter, and everyone supporting her, motivates her to persevere. Time management is an essential skill for balancing work and life. Some days are chaotic, yet enjoyable! Natalie dedicates entire days to each responsibility, allowing her to concentrate on each one, and give it the attention it requires.
A simple piece of marketing advice that Natalie offers is to "Go for it." The greatest challenges new entrepreneurs encounter are fear and doubt. Natalie mentions she would advise her younger self to simply go for it, as there's never a perfect moment. Share those videos, every single one; don't worry about what other people think. Viewers connect with your imperfect human side, and that's what attracts and retains them!
Sunny Sundaes primarily uses social media for bookings. Natalie noted that she recently posted a TikTok featuring a new ice cream scooper, highlighting her affection for it and its efficiency. This video seems to have attracted the most views, and continues to engage her audience. You never know what will become popular, so share everything!
While private and corporate events have been the most lucrative, pop-ups are gaining popularity but haven't significantly increased clientele or sales.
Aspiring For The Future
Natalie is already immersing herself in meticulous planning for the upcoming year, carefully outlining her goals and aspirations for the months ahead. With a clear vision in mind, she hopes to be fully booked every weekend, offering a diverse range of engaging activities and services that cater to her audience's interests. Her ambition drives her to explore innovative ideas that will not only attract attention but also create memorable experiences for her clients. One of the most exciting projects that Natalie is currently developing is a vibrant and interactive slime bar. This unique concept will feature an assortment of slimes in an array of colors, each with its own distinct texture and appeal. As part of the slime bar experience, children will have the opportunity to customize their creations by selecting from a variety of "toppings" allowing them to personalize their slime to their liking. The slime bar is not only a reflection of current trends but also an exciting way for Natalie to engage with her young audience. Slime-making has surged in popularity, and Natalie is strategically positioning herself to capitalize on this growing trend. With her passion for creativity and her commitment to providing exceptional experiences, Natalie is poised to make a significant impact in her community and beyond in the coming year.
Sunny Sundaes Starts With More Than Dessert
For clients planning a party, hiring a custom ice cream and sweet treats experience, that kind of detail matters. Dessert is often one of the last things guests remember. When it is served with personality and care, it leaves a stronger impression.
What remains unseen behind the scenes is the extensive preparation involved in every event. Clients have the option to select their menu, flavors, toppings, and more. Natalie collaborates closely with the client to design banners, spoons, and menus that align with the theme. Planning for each event spans several weeks. From sourcing the treats, to 3D printing custom accessories, to printing the banners and menus, Natalie makes sure every detail is perfect.
Natalie Castro Is The Face and Hands Behind The Cart
Many small businesses begin with a vision, but they grow because someone is willing to show up for every detail.
For Sunny Sundaes, that person is Natalie Castro. As the owner and operator, Natalie is not removed from the day-to-day work. She is close to the experience. She understands that every event has its own rhythm, guest list, and expectation.
Her role brings together many identities at once: female founder, mom, business owner, and part of a growing circle of women building brands rooted in service, creativity, and personal connection.
Quickfire Questions
Coffee or tea? Coffee
Early bird or night owl? Early bird
Biggest business win this year? Watching the business grow!
One word that describes your entreprenureal journey? Be brave
Favorite way to celebrate a successful event of project? Get tacos and get home to rest!
Something that surprises people about you? Speaks Spanish-always surprises people!
Book Sunny Sundaes Luxury Ice Cream Cart & More for:
Birthday parties
Baby showers
Bridal showers
Weddings
Graduation celebrations
School and community events
Family reunions
Summer parties
Client appreciation events
Neighborhood gatherings
Where can people find you?
*Sunny Sundaes will be serving up her luxury at The Rosena Ranch Car Show on 10/3/2026 in San Bernardino, California. For more info, email bettysbubble9@gmail.com.
Sunny Sundaes reminds us that a business does not have to be massive to make an impact. Sometimes it starts with one cart, one idea, and one person willing to serve something joyful, one scoop at a time.
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