Today we’d like to introduce you to Barbara Murphy.
Barbara , can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I opened Josi’s almost 4 years ago. In the 90’s I worked for a fortune 500 company in management. I had my son, John, in 2005 and decided to stay home to care for him. John was born with congenital birth defects and later developed epilepsy and diagnosed with Autism. His care was intensive at home but became easier over time. Before John turned 8 I had decided I wanted to re-enter the work force but just could not go back to an office job. I was active in the community with fundraising and school involvement so after talking to some folks the topic of ‘self serve frozen yogurt’ came up. That is when I started my business plan. I loved the idea of a sweet treat shop. I also love having a place that I can use to give back to the community.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has not always been a smooth road but it has been worth it. I was starting in an industry that I knew nothing about. I really needed to educate myself on different equipment, vendors, suppliers etc… Most people start a business around a service or product they love, However, there is so much more behind the scenes that can sometimes take you away from why you started in the first place. I love sweet treats and I love to see people happy. People come to my shop to be happy, no one leaves unhappy. That is why I love being here.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Josi’s Frozen Yogurt Cafe – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We are a self serve sweet treat shop. We use the finest quality product with real ingredients. Our Strawberry frozen yogurt has real strawberries in it. Our sea salt caramel pretzel has real salt, caramel and ground pretzels. We will be offering 15 flavors this summer, last summer was only 12. We have frozen yogurt, sorbets, Italian ice and custard. Besides froyo we offer smoothies, custom milkshakes, our special Fro-Joe (customer created and named), sodas and pizza. Finally, my favorite item is the personalized waffle fortune cookie.
We offer our space for free for Birthday parties, baby showers or events. Finally, we have a No Apologies event the 3rd Sunday of every month on the off season. It is a private event for families with disabilities . We lock the doors for runners, dim the lights and music for those sensory kids and have no pressure to play or talk. Just come and be yourself with no apologies for any behaviors or special abilities.
I’m proud of the product we serve. I am proud of the outreach we have been able to provide to families with disabilities, school fundraisers and much more. We have a lending library for the kids and adults including a kids corner with lots of fun toys.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love the diversity of the city. We have amazing neighbors that love this community. I am lucky enough to be able to meet them and talk to them when they come in. I have made so many new friends since opening Josi’s.
What do I like least about the city? We have too many homeless people. We need more resources available to them in the mental health and housing areas.
Contact Info:
- Address: 4032 N. Milwaukee Ave.
- Website: www.josisfrozenyogurt.com
- Phone: 7736287733
- Email: josisyogurtcafe@yahoo.com
- Instagram: Josisfrozenyogurt
- Facebook: Josi’s Frozen Yogurt Cafe
- Twitter: Josisyogurtcafe
Image Credit:
The Santa photo was Victoria Sanders
The Marketing photo for parties was Maryn Arreguin
