Meet Lesley Richmond of Holly Springs

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lesley Richmond.

Hi Lesley, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Mama Bird’s Ice Cream started as a dream fueled by family, flavor, and a whole lot of heart. My husband and I opened our first shop in Holly Springs eight years ago, inspired by the kind of homemade, nostalgic ice cream we grew up loving. We didn’t want just another scoop shop — we wanted to create something truly special.

So we went all in on quality. Our French-style ice cream is made with rich, custard bases, and we make many of our inclusions in-house — from brownies and cookies to sauces and crumbles. It’s truly a labor of love.

Over the years, we’ve grown not just in flavors but in community. We’ve catered weddings, partnered with local nonprofits, and even started offering our creations through carts and pop-ups. We’re now exploring franchising and expanding our reach, but we never forget what got us here: a passion for real, honest ice cream and the joy it brings to people’s lives.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road — but every bump has taught us something valuable.

Like many small businesses, we started with a lot of heart but limited resources. We juggled full-time jobs while launching the shop, worked long nights perfecting recipes, and made tough decisions about where to invest our time and money. Finding the right team, navigating seasonal highs and lows, and learning to grow without losing our identity — those were all big challenges.

One of the hardest moments came when we tried expanding to a second location. Despite our best efforts, it just didn’t take off the way we hoped. Closing that chapter was tough, but it helped us refocus on what makes Mama Bird’s special: quality, community, and staying true to our roots.

Through it all, the support of our customers and the love we have for what we do has kept us going. We’re stronger because of the struggles — and even more grateful for the sweet moments.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At Mama Bird’s Ice Cream, we specialize in small-batch, French-style ice cream — also known as frozen custard — which is made with an egg-based custard that gives it an ultra-rich, silky texture. What sets us apart is the love and intention behind every scoop. We don’t cut corners — many of our mix-ins like brownies, cookies, sauces, and pie crumbles are made in-house by our bakers. It’s a level of quality and care you can taste.

We’re also known for our unique and ever-evolving flavor list, our fun and approachable vibe, and our deep commitment to our community. Whether it’s our whimsical birthday cake flavor packed with house-made frosting and sprinkles or our seasonal creations using local ingredients, every flavor tells a story.

What we’re most proud of, though, is the experience we’ve created — a place where families make memories, where every guest feels valued, and where the product is just as joyful as the people serving it.

We don’t want to be just another ice cream shop. We want to be the one you can’t stop thinking about — the one that feels like home.

What does success mean to you?
For me, success isn’t just measured in sales or growth — it’s about impact, consistency, and connection. It’s seeing a family come in week after week, making Mama Bird’s part of their routine. It’s a child lighting up when they get to pick their favorite flavor, or a couple sharing a scoop on their first date. Those moments are success.

It’s also about staying true to our values: serving a quality product, supporting our team, and giving back to the community that supports us. If we can continue to grow without losing that heart — and create something that brings genuine joy to others — then I’d say we’re right where we’re meant to be.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Mamabirdsicecream.com
• Instagram: @mamabirdsicecream
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/mamabirdsicecream