Waxahachie teacher enjoys ‘cool’ moonlighting job
WAXAHACHIE – While not all students are fans of their teachers, Waxahachie resident Joy McDonald (a junior high teacher by day) can be certain her cool ratio goes up when it comes to her side hustle.
That being Frios Gourmet Pops Waxahachie, where she instantly becomes a kid (and adult) magnet.
McDonald purchased the Frios Gourmet Pops Waxahachie franchise in February 2020, right before the pandemic hit.
“My company sells gourmet flavored popsicles,” McDonald said. Actually, to the tune of about 30 flavors right out of the Frio Pop trailer.
“The popsicles are made with all-natural ingredients and no preservatives,” McDonald added. “The flavors are so good that once people try them, they are so impressed.”
Her territory is Ellis County and Mansfield, but she also does weddings, birthday parties, office parties, teacher appreciation and any other event where a frozen treat is appropriate for the celebration.
Frios Gourmet Pops is headquartered in Mobile; Alabama and popsicles are made fresh each week.
“We have gluten and dairy free options,” McDonald said.
“During the spring we partner with the Girls Scouts, and we have popsicles that have actual Girl Scout cookies in them. We have a mint flavor, a coconut flavor as well as a peanut butter flavor.”
The popsicle truck is always open too, and there are seasonal flavors including watermelon for the summer, pumpkin in the fall – and for winter customers can enjoy the peppermint white chocolate and eggnog.
McDonald decided to open Frios Gourmet Pops after a family member opened a store and seemed to really enjoy running her own business.
“I also researched the company and found out that Frios was one of the fastest growing franchises out there,” she added.
McDonald’s favorite moments are when she watches someone take their first bite of the popsicle and not realize how great they are.
“Another favorite moment was selling popsicles at the Tulipalooza festival,” she said. “This was an event that was a huge fundraiser for special needs adults in our community. I gave free pops to special needs volunteers. Just seeing their face when they felt valued for being a volunteer and getting a free popsicle was priceless.”
McDonald said too her new business is a family effort.
“A lot of times I’m by myself, but my husband Scott and my kids and other family members help out when I get really busy,” she concluded. “Running a small business can be hard to get started but it can also be rewarding. Popsicles give such joy to people, and that’s what brings me joy when things get really tough.”