Kate Williams is the Founder and Recipe Creator of Kate's Ice Cream, a 100% plant-based and gluten-free ice cream company in Portland, OR. Since opening in 2019, Kate's Ice Cream has become a beloved part of the Portland food scene, quickly winning accolades such as Top Ice Cream Shop Winner 2023 + 2024 by Portland Monthly, 3rd Place Best Vegan Ice Cream Shop in America by VegNews, and National Award Winner 2nd Place for Salted Peanut Butter Brittle ice cream. Kate was inspired by her sister who couldn't have dairy and is on a mission is to create inclusive experiences through plant-based and gluten-free ice cream so that everyone is able to have the classic ice cream shop experience that many grew up with. They have locations on N Mississippi Ave and NW 23rd Ave.

>What is one aspect of your business that makes it unique?
We are 100% plant-based and gluten-free, meaning we serve everyone including those with allergies and intolerances.

>What's one of your favorite EO moments so far?
Listening to Meridith Elliot Powell speak last September, I loved her energy—she was so strong and confident.

>How do you unwind at the end of a long day?
Yoga! Books/Journaling! No tech!

>What's a critical mistake you made that was a major learning moment?
An expensive mistake I made early on in 2019 was taking on too much debt without a strong enough business plan to support it. I was playing too small and doing farmer's markets, pop-up shops, and grocery, but it wasn't enough to really profit. When I was finally ready to commit to a shop (2022), everything opened up and we really started bringing in income to pave the way for growth. 

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Kate joined EO Portland in 2024. Interested in joining a community of business founders? This could be your year! Learn more.