JB’s Ice Pops
Creating popsicles from ingredients sourced at local urban farms is a refreshing way to celebrate seasonal flavors while supporting community agriculture. Jena of JB’s Ice Pops utilizes fresh fruit, herbs, and even edible flowers grown nearby ensures vibrant taste and peak freshness. These homemade treats not only reduce reliance on processed sugars and artificial additives but also highlight the unique flavors of Detroit. You can find JB at Eastern Market or, if you’re lucky, you might spot her on hot, sticky days cruising around the city on her bicycle, prepared to beat the heat with her popcicles!
Why and how did you decide to start a food business?
I’ve always loved cooking and baking and had dreamed of starting a food business for years. I’m also passionate about supporting local food systems and farmers—I even worked on a vegetable farm at one point. During the pandemic, I made fruit and herb popsicles for myself and realized they could be a fun and creative way to stay involved in the local food scene. That’s when the idea really took off.
How long have you been in business?
Since 2021!
How has owning a business changed from when you first got started?
In the beginning, it was all about figuring things out—what equipment, freezers, and packaging would work for popsicles, what licenses were required, finding a commercial kitchen, and learning how to run events without the popsicles melting! I also spent a lot of time doing outreach and promotion to secure events and attract customers.
Now, the main challenge is keeping up with demand as the business grows. I originally thought I’d just sell at a few local spots, but I never imagined it would take off like this—selling in cafés, catering weddings and corporate events, and doing festivals across Southeast Michigan. Or that eight people would get popsicle tattoos at my latest anniversary party!!
Can you tell us about your signature items?
JB’s Ice Pops are all-natural and made with local ingredients whenever possible. Our two most popular flavors are Michigan Cherry and Basil Lemonade.
The Basil Lemonade pop features basil grown in Detroit and around Michigan, paired with beet sugar, water, and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
The Michigan Cherry pop is made by blending Michigan tart cherries with local beet sugar, water, and a splash of fresh lime juice.
How has utilizing the food business programming and incubator kitchen in Eastern Market impacted your growth?
We couldn’t have grown the way we have without the Eastern Market kitchen. I visited several commissary kitchens, but none had the infrastructure we needed like Eastern Market did. Beyond the facilities, the sense of community has been incredible. Everyone is supportive—many of us are juggling this work alongside day jobs—and it’s encouraging to know we’re all in it together.
The way Chef Ederique and the team have expanded support for local food businesses is inspiring. It feels great to be part of a movement that’s helping to build a thriving local food ecosystem.
Do you have advice for future food business entrepreneurs?
If you think you might want your product featured on TV someday, start preparing for that now—so when the opportunity comes, you’re ready to crush it.
Once, I was asked at the last minute to go on TV for National Ice Cream Day. I jumped at the chance, but it didn’t go well because I hadn’t prepared. I hadn’t thought through how to present the popsicles visually, how to talk about my business on camera, or how to use my ingredients as props—all in under five minutes. Learn from my experience: prepare ahead of time, even if it feels premature!
“ It feels great to be part of a movement that’s helping to build a thriving local food ecosystem.”
You can find Jb’s Ice Pops at Eastern Market in Detroit, locally at these shops, or you can order bulk pops for special events here.
IG: jbs_icepops
Web: jbsicepops.com
Photos courtesy of JB