From Snowballs to Self‑Belief: How Baltimore’s Ice Queens Founder Is Inspiring a New Generation of Entrepreneurs

In a city where grit and determination have always been part of the cultural fabric, one young entrepreneur is redefining what it means to rise against the odds — not just for herself, but for everyone watching her succeed.

At just 22 years old, Baltimore native Dasia Kabia took a leap of faith that would forever change her life and the lives of those around her. Today, as the co‑owner of Ice Queens Snowball Shop, Kabia stands as a testament to what can happen when talent meets tenacity — and when a woman refuses to let anyone tell her she’s too young or inexperienced to chase her dreams.

A Personal Struggle Lights a Fire

Kabia’s entrepreneurial journey did not begin with an easy part‑time job or a simple desire to be her own boss. It began with heartbreak.

At age 22, Kabia’s brother was diagnosed with cancer. The emotional burden of watching someone you love fight for their life is almost impossible to convey — but for Kabia, that challenge also became a catalyst for something greater. Burdened not by fear, but by the responsibility she felt toward her family, Kabia looked around her world and asked a difficult question: How can I help my parents with the mounting medical bills? How can I make sure we don’t lose ourselves under the weight of this crisis?

For Kabia, the answer came not in defeat — but in action.

The Birth of Ice Queens, and the First “No”

With a dream in her heart and courage in her step, Kabia began laying the groundwork for Ice Queens — a snowball shop that would soon become more than a business. Yet early on, she encountered skepticism from unexpected places.

When she reached out to a former boss for advice and support, he told her what so many young women hear far too often: “You’re too young, and you don’t have enough knowledge to run your own business.”

Rather than discourage her, the rejection fueled her. Kabia kept moving forward — not because she was naive, but because she was determined.

An Unexpected Ally — and a Leap of Faith

Sometimes, the most powerful support comes from where you least expect it.

Kabia often spoke candidly about her struggles with adulthood to her pediatrician. One day, what began as a simple rant about life’s challenges transformed into something extraordinary. A few weeks later, that same pediatrician — moved by Kabia’s drive, passion, and unshakeable resolve — became one of her first investors and a partner in Ice Queens.

Thus began a partnership forged not through experience, but through belief.

Together, Kabia and her mother, Melanie Kabia, became the mother‑daughter duo at the helm of Ice Queens — united by family, purpose, and the courage to build something meaningful.

Launching in the Face of a Pandemic

In 2020, just months after opening her first Ice Queens location, Kabia faced what every entrepreneur fears most: the world around her collapsed.

The COVID‑19 pandemic hit hard. Small businesses across the nation closed their doors. Foot traffic disappeared. People’s priorities changed overnight.

But Kabia did not.

Rather than fold under pressure, she adapted.

She reimagined operations. She learned how to pivot quickly. She developed new systems to stay afloat — demonstrating that being an entrepreneur isn’t just about launching an idea, but about evolving with it.

Adaptability, she learned, is one of the most powerful tools any business owner can possess — and sometimes, your survival depends on how quickly you shift.

Resistance, Resilience, and Rising Above

Starting a business as a young Black woman in Baltimore was never going to be easy — and the early days proved that.

Ice Queens faced more than just logistical obstacles. Kabia encountered outright hostility — theft, vandalism, and hurtful remarks from those who didn’t believe the business belonged in their community. Some went so far as to say the shop had no place in those neighborhoods, using divisive language like “you people” or disparaging labels meant to marginalize.

Yet every time negativity tried to pull her down, Kabia found an equal — and larger — force of positivity ready to lift her up.

When the Community Stepped In

After media outlets began sharing Ice Queens’ story, something remarkable happened: the very city that once questioned the business began to uplift it.

Baltimore came out in waves of support. Crowds flocked from all corners of the city. Friends, family, neighbors — even the Mayor — showed up to celebrate what Had become more than a snowball stand: a symbol of hope, representation, and community pride.

The overwhelming backing from the public was a turning point: not only had Ice Queens survived — it had become beloved.

Looking Ahead: Expansion, Inspiration, and Global Ambition

Now in 2025, Kabia and Ice Queens stand on the brink of a new chapter.

With plans to open a second location in spring 2026, the brand’s growth reflects more than commercial success — it reflects the power of purpose, resilience, and self‑belief.

Kabia’s ambitions are not limited to Baltimore; she dreams of building a global brand, inspiring young women and men everywhere to know that what you don’t know, you can learn — and as long as you have grit and drive, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.

Her message is simple yet profound:

You don’t need permission to follow your path. You need confidence in yourself — and the courage to take the first step.

Conclusion: The Real Lesson of Ice Queens

Dasia Kabia didn’t just build a business. She sparked a movement.

Her journey — from personal hardship to entrepreneurial triumph — shows us that belief is not a luxury but a necessity. It’s the engine that drives innovation, the strength that sustains us through adversity, and the beacon that draws others to follow.

To anyone who feels “too young,” “too inexperienced,” or told they can’t — let Ice Queens remind you of this:

If you truly believe in yourself, you will find a way.

Not tomorrow. Not “when you’re ready.”
Now.

Because belief isn’t something you wait for — it’s something you choose. And once you choose it, nothing can stop you.

To Follow Dasia and Learn more be sure to Follow Ice Queens at https://www.instagram.com/_icequeens