In a world where the familiar often feels safest, Rachel Burns chose to carve her own path, one scoop at a time. Stepping away from the structured world of corporate finance, she plunged into the art of ice cream making with nothing but a backyard garden, an old ice cream maker, and an idea that refused to be ignored. What started as an experiment with homegrown mint soon grew into Bold Spoon Creamery, a thriving business built on fearless creativity, unwavering determination, and a commitment to flavors as bold as her ambition.
Rachel's journey began in St. Louis, where she spent her formative years. After earning her MBA from Webster University in 2000, she embarked on a successful two-decade career in finance. While thriving in the corporate world, Rachel’s love for gardening inspired a new endeavor. Faced with an accidental overabundance of mint, Rachel dusted off an old ice cream maker and began experimenting. This humble hobby soon became the highlight of gatherings, with friends and family eagerly anticipating her next frozen creation.
The seeds planted in her garden blossomed into a bold vision. In 2019, Rachel laid the legal groundwork for what would become Bold Spoon Creamery. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 presented unforeseen challenges, but Rachel's innovative spirit shone through. With traditional sales avenues uncertain, she adapted by launching a website and personally delivering samples of her ice cream in her University City neighborhood. This grassroots approach led to her first $40 order and laid the foundation for a burgeoning enterprise.
When Rachel was starting out, she gathered a trusted group of friends and peers—an informal tasting panel who dubbed themselves "The Spoons." These dedicated taste testers played a crucial role in refining her recipes. Rachel would have them silently sample each flavor, then complete a survey detailing their impressions on front-end and back-end flavors, creaminess, texture, and overall taste experience. This meticulous feedback process allowed her to fine-tune her recipes, ensuring every serving met her high standards before making its way to customers.
Bold Spoon Creamery's presence soon graced the Tower Grove Farmers' Market in the heart of St. Louis, where Rachel engaged directly with the community offering samples and compiling feedback. By July 2020, Smokehouse Market in Chesterfield became the first retail store to feature her products, which would prove to be the catalyst for large-scale distribution. Embracing the philosophy that "pivoting in motion would be easier than standing still," Rachel continued to navigate the evolving landscape with agility and foresight.
In January of 2021, Rachel and her husband, Corey, purchased a 57-acre farm in Park Hills where they could effectively scale their business and harvest natural ingredients. They dedicated four months to renovating their production facility, transforming it into a commercial kitchen, and were quickly approved for production. They began growing fruits and herbs, embodying the true essence of "farm to bowl".
Rachel's commitment to bold flavors is illustrated by creations like Goat Cheese & Fig, inspired by her appreciation for charcuterie pairings. Rachel is deliberate in partnering with local artisans, such as Baetje Farms in Bloomsdale, MO, which reflects her dedication to community and quality. At Bold Spoon Creamery you won’t find your run-of-the-mill Vanilla or Rocky Road. The name "Bold Spoon" invites us to challenge our palates and savor unique combinations.
Rachel's journey is also marked by her dedication to empowering others. As a mentor and speaker, she shares her insights with aspiring entrepreneurs through the Farmington Regional Chamber of Commerce and the University of Missouri-St. Louis Entrepreneurship Center. Her involvement with local schools and the Future Business Leaders of America reflects her commitment to nurturing the next generation.
Today, Bold Spoon Creamery's delights can be found at Ole Tyme Pantry, and regional Schnucks grocers, as well as in venues such as Energizer Park, Enterprise Center, and The Dome at America's Center. Bold Spoon Creamery also has partnerships with St.Louis University, Lindenwood University, and Washington University campuses who carry her products as well. With a dedicated team in Park Hills and St. Louis, Rachel continues to dream big. She aims to expand her brand nationally while still focusing on intentional and strategic growth, deepening connections with current clients, and maintaining the integrity that has become synonymous with the Bold Spoon name.
Rachel Burns has built more than a business, she has created a legacy of passion, purpose, and bold ambition. As a trailblazer, mentor, and innovator, she inspires others to push past uncertainty and chase their dreams with the same fearless determination that turned a simple backyard experiment into a thriving brand. She reminds us that greatness lies in the willingness to take chances, embrace new possibilities, and create something extraordinary. With every scoop of her handcrafted ice cream, she challenges us to be bold, take risks, and savor the beauty of the unexpected.
All ingredients are intentionally grown or sourced, ensuring bold flavors that celebrate freshness, quality, and craftsmanship in every spoonful.