In the heart of Baltimore, on a corner once doubted and dismissed, stands a snowball shop that’s far more than a summer treat stop. It’s a symbol of hustle, heart, and hope — built by a young woman who refused to wait her turn.
Dasia Kabia, co-owner of Ice Queens, didn’t just open a business. She planted a flag. At just 22 years old, she defied industry norms, doubters, and devastating challenges to prove one thing: your age doesn’t define your ability — your actions do.
A Family Crisis Sparked a Fire
Kabia’s journey started with something no one ever plans for — a phone call, a diagnosis, a life turned upside down. Her brother had cancer, and her family was suddenly facing the emotional and financial weight that comes with it.
While most people her age were still figuring out life after college or starting their first jobs, Kabia was focused on something else entirely: finding a way to help. She didn’t want to be a burden. She wanted to be part of the solution.
And in the middle of the chaos, an idea formed.
A Bold Dream — Met With “No”
Kabia envisioned something colorful, joyful, and rooted in Baltimore tradition — a snowball stand. But when she sought advice and support from a former employer, the response was clear — and crushing.
“You’re too young. You don’t know enough. You’re not ready.”
That “no” could have been the end of the story. But for Kabia, it was just a spark.
She didn’t retreat. She regrouped. And she started building anyway.
Help From an Unlikely Place
One day, while venting to her pediatrician about the hard reality of adulthood, something unexpected happened. Her doctor listened — not just to the frustrations, but to the fire behind them.
Weeks later, she offered to become one of Kabia’s first investors. Just like that, a childhood connection became a business partnership, and a dream began to take shape in reality.
In 2020, Dasia and her mother, Melanie Kabia, opened the doors to Ice Queens — a mother-daughter team, anchored by faith and fueled by determination.
Then Came a Pandemic
Barely a few months in, COVID-19 struck.
Businesses shuttered. Streets emptied. The rules of operation changed overnight. But instead of panicking, Kabia pivoted.
She adjusted her strategy, rethought logistics, and found creative ways to serve customers safely. Flexibility became her superpower. In an environment where thousands of businesses folded, Ice Queens stayed open — and found its rhythm.
Resistance Was Real — But So Was Resilience
While building the business, Kabia faced challenges far beyond profit margins and supply chains.
She dealt with theft. Vandalism. Racist, coded language from people who made it clear they didn’t want her business in their neighborhood. Comments like “you people” and “this type of place” were all too common.
But instead of breaking her, it only clarified her mission. Ice Queens wasn’t just a snowball shop — it was a stand against exclusion, against bias, against small-mindedness.
The City Showed Up
Then the media told her story. And Baltimore responded with love.
From every corner of the city, people showed up — not just to buy snowballs, but to show support. Community members, families, local leaders — even the Mayor — came to stand behind the message Kabia represented.
Ice Queens became more than a shop. It became a landmark of perseverance.
Looking Forward: A Brand, A Movement, A Message
Now in 2025, Ice Queens is preparing to open a second location in spring 2026. Kabia’s vision is growing, and so is her voice.
She dreams of building Ice Queens into a global brand — one that not only serves sweet treats, but inspires future leaders, especially young women and men of color. Her message to them is clear:
What you don’t know, you can learn. And if you’ve got the drive, you can make it happen.
She believes that experience is earned, not handed out. And that every young person with a spark deserves the chance to light up their own path.
Conclusion: Closed Mouths Don’t Get Fed
Kabia often shares a phrase that has defined her journey: “Closed mouths don’t get fed.” It’s not just a saying — it’s a mindset.
She spoke up. She asked for help. She risked being told no — and was told no. But she kept going. She built anyway.
Today, Ice Queens stands as proof that belief isn’t something given to you — it’s something you cultivate.
So, to every dreamer waiting for permission: Don’t wait. Believe harder. Start now.
Because if you truly believe in yourself — you will find a way.
Follow Dasia Journey Here https://www.instagram.com/_icequeens
