Scoop by Scoop: How Tamara Keefe’s Bold Vision Turned Clementine’s Ice Cream into a Nationally Celebrated Brand

June 9, 2025 | By ICIC

From humble beginnings to an IC100 award-winning microcreamery, Tamara Keefe is redefining what innovation tastes like.

When Tamara Keefe set out to create Clementine’s Ice Cream in 2015, she wasn’t chasing a trend—she was answering a calling. The idea wasn’t just about opening an ice cream shop. It was about recapturing the joy and connection that ice cream had brought to her family during tough times, and reimagining that experience for a new generation of customers. “Ice cream has always been personal for me,” Tamara explains. “We couldn’t afford to buy it growing up, so we made our own with a hand-crank maker. That experience didn’t just bring us together as a family—it connected us to our community.”

That spirit of connection—combined with a fierce entrepreneurial drive and an unwavering commitment to quality—has helped Clementine’s grow from a single idea into a standout brand with eight scoop shops, a thriving nationwide shipping program, and big plans for expansion. Today, Clementine’s is celebrated for its imaginative flavors, small-batch production, and luxurious ingredients. It’s also a testament to what happens when innovation is guided by values, authenticity, and just the right amount of butterfat.

Reimagining Ice Cream with Purpose

Innovation at Clementine’s doesn’t mean following fads. It means asking better questions. “For me, innovation means doing things differently—with purpose,” says Tamara. “We didn’t just open another ice cream shop—we redefined what ice cream could be.”

“For me, innovation means doing things differently—with purpose. We didn’t just open another ice cream shop—we redefined what ice cream could be.”

From launching a first-of-its-kind line of alcohol-infused “naughty” flavors to creating rich, indulgent non-dairy options before they became mainstream, Tamara has consistently led with curiosity and courage. “The science behind our boozy ice creams was incredibly tricky. Everyone told me it couldn’t be done,” she recalls. “I spent nights in my kitchen with empty rum bottles and melting batches, but I finally cracked it. That’s how Boozy Banana Rum was born—it became one of our best-sellers and helped put us on the map.”

That relentless experimentation continues to shape Clementine’s, as the team crafts limited-edition collections inspired by everything from books and films to customer memories. “Great ice cream should spark curiosity and conversation,” Tamara says. “That belief drives everything we do.”

Scaling with Strategy and Soul

Like many successful entrepreneurs, Tamara credits key moments of learning and support that helped her business evolve. A turning point came when she joined the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses (10KSB) program—a rigorous initiative designed to help entrepreneurs scale sustainably. “It was a game-changer,” she says. “As a founder, it’s easy to get stuck in the weeds. 10KSB gave me the tools and space to think strategically about growth.”

“As a founder, it’s easy to get stuck in the weeds. 10KSB gave me the tools and space to think strategically about growth.”

The program sharpened her skills in financial modeling, leadership, and growth planning—and perhaps just as important, connected her with a network of like-minded entrepreneurs. “There’s something powerful about being in a room with people who understand what it takes to build something from the ground up,” she adds.

That foundation laid the groundwork for Clementine’s strategic growth. The company is now expanding into new markets like Kansas City and Bentonville and is eyeing further expansion in retail and hospitality. “We’re not just scaling to get bigger—we’re scaling to get better. Every new store, every new channel, has to preserve the magic of who we are.”

Innovation That Listens and Leads

At Clementine’s, innovation starts with deep listening. “We use customer feedback as a compass,” Tamara shares. “We don’t just want to follow trends—we want to meet people where they are and surprise them in the best way possible.”

This intentional approach extends beyond product development into every aspect of the business. From sourcing hormone-free, grass-grazed dairy and partnering with local suppliers, to creating inclusive, welcoming spaces that reflect the diverse communities they serve, Clementine’s builds with purpose. “We believe doing good and doing well go hand in hand,” Tamara says. “Innovation isn’t just about being different. It’s about being intentional.”

Recognition That Reflects Impact

That purpose-driven innovation hasn’t gone unnoticed. In 2023 and 2024, Tamara Keefe and Clementine’s Ice Cream were named to ICIC’s IC100 Awards list, a prestigious national list recognizing the 100 fastest-growing businesses in under-resourced communities. The honor celebrates both financial success and a commitment to community—and it’s a recognition Tamara doesn’t take lightly.

“Being named an IC100 award winner means the world because it honors the heart behind the hustle.”

“I’m proud to be part of a community that lifts each other up,” she says. “Being named an IC100 award winner means the world because it honors the heart behind the hustle.”

Looking Ahead: A Scoop of the Future

In the next five years, Tamara envisions Clementine’s as a beloved national brand rooted in Midwestern values but known coast to coast. “We’re dreaming big—more scoop shops, more partnerships, more joy,” she says. But even as they grow, Tamara is clear: Clementine’s will never lose sight of what made it special.

“Innovation will power our future—whether that’s through sustainability, new flavors, or immersive customer experiences. But we’ll always lead with heart,” she says. “We’ve built something magical by being bold, different, and deeply human. That’s the future I want to keep building—one scoop at a time.”

Advice from the Ice Cream CEO

For fellow entrepreneurs chasing innovation, Tamara offers this wisdom: “Don’t wait for permission to be different. Start with purpose. Stay curious. Listen deeply. And when you face resistance—and you will—remember that it often means you’re onto something worth doing.”

And perhaps most importantly: “Innovation isn’t always flashy. Sometimes, it’s quiet. But if it’s rooted in your ‘why,’ it will last.”

“Innovation isn’t always flashy. Sometimes, it’s quiet. But if it’s rooted in your ‘why,’ it will last.”

Clementine’s isn’t just about ice cream—it’s about bringing people together, sparking joy, and showing what’s possible when business and community grow together. Tamara’s approach proves that when innovation meets intention, the results aren’t just sweet—they’re unforgettable.

About Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses provides business education, support services, and pathways to capital for growth-oriented entrepreneurs. Participants gain practical skills to take their business to the next level, with topics like financial statements, negotiations, and marketing. The program is offered tuition-free and delivered in partnership with academic institutions across the country.

Learn more about Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses at icic.org/10ksb.

About the IC100 Awards
Since 1999, ICIC has identified and honored the 100 fastest-growing businesses located in under-resourced communities through the prestigious IC100 Awards. Throughout this period, ICIC has had the privilege of learning about and highlighting more than 1,000 remarkable business leaders and companies from across the United States. These firms have proven to be catalysts for job growth and promoters of a thriving, inclusive economy, even amidst challenging circumstances. Furthermore, they have actively contributed to the enhancement of their communities by generously donating their time and resources to local organizations and charitable causes.

Learn more about the IC100 Awards and eligibility criteria for this year’s list at icic.org/ic100.