Tucked into the heart of Uptown St. Augustine, Cookiebird Ice Cream Bar was born from a dream Mike and Kate Alfieri never imagined would fully come to life. With no formal restaurant background and years spent in corporate careers, creative work, and family life, the couple took a leap into entrepreneurship fueled mostly by instinct, passion, and a love for community. Along the way, they learned everything from staffing and customer service to soft serve recipes, machine repairs, and the delicate balance of running a family business together. What they created is more than an ice cream shop — Cookiebird has become a nostalgic gathering place rooted in connection, wellness, creativity, and the simple joy of slowing down for something sweet.

Follow Mike and Kate: @Cookiebird_IceCreamBar

This episodes Founding Sponsor: www.anastasiadesigngroup.com and find them on social media: IG @AnastasiaDesignGroup and on FB @AnastasiaDesignGroup

Chapters

00:00 – Behind the Scenes & Starting Over
00:44 – The Dream Behind Cookie Bird Ice Cream
02:51 – From Corporate Careers to Entrepreneurship
05:04 – Learning to Lead, Pivot & Build a Team
07:30 – Why St. Augustine Inspired the Business
09:48 – Creating Clean, Nostalgic Soft Serve for the Community
12:08 – Building a Local Gathering Place & Family Memories
16:09 – Entrepreneurship, Personal Growth & Morning Routines
23:05 – Balancing Marriage, Parenthood & Business Ownership
39:12 – Advice for Young Entrepreneurs & Dreaming Bigger

Connect with Host Leandra Sweet: @TheSoulLedSessions