Article contentEwan said he’s noticed it gets busier the last two to three hours.Article content“It’s because people want ice cream after dinner. But you usually have to rush to the ice cream places to get it,” Ewan said.Article contentArticle contentA need for employmentArticle contentAs Webb was preparing to open the colourful ice cream parlour downtown, she took to social media to look for employees. The response, again, was overwhelmingly positive.Article content“Do you or someone you know want a fun summer job? No experience required, and only a willingness to be joyful and share smiles with all that come in,” Webb wrote on Facebook.Article contentShe said the ideal candidate would be 15 years of age and older, and they can be neurodivergent.Article content“Everyone needs a first job, or one that makes them smile. Come help us serve happiness in a cone.”Article content Ice Cream on Elm owner Sarah Webb watches as her son, Ewan, scoops out some hard ice cream. One of the main reasons behind her opening the Wolfville shop was to give neurodivergent youth, and first-time job seekers, somewhere to gain workplace experience. Photo by Carole Morris-Underhill /Valley Journal-AdvertiserArticle contentIce Cream on Elm currently has 16 employees. This is 19-year-old Lucy Ducarme’s first job. Webb said she has a strangulated vocal cord, so she speaks quietly, but she’s been doing a wonderful job.Article contentThe Hantsport resident, who likes cotton candy ice cream the best, said she applied for the job as she “wanted to get some job experience and practise socializing more.”Article contentArticle contentDucarme said the most challenging aspect is speaking loud enough for customers and scooping ice cream when it’s solid.Article contentShe describes the ice cream parlour as “a cosy spot where the community can be together.”Article contentDucarme would encourage other first-time job seekers to apply.Article content“Our team is friendly, fun, and easy to chat with.”Article contentEwan concurs.Article content“I can improve my social skills. I now know I have actual income,” he said of the benefit of working there.Article content After losing the family’s pagoda during a rainstorm, Sarah Webb opted to incorporate one at her new ice cream shop in Wolfville. She’s pictured with her son, Ewan, who has ADHD, autism, and AFRID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder), and works at the ice cream parlour. Photo by Carole Morris-Underhill /Valley Journal-AdvertiserArticle contentHe said he also enjoys being able to explore downtown following his shifts.Article contentAnother perk of the job, he said, is getting a free ice cream when you’re working. He hasn’t determined his favourite flavour yet – but he’s enjoying trying them.Article contentWebb said she helps train the new employees and pairs staff up for shifts. She said both neurotypical and neurodivergent people work at the shop.Article content“Part of the job is providing some leadership, and coaching, and paired work,” Webb said.Article contentShe said it’s heartwarming to see the youth blossom, building confidence one scoop at a time.Article contentArticle contentShe’s also removed some of the stress associated with job hunting. She doesn’t require a resumé. She prefers to talk to the candidate to get a sense of who they are.Article content“Because kids don’t have resumés, and they’re going to stress about it, especially neurodivergent (youth),” she said.Article content“We’ve all been there and not had anything to put on our resumé, or don’t have a resumé. So that doesn’t matter to me. You could often tell if it’s a good fit just through a conversation.”Article contentArticle contentLooking to the futureArticle contentNow that the initial opening is behind her, Webb said she’s planning on expanding the menu in the near future.Article content“We’re slowly expanding. The first couple weeks, we just did scooped ice cream. Then we started making waffle cones, so everybody’s learning the trick of making waffle cones and bowls,” Webb said.Article contentNext up will be ice cream sandwiches. Then, sundaes and milkshakes.Article content“We’re just trying to not overwhelm everybody.”Article content Pops of colour and giant, whimsical flowers adorn the interior of Ice Cream on Elm in Wolfville. Sarah Webb, the owner, said she wanted to make the ice cream parlour feel bright and welcoming to customers. Photo by Carole Morris-Underhill /Valley Journal-AdvertiserArticle contentUnlike many ice cream locations in Nova Scotia, Webb is planning to stay open year-round.
Wolfvilles new ice cream shop serving up happiness in a cone
