Our story

ear·nest1 ˈərnəst/
serious in intention, purpose, or effort; embodying sincerity

Since we launched in 2012, our goal has been to create ice cream that expresses our passions for flavour and creativity and to run a business that embodies our values.

Founders of Earnest Ice Cream at the beginning, wiith rolling cart to sell ice cream at farmer's markets.

What started out as two friends, Erica and Ben, with an ice cream tricycle at the Vancouver Farmers Markets has now grown into four scoop shops, an ice cream truck, retailers around Metro Vancouver and an amazing team of hardworking humans. It is more than we dreamed of when we scooped our first cone, and we continue to be immensely grateful to all the people who have made this possible.

Today, we are focused on strengthening our workplace, learning from our staff, and continuously making EIC a place in which people feel welcome for who they are, can grow their leadership, and can build community with coworkers and customers.

Founders of Earnest Ice Cream with large company sign carved in wood.

Over the past ten years, we’ve also seen climate change become ever more urgent. As a small business, we know we have a responsibility to reduce our own carbon footprint and to advocate for bigger systems change. We continue to ask ourselves tough questions about growth, to improve our offering of plant-based flavours and to participate in coalitions and partnerships that amplify calls for meaningful climate action.

On a personal note, we’ve had to learn how to become different kinds of leaders as the business has grown, and to balance work with our growing families.