noona’s story
blazin’ a trail of sweetness…
It all starts with the word, noona. Noona means big sister in the Korean language. My first happiest memory was becoming a big sister, and my second happiest memory was discovering ice cream. Hence, Noona’s Ice Cream. <3
For me, a good noona feeds you good food. And at Noona’s, I hope to always feed people damn good ice cream.
As a pastry chef and creative fascinated with ice cream, I experience most things with heightened sense. I can taste my feelings, and I find joy in making flavors out of the most memorable moments in my life… perhaps to recapture them over and over again. I’m sure a perfumer approaches scent in a similar manner. :)
But how Noona’s actually came into existence started in 2014. I found myself at a crossroads, trying to figure out my professional love and career path. I was working in operations for a small family-owned company and found myself immersed among entrepreneurial spirits. On my spare time, I’d make ice cream and share it with neighbors and friends. The small gesture of sharing ice cream created significant moments in time, sparking joy and indelible connections that continue to inspire me to this day.
In the Summer of 2016, I officially launched Noona’s into the world when I debuted on the same day as NYC’s annual ice cream contest held by Hester St Fair on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. I figured if I won best flavor, I was on to something special. Sure enough, I won best flavor for my Toasted Rice ice cream and here we are, 8 years in, known for churning up flavors unlike any other and carving our own path to being recognized as one of best.
On that note, whether you’re very fond of us or new to discovering Noona’s, it is a great joy to have Noona’s be part of your life and be your go-to choice.
xx,
Hannah Bae
aka your ice cream noona