FLINT, MI – An 11-year-old business owner will debut a combined ice cream shop and children’s spa on Saginaw Street this week
A soft opening is planned for Taylor Rae’s Ice Cream Spa at 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, during downtown Flint’s Christmas lighting ceremony.
“The shop will fully open Monday,” said Ray Tyler, father of Taylor Rae Tyler.
The 2,600-square-foot building at 130 E. Second St., next to the Capitol Theatre, was formerly known as The Eberson before Pop Rox opened in early 2023.
Pop Rox closed last year, giving an opportunity for Taylor Rae to open her business.
The new shop is designed as a colorful hangout spot offering premium ice cream, handcrafted milkshakes, a seasonal hot chocolate bar, themed kids’ events, family nights, and photo-ready spaces created with Taylor Rae’s own ideas.
It’ll also host birthday parties, girls’ day outings, school visits and adult date-night events.
Tyler said the business belongs entirely to his daughter.
He added that his daughter’s interest in business started young and grew from watching him.
“She’s seen me do it,” he said. “As she grew up, I’ve always owned businesses, so she grew up in it and that’s all she knew about me, is business, business, business.”
He said she often shares ideas with him and has always been “very attentive.”
Tyler previously opened a princess spa for her when she was eight years old at Genesee Valley Center.
“She loves to get her nails done,” he said.
He said the new business combines two of her favorite things: ice cream and nails.
Tyler emphasized that the downtown space is intended for everyone.
“I don’t want people to think that it’s just a kid place,” he said. “It’s a family place… people can still come in and get ice cream.”
It is the first indoor ice cream place downtown Flint, Tyler said, with tables and chairs for visitors to sit and enjoy their treats.
He said his daughter hopes her story inspires others.
“She’s the youngest business owner downtown Flint,” he said. “I just want to let people, the kids, know that anything’s possible. They can do anything.”
The design and visual identity of the new business were created in collaboration with Conglomerate Design, along with Trinisha Webster and Krystal Watson of Krystal Kreations, who helped bring Taylor Rae’s vision to life.
A formal ribbon cutting will be held later, Tyler said, but the family wants the community to stop in during Friday’s soft opening.
Follow Taylor Rae’s Ice Cream Spa on Facebook.
Dining and Cooking