A milkshake with an interesting piece of wall decor inside BLYSS Ice Cream.
Matthew Smith|Marlin Chronicle
LYSS Ice Cream and Desserts, located in downtown Norfolk, has experienced great success, becoming a prominent post-dinner sweets stop for foodies and families alike. From classic flavors such as vanilla and chocolate to seasonal flavors like pumpkin spice, BLYSS maintains an ever changing menu bringing new flavors and experiences to their customers.
The modern design and aesthetically appealing decor is the first thing patrons will notice when walking into the ice cream parlor.Vibrant colors mixed with unique and intriguing furniture provide an atmosphere that lives up to the blissful nature of the shop’s name. The ambiance aims to draw in children and adults alike, acting as a lighthouse to draw in those craving a sweet treat after dinner.
Lakia, an employee at BLYSS, said, “I was so happy when I got hired here,” she said. “It’s hard not to love working at such a pretty place.”
The stunning interior does not only draw customers in but has a sense of modernistic beauty. This charming atmosphere provides an air of comfortability, aiming to please the customers eyes as well as their pallet. Consumers eat with their eyes first then their stomachs and BLYSS feeds both to fulfillment, satisfying the customers cravings even while waiting in line for their dessert.
This is not to discount the ice cream, as the weekly rotation of flavors make for a continually unique experience whether customers are ordering fan favorite flavors like strawberry cheesecake or pumpkin spice, or breaking away from the norm and trying the experimental ice cream nachos.
The experimental menu allows for customers to enjoy the classics while also having opportunities to tap into their wild side and try something new. Monae, another BLYSS employee said, “People usually stop by once or twice a week to try the new flavors or get their favorites.”
Classy and chic interior wall decor.
Matthew Smith |Marlin Chronicle
Although the shop’s beauty itself is profound, BLYSS’ true character comes from its staff, particularly the owner and manager, Bria Suggs. Suggs is more than just a smiling face that matches the ambience of the shop itself; she puts customers at ease, and is an inspiration and brings the best out of her employees. “I love working for Bria, she’s always around to help and keeps the after-dinner rush running smoothly,” Monae said.
Suggs is an army veteran, stationed for nearly a decade in Hampton at Langley Air Force Base. Making the jump from the military to ice cream may sound like a stretch, however her first job was serving blizzards at Dairy Queen.
Although youthful experience in the ice cream industry cannot be discounted, much of the success Suggs finds today she attributes to the time she spent on active duty while in service of her country. “It taught me discipline. It taught me how to focus. But most of all it taught me how to stay focused on the goal and never give up,” Suggs said.
The goal Suggs strives to achieve was started at the first mobile location she opened, Shake It Up. It is a vendor style milkshake bar, setting up shop all over the greater Virginia Beach area. This original business was a starting block for Suggs as it led into the opening of a more grounded storefront.This allowed her customers to engage easily with Suggs, the welcoming staff and the flavorful product.
Through the opening of BLYSS the foremost focus on public relations within the business trickles down from Suggs herself, to the rest of her employees and seeps into the walls of the business. Suggs made it clear that customer satisfaction is top priority, wanting BLYSS to become an, “ice cream shop for all ages,” giving people of all ages an ailment for sweet tooth cravings.
Suggs’ pride for BLYSS and attitude towards the people who walk in her front doors is reciprocated back to her which creates a community through ice cream. “I absolutely adore my customers and employees, they help me stay encouraged,” Suggs said. This positive frame of mind is the basis of the welcoming nature of the shop. “Even when I forget the positive impact I have or maybe I’m having a tough day, I can look outside of myself and encourage myself to bring smiles to others,” Suggs said.
Filled with tasty treats, a vibrant atmosphere, positive attitudes and smiling faces, BLYSS is a great example of a locally owned business. Located at 112 Granby St, Norfolk, just 15 minutes off campus, BLYSS offers many options for a delicious after dinner treat.
By Matthew Smith