Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Rucks.
Hi Ashley, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Opening a Boba shop never even crossed my mind when I was trying to figure out my “life plan” after graduating high school. There was always one thought in the back of my mind though, I wanted something of my own, and I didn’t want to work the typical office job. The start of it all isn’t really that exciting, I was scrolling on Facebook market one day before work (retail job) and saw an old vintage camper that they previously sold coffee & boba out of. I showed my mom and asked her what she thought of me purchasing it to do the same thing, she told me “Sure whatever you want to do!” and from that moment I was set on opening the boba camper. My parents drove me to Lindale Tx and we bought the camper and brought it home! There was only one issue tho, I had no idea how to make boba drinks, LOL! So, my family and I worked on different recipes, how to cook tapioca, where to purchase supplies from, and all the permits you have to get to even open a “food” truck! It felt like the longest process ever, and I definitely should’ve done more research beforehand, but what can I say, I’m a spontaneous person! May 8th, 2021 we (My sister and my mom helped work the camper too) opened the camper window and sold boba in Palmer Tx. I am now coming up on a year of being open. The rest is kind of history, I quit my retail job to peruse my business full time, did events in the camper every weekend, got my business name out there and we were busy! It didn’t take long for me to become determined on my next goal of opening up a permanent location, that was also a long process Haha, but I look back now and think of how far I’ve come in just a year. I definitely couldn’t have gotten this far without my family’s unconditional support and the community for helping my business grow so quickly.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Nothing about running your first-time business goes smoothly, there is always a bump in the road. It is CRAZY with the amount of rules each city has on permits for food trucks, all the inspections and fees were something I didn’t do enough research on before, especially since each city is different. It is also a struggle to make sure everything is packed before you hit the road, there is something I’m always forgetting to pack!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
When I opened the location, I knew I wanted to add more drinks to the menu and also just have more creative freedom & make fun drinks! Each holiday my sister Sarah and I love to come up with fun and creative drinks that fit the theme and it’s honestly become what we’re known for, our customers love each drink collection we’ve released. We love adding glitter, candy, colored whipped cream, and whatever else we can come up with to make the picture-perfect drink and of course make it tasty too. I think what sets us apart is our love for funky and fun drinks and that our customers love it too! We love handing them our creations and seeing their face light up with joy, that’s what makes it all worth it.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I would not have made it this far without my family! Whatever mess I get us into they’re always there to get me out of it! My sister Sarah has been my boba sidekick, she’s the best bobarista and has a passion for it just as much as I do. Also, shout out to my mom and Dad for always sacrificing their weekends to pull the trailer to my events and making sure I have everything I need for a successful day.
Pricing:
- Small boba $5.75
- Large boba $6.75
Contact Info:
- Email: Pricklyboba@gmail.com
- Website: Pricklyboba.com
- Instagram: Pricklybobacamper
- Facebook: Prickly Boba
- Other: TikTok @PricklyBoba
