West Orange Teen Entrepreneur Uses Italian Ice to Build Financial Skills and Confidence
May 28, 2026 – WEST ORANGE, NJ — What started as a childhood dream of owning an ice cream truck has grown into something much bigger for 15-year-old West Orange entrepreneur India McLean.
As the founder of India’s Italian Ices, a youth-owned mobile serving private parties, school events, fundraisers, and community celebrations throughout New Jersey and the NYC area, India recently visited Cooke School’s East Harlem campus to participate in an interactive classroom experience focused on practical life skills, communication, and entrepreneurship.
During the visit, students practiced:
• asking questions
• interacting with customers
• handling money
• ordering independently
• building confidence through real-world interaction
Students also had the opportunity to hear directly from India about how she started her business at just 4 years old, after dreaming of owning an ice cream truck.
When the logistics and cost of owning a truck proved unrealistic, India eventually embraced the idea of an Italian ice cart instead. To help launch the business, India worked with her family and community to raise more than $2,500 to purchase her cart.
Over the years, the business has given India hands-on experience with communication, budgeting, customer service, and confidence-building through entrepreneurship.
During the presentation, students asked thoughtful questions about her business, favorite flavors, school life, and what it takes to make a dream happen at a young age.
One student asked:
“How do you make your dreams come true?”
India responded by sharing one of the biggest lessons she has learned:
“Things don’t always go exactly as planned. At first, I wanted an ice cream truck, but I was able to get an ice cart, which was really close.”
She also encouraged students not to let age limit their goals:
“No matter your age, you can go after your dreams. You just have to start.”
“For us, this idea became about so much more than Italian ice,” said Brandi Lilly McLean, India’s mother. “It’s evidence that children are often far more capable than we give them credit for. When we encourage their ideas and passions, hands-on entrepreneurial experiences can help build confidence, curiosity, and a sense of possibility.”
Most recently, India participated in the Baker Street Flea Market in Maplewood, New Jersey, where the teen entrepreneur sold out of Italian ice while connecting with local families, small businesses, and community supporters.
India’s Italian Ices is currently available for private events, school programs, fundraisers, youth events, and community celebrations throughout New Jersey and the NYC area.
Support a young entrepreneur while treating your guests. Reserve your Italian Ice Cart rental today and let us bring the flavor, fun, and smiles to your celebration. Call 973-913-5008 or email [email protected] today.
ABOUT INDIA’S ITALIAN ICES
Founded by teen entrepreneur India McLean, India’s Italian Ices is a youth-owned mobile Italian ice cart serving private parties, school events, fundraisers, and community celebrations throughout New Jersey and the NYC area. The business combines nostalgic treats with entrepreneurship, youth empowerment, and community engagement while creating joyful experiences for families and students alike.
MEDIA & BOOKING INQUIRIESWebsite: https://sleepoverpartyshop.com/party-packages/italian-ice-cart-rental/
Book Rental Now: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1f5yHwr7o25h5xx7npnIXabtmPrEf0Dv8ModfwHUkYKU/
Phone: +1 973-913-5008
Email: [email protected]
Address: West Orange, NJ 07052
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indias_italian_ices
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