Today we’d like to introduce you to Cheryl Lisowski.
Hi Cheryl, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started my career as a metalsmith, making jewelry by hand. Creating with my hands has always been at the core of who I am, and jewelry was my first true love. But like many artists, I quickly learned that passion doesn’t always equal predictable income. To support my work, I took a job in fine dining—and that unexpected detour ended up changing everything.
Working as a server immersed me in the world of food, wine, and spirits. I fell hard for gastronomy and mixology—the balance, the creativity, the storytelling behind flavors. Just as important, I learned how powerful hospitality can be. I loved connecting with people, creating experiences, and watching how something as simple as a great drink could bring people together. Over time, my confidence grew, and so did my curiosity.
One particularly hot summer day, that curiosity turned into an experiment: boozy popsicles for friends. What started as a fun way to cool off quickly turned into something more when people didn’t just ask for seconds—they asked if they could buy them. I partnered with a close friend who is a chef, and we spent an entire winter deep in experimentation, learning the science of freezing alcohol, dialing in textures that were creamy instead of icy, and building flavors that actually tasted as good as a craft cocktail. Once we felt confident, we hosted a tasting and survey party to get real feedback—and that was the moment it all clicked. What began as an artist’s side experiment evolved into a business rooted in creativity, flavor, and community, and that’s how this journey truly began.
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?
Like most entrepreneurial journeys, it hasn’t been a smooth road—and honestly, I’d be suspicious if it were. I didn’t go to school for business or marketing, so stepping into entrepreneurship meant learning a lot in real time. That was one of my biggest early challenges. Suddenly I wasn’t just the creative mind behind the product—I was building a website, writing newsletters, designing branded materials, and learning how to show up consistently on social media. The learning curve was steep, but the unexpected gift was discovering that I actually love that side of the work. Marketing and design became another creative outlet, and over time it’s turned into a skill set I’m really proud of.
Another major challenge has been navigating Oregon’s alcohol laws while producing a frozen product that’s very science-driven. Alcohol doesn’t want to freeze, and regulations don’t always account for products that live in that in-between space. Maintaining consistent temperatures, protecting product integrity, and staying compliant requires constant attention and planning. The “science part” is very real here—but those challenges have pushed me to become more detail-oriented, adaptable, and resilient. Every hurdle has shaped the business into something stronger and more intentional, even when it didn’t feel smooth in the moment.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At its core, Sloshy Pops is about elevating a simple idea into something thoughtful and memorable. We handcraft boozy and non-boozy popsicles using whole fruit—locally sourced whenever possible—and just a light touch of sugar to highlight the fruit’s natural sweetness rather than mask it. From there, we build flavor the same way you would a great cocktail: pairing fruit purées with aromatics, liqueurs, wine, or spirits to create unique, balanced, and genuinely delicious flavor profiles.
What we specialize in is craftsmanship. Every pop is processed and made by hand, which is incredibly labor-intensive, but it’s also what sets us apart. We don’t rely on artificial fruit flavors, heavy sugar loads, or traditional ice cream bases. Instead, we focus on quality ingredients, clean flavors, and texture that feels indulgent without being overwhelming. The result is a frozen treat that feels both playful and refined.
What I’m most proud of is that we’ve built a product and a reputation rooted in care—from the way the pops are made to the way we show up for our clients. We’re known for high-quality popsicles, impeccable customer service, and our signature push-cart and cooler service for weddings, parties, and events of all kinds. We don’t just sell a product; we help create moments. That combination of craftsmanship, hospitality, and creativity is what truly sets Sloshy Pops apart.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
This business would not exist without the people who believed in it early and supported it along the way. First, I have to credit Carl Forsman, who partnered with me in the very beginning. Although he was only part of the company for the first two of its ten years, his impact was foundational. Those early days of experimenting, problem-solving, and figuring things out from scratch helped shape what Sloshy Pops would become.
My husband, Tobias Barr, has been my constant support system. He’s always believed in this business and in me—long before it was proven. He’s spent countless hours in the kitchen helping develop new flavors, refine production methods, and troubleshoot the many challenges that come with a frozen, alcohol-based product. Today, he’s the other half of the business, and his creativity, patience, and steady presence are woven into everything we do.
I’m also incredibly grateful for Lindsey Rickert, our creative photographer. Her talent and eye for storytelling helped bring the brand to life visually. Through her work, she’s helped shape our identity and communicate who we are in a way that feels authentic and inviting. Beyond that, I’ve been fortunate to have supportive clients, fellow small business owners, and event partners who have championed our work and trusted us with their celebrations. That collective belief and encouragement has been just as important as any single milestone.
Pricing:
- $6.50 per Sloshy Pop
- $6.00 per No Booze Pop
- $200 per hour/hosted popsicle push-cart
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sloshypops.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sloshypops
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sloshypops/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sloshy-pops-portland
