A British paramedic has created a thriving ice cream business to balance the stress of his emergency medical career. James Shemmeld, 46, operates four ice cream trucks that bring in about $80,000 each year. This is in addition to his private ambulance service, which generates around $270,000 annually from his home in Newcastle-under-Lyme, England.
Shemmeld’s journey back to selling ice cream began during the COVID-19 pandemic. Faced with emotional challenges from his demanding job, he sought relief through a sweeter venture. He bought a secondhand ice cream truck for about $17,500 and started selling treats in his free time.
Initially just a side gig, by 2021, demand surged so high that he had to expand his fleet. “It was really difficult… my mental health was being affected quite severely,” he shared. Now, he finds joy in the ice cream business, stating it contrasts well with the pressures of paramedic work.
Interestingly, his connection to ice cream goes back to his childhood, where a local vendor became a mentor and father figure. That same mentor even gifted him the truck he first worked in.
Shemmeld operates his trucks a few days a week. Often, as he serves ice cream, customers still turn to him for medical advice—a testament to his enduring role as a paramedic. “You’re never not a paramedic,” he said, proudly noting he keeps a defibrillator on hand in case of emergencies.
Despite his business’s financial success, Shemmeld insists it’s not primarily about money. “I love what I do,” he says. “It was about improving my mental health.”
His story highlights a growing trend: more people are turning to creative outlets, like food businesses, to manage stress. Recent studies suggest that 54% of small business owners in creative industries cite stress relief as a key motivator.
James Shemmeld’s experience is a wonderful reminder that we can find balance and joy in unexpected places. Whether it’s serving ice cream or saving lives, passion and purpose often go hand in hand.
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food drink, dessert meals, jobs, food trucks, lifestyle
