Today we’d like to introduce you to A. Michele Kimbrough.
Hi A. Michele, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
A. Michele Kimbrough is a lifelong educator, entrepreneur, and community advocate. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Morris Brown College and a Master’s in Elementary Education from Jacksonville University, and has served Duval County Public Schools for 29 years.
An entrepreneur for 18 years, A. Michele turned a small summer venture started in her garage into the beloved Honey Dripper Truck, affectionately known as “Big Baby.” A major milestone came through a historic collaboration with the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, who adopted an alternate identity as the Jacksonville Honey Drippers—a first in over 17 years—and now sell Honey Drippers in the stadium during the season.
A. Michele is a member of Truth In Love Ministries under Pastor Colbie & Camilla Nesbitt, serves on the Florida Avenue Main Street Board, and is a proud advocate for Jacksonville’s Eastside. Passionate about giving back, she supports nonprofits, entrepreneurs, and community excellence, and is a recipient of the Shades of Green Awards: Mental Health Excellence Award in 2025.
In February of 2026, the Honey Dripper House had its first Grand Opening. This location is for production, distribution and pick up options for Jumbo Shrimp – Honey Dripper House merch from the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp alternate identity of the Jacksonville Honey Drippers!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As a mobile ice cream vendor my biggest challenges is lack of exposure and truck repairs. There are some major repairs needed on the truck, there’s a hole in the floor under the gas pedal, the roof is leaking and the back panel is disconnecting from the roll up door. Many thanks to the team over at Good Humor who awarded our team a $5k grant to help in these endeavors.
My goal is to have the outer appearance as well as in the inside to be very inviting and in good repair. One possible avenue is to increase marketing/exposure on more social media platforms, radio advertisements even billboards. The second, is to get the truck repaired. With these upgrades, they will add longevity to this mobile ice cream business for years to come!
We are grateful for the LiftJax team who awarded us a grant to have the truck wrapped and now it’s even more vibrant and attractive with such bright & bold colors!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Imagine with me a group of 50 kids jumping and cheering as I drive my mobile ice cream truck into their school parking lot. Well that’s what I experience on a daily basis and this is what I bring to others- joy, excitement, happiness, waves and smiles from my “miniature” customers. Don’t get me wrong, the adult customers try to skip the line too (chuckle). But, THIS (open arms as if showing off the truck) is definitely MY PASSION-
I’m A. Michele Kimbrough and I own/operate the Honey Dripper House Mobile Ice Cream vendor located in the Historic Eastside of Jacksonville, FL. for the last “18” years!
I am passionate about being a mobile ice cream truck because it gives a combination of bringing happiness & service. My passion allows me to bring smiles to so many faces with having a spirit of servitude! It’s actually the Best of Both Worlds! What I realize now is my new passion has really been my ‘Life Passion’ of being a servant to so many.
Just a little about me, I’m Alice Kimbrough and I have lived on the Eastside of Jacksonville for 49 years. I’m a Dean at Westside High School and I have been with DCPS for the last 29 years.
In 2008 with just a notion of how to make extra money in the summer I came up with the idea of selling Honey Drippers??!
What is a HD?- A Honey Dripper is an icy concoction mixed with fruit & fruit juice frozen in a cup & eaten with a spoon.
The name ‘Honey Dripper’ originated in this city. I have found out over the years that other cities use the same concept but the name differs like “flips, scrapes, freeze cups, lily dilly, chilly bears and frozen cups”.
Honey Drippers have been a staple in this city for at least 55+ years. Honey Drippers back then only cost $.10 (A dime).
With keeping the integrity in tact within this Eastside community with this nostalgic treat it’s a major part of our Pride for the Eastside. The Eastside is proud to have something that was around when we were young and is still HERE!
We call it a ‘cup of goodness’!
Honey Drippers on the hottest summer
day is a cold treat that makes you feel good all over!
With our new location: 648 E. Union Street we serve all items & JS HD merch!
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Finding a mentor can be as simple as watching someone work and noticing something about them that catches your eye. When you see it, introduce yourself. Have a conversation and see if their schedule will allow time to meet and share insight. Mentorship can often become a space where both people learn from each other.
It’s also important to surround yourself with people who think bigger than you. That kind of environment pushes you to grow and see possibilities you may not have considered. For me, being an extrovert makes it easier to approach people and respectfully pick their brain. Some of the best lessons come from simply asking questions and being open to learning.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.honeydripperhouse.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honey_dripper_daze?igsh=Y2Ezd2dzeW5jc3kx&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1ZeQrT4gzM/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- LinkedIn: Alice Michele Kimbrough
- Twitter: HoneyDripperL
