Meet Wendy Gavin | Veteran and Ice Cream Maker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Wendy Gavin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Wendy, what do you want people to remember about you?
At Fat Cat, we want our legacy to be one of warmth, community, and creativity. Our goal is to create a safe, fun, and inviting space where families feel welcome and where teenagers have a wholesome place to gather. We believe in building real relationships with our customers, getting to know them, and becoming a trusted part of the community. Beyond that, we want our ice cream to stand out for its creativity and high-quality ingredients—something people remember and come back for. Most importantly, we want to be known for truly caring about our customers, being approachable, and making every visit a fun and memorable experience. We also want to be remembered for offering multiple allergen-friendly flavors, including dairy-free and vegan options, ensuring that everyone can enjoy our ice cream safely and deliciously.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m an Ice Cream Maker—which, honestly, is a pretty cool grown-up job! What sets us apart is our commitment to quality. I make sure we start with the freshest ice cream base and use real, high-quality ingredients to bring out the best flavor profiles. Every scoop is crafted with care. I never imagined I’d be doing something like this. I served in the Army and later earned a social work degree because I wanted to help people. Making sure others feel happy and safe has always been important to me, and with ice cream, I get to create a wholesome space for families while bringing joy through every scoop. Getting here wasn’t easy. I was a stay-at-home mom for 13 years, and transitioning to being a working mom has been an adjustment—especially since my kids were used to having my full attention. Now, they sometimes help out at the shop, which makes it even more special.
The biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way? Take risks, embrace adventure, and always be good to your family and friends. They really are the really MVPs.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my friends were visiting for a week, we’d definitely start with drinks at Moonlight Lounge because their cocktails are amazing. One night, we’d have dinner at Ghirabaldi’s, which never disappoints. We’d get active with some indoor pickleball at Home Court Pickleball in Fuquay, then check out the NC Flea Market and local farmers markets. A visit to Kneaded Escape for massages would be a must for relaxation, followed by a trip to Raven Rock to enjoy the outdoors. After all that, we’d end the day with some delicious BBQ at Daddy D’s. We’d also make sure to stop by the Mill for coffee and scones. And of course, a trip to the dog park would round out the week—there’s so much to do, it’s hard to fit it all in!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
We’re incredibly grateful for the people who have supported us along the way. A special shoutout to our friends Joe and Michelle, who helped us develop some of our flavors. We also want to thank Kelly and Jimmy for always being there, cheering us on, and doing everything they could to help bring this dream to life. Whenever we hit a roadblock, they were the first to brainstorm solutions with us. And of course, we’re so thankful for Thomas’ parents—they’ve been a huge support, helping with the kids, encouraging us, and even serving as our enthusiastic taste testers!

Website: https://fatcathomemadeicecream.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fatcathomemadeicecream/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555272091711