One day, Tramaine Hampton-Brown hopes her Matteson ice cream business makes it to Soldier Field. She also wants to make a million dollars—and then a billion dollars. As the owner of Trio of Creations, she has already proven she’s likely to pull it off. And she’s done it by selling a dream menu of 22 unique $14 ice cream shakes. The price tag may sound steep, but that’s the price of high-quality ingredients and a secret family recipe. The enterprise’s meteoric revenue growth tells the story.

Shocking Revenue Growth

It started with a modest $250 payday on an event Trio of Creations hosted in a basement in May 2019. "It turned out amazing," Hampton-Brown recalls. "Everybody was like, 'You should do this for a living.'" She was listening to the calls. The pandemic forced Hampton-Brown to pivot from traditional event planning to offering drive-by services. “It was crazy,” Hampton-Brown exclaims. "We started doing drive-by baby showers and other events, decorating outside people’s houses. People loved that idea,” she says.Despite starting with no money, Hampton-Brown’s team, comprised largely of family members, generated approximately $50,000. By 2023, she had introduced an all-new gourmet shake bar that brought in $75,000 in its first year. Selling unique flavors like banana pudding, peach cobbler, cotton candy, and strawberry shortcake, Hampton-Brown said the business made $300,000 last year. She believes this meteoric rise will take the Trio of Creations straight to Soldier Field.

Dreams of Soldier Field

"My destiny is to be in Soldier Field because I am the biggest die-hard Bears fan," she declares with conviction—adding that she’s been a huge fan since she was just 11.Hampton-Brown has already taken steps to make this dream a reality. Along with the help of the Southland Development Authority (SDA), she crafted a letter of intent to Soldier Field’s event organizers. In it, she states: ”Being able to contribute to Soldier Field and provide our beautifully crafted and scrumptious milkshakes would truly be a dream come true for us."

Support from the SDA and Jamie Makuch

Beyond that letter, the SDA’s Jamie Makuch has played a big role in Trio of Creations' growth. "I go to a lot of networking events, thanks to Jamie. I met Vivian Covington, the first African American woman mayor in University Park, who invited us to the Democratic Convention." Trio of Creations is featured in the vendor guide directory for the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. That event takes place in August, but Hampton-Brown is already manifesting well ahead of this monumental opportunity: ”[President] Joe Biden is going to hold my shake,” she says confidently. "He doesn't have to drink it, just hold it. That's my manifestation."[“Tramaine is truly inspiring. She's a go-getter who sets goals and pursues them relentlessly. Her special events are truly amazing, filled with intricate details. I also admire how she constantly networks and promotes herself while still taking the time to help and support other businesses. That really shows the kind of person she is. I'm so glad our paths crossed, and I have no doubt her Bears dream will become a reality. She has what it takes!”] says Jamie Makuch, an SDA relationship manager. Makuch’s daily interactions are a big part of her dedication to helping the SDA’s clients achieve their dreams. “Jamie emails me every single day with new ideas. She’s been a constant source of support and motivation.”Hampton-Brown knows a thing or two about support and motivation.

The Wall of Affirmations

She keeps a wall of positive affirmations in her workspace. Phrases like “Itwas all a dream,” “Humbly hustled,” “Don’t quit, do it,” and “Treat yourself” serve as daily reminders of the values that drive her. "These affirmations remind us to keep dreaming, hustling, and pushing through obstacles," Hampton-Brown said.She needed that inspiration to achieve all this without anygrants or loans. "We haven't gotten any grants, not one, not even a loan," she emphasizes. "We've been funding it with our own money and investing back into the business."

Future Goals and Million-Dollar Vision

In the future, Hampton-Brown intends to expand. She has a three-year plan to make it happen. Of course, it includes establishing that presence at Soldier Field—and eventually expanding into airports like O’Hare. But her dreams don’t stop there. “I plan on getting an island, but that's when my million dollars comes."She continued: ”I wake up every morning saying I am a millionaire, and I walk and talk that walk.”

The SDA’s Commitment to Tramaine’s Million-Dollar Goal

The SDA is committed to helping Hampton-Brown and the Trio of Creations team achieve its million-dollar goal. Makuch and the SDA will continue to provide the resources, mentorship, and opportunities necessary to make it happen. "The SDA has been amazing," Hampton-Brown says. "They've helped us in so many ways, and I know they'll be there as we work towards our future goals.”

Find Trio of Creations

Trio of Creations is located at 4451B Lincoln Hwy B in Matteson, Illinois. To learn more about its unique menu and additional offerings, click here.If you’re a business hoping to build your own media exposure or need help putting the pieces in place for success, the SDA is here to help. The SDA is a one-stop partner for growing businesses, investors, developers, workers, and residents of the Southland. Click here to learn more.

About Southland Development Authority

The Southland Development Authority is a nonprofit business organization launched in 2019 by business, civic, and political leaders from around the Southland who recognize the potential of the region’s people, businesses, and real estate. Our mission is to bring the resources and capacity needed to achieve transformative, inclusive economic growth for the south suburbs with a focus on investments in the Southland’s communities, industry, housing, and workforce.We work steadfastly to connect Southland business owners, investors, and individuals with key resources to operate and thrive in the region, from equipping mid-size and small businesses in our Business Growth services Program with customized advice and consulting services, to helping local residents access the tools needed to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. With a deep institutional knowledge of the Southland’s people, markets, and history and our multifaceted, experienced team, the Southland Development Authority is a powerful partner for any individual, business, or investor.

About Business Growth Services (BGS)

Business Growth Services (BGS) is an initiative of the Southland Development Authority, supported by Cook County, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). BGS is committed to assisting small businesses in the Southland region, with a particular focus on disadvantaged entrepreneurs in underserved communities. Our services include expert consulting, financial resource research, assistance with obtaining government contracts, networking opportunities, business education, and strategic business idnsights, all designed to help businesses flourish.