Maggie Jayne Herrmann loves God, loves people and loves snowballs, and she’s found a way to share all three.
Maggie Jayne’s Snoballs started as just an idea to diversify her and husband’s income. Herrmann felt opening a small eatery in Appling would be apt because of her strong affection for the town. Franchises that she considered didn’t feel the same and wouldn’t offer her opportunities, fearing that such a small town wouldn’t likely bring much business.
“They didn’t think it was a big enough, which was a blessing,” said Herrmann. “I started doing my research and decided just to do it on my own.”
Herrmann endured the learning curve and taught herself how to run a business, developing her own ideas for an ideal small-town spot with cold confections and camaraderie.
“I had a vision for a place for the community to gather and hang out,” she said. “And because I love junk food it was just a natural fit.”
Her taste for shaved ice, or “snoballs,” obviously led to the shop’s focal delicacy. Prepared with a machine and flavors from a company in New Orleans, Maggie Jayne’s Snoballs offers soft shaved ice, essentially snow with a consistency close to ice cream, and a variety of flavors ranging from raspberry and watermelon to margarita and wedding cake.
Herrmann says that tiger’s blood, a fruity mix with a hint of coconut, and blue raspberry are among the most popular flavors.
“Hands down the kids love blue raspberry,” said Herrmann. “Their faces show it. They get blue teeth and blue lips and blue mouths.”
Herrmann was as a military brat. Her father, a fighter pilot with the Air Force, eventually settled in Evans. Once she grew up she moved to Appling to buy a home, and she’s been in love with the town ever since.
Herrmann expresses that devotion by adapting. For those who, much Herrmann’s bewilderment, might happen to dislike shaved ice, she also offers Italian ice. Hot dogs and chips have been added to the menu, and more foods as well as coffee, she says, are next on the list for the coming winter months.
Herrmann also has a food truck that offers her snowy desserts at various local sporting events.
“It’s important to me that the community knows that we are here to serve them and not just in a way to make money off them,” she said.” I want to give them a place to congregate and fellowship.”
That affectionate service is a recurring theme for the business. The dessert shop’s website says “Our desire is to serve our community and glorify God.”
Herrmann says this reflects how her faith, her passion for people and her sweet tooth flow together.
“Because I love this community, and because I love God, I feel like the snowball shop is an opportunity to love on my community,” said Herrmann. “Show them the love of Christ through serving them, give them a place where they’re comfortable.”
Maggie Jayne’s Snoballs is at 1963 Appling Harlem Rd. in Appling. For more information visit its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/maggiejaynessnoballs/ or its website at www.maggiejaynes.com.
Skyler Q. Andrews is a staff reporter covering Columbia County for the Augusta Press. Reach him at skyler@theaugustapress.com.
