North Gwinnett News

Marcus Sonnier, the owner of Snowie Atlanta, has turned a shaved ice business into a venture focused on creating memorable experiences. Sonnier describes his work as "selling smiles," aiming to bring families and communities together through the shared enjoyment of finely shaved ice topped with flavorful syrups. He emphasizes that enjoying a Snowie requires two hands, encouraging people to disconnect from their devices and connect with each other.

Since its inception five years ago, Snowie Atlanta has expanded significantly. The company now operates at Coolray Field, the Georgia World Congress Center, local universities, and recently became a partner with the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park. Sonnier's goal is to enhance customer experiences at these venues by adding value. He explains, “We want to help create an experience for customers that adds value to the venue."

Sonnier transitioned from a 25-year career in financial services to entrepreneurship with Snowie Atlanta as a side project aimed at teaching his sons financial literacy and business principles. As demand grew, he left his corporate role to focus on Snowie Atlanta full-time with support from his wife and faith in his new direction.

The company now employs 25 part-time team members and three full-time staff. Sonnier also offers internships for high school and college students interested in gaining practical business experience. He states, “The more they want to learn, the more I want to teach.”

His sons have gained valuable skills working in the business, learning about financial management and customer service. One son has decided to continue working with Snowie Atlanta after college.

Sonnier attributes much of his success to involvement with the Gwinnett Chamber. After becoming more engaged as an entrepreneur than he had been during his corporate career, he joined the Chairman’s Club and took a position on the Board of Directors. This involvement opened significant opportunities for him.

He advises other entrepreneurs not to overlook networking opportunities like those provided by chamber memberships: “A lot of business owners think they don’t have time for the Chamber... The people you can meet and connections you can make are something you can’t afford to miss.”

As Snowie Atlanta grows, Sonnier cherishes mentoring his sons through this journey: “To be able to create amazing experiences for customers while watching my sons learn and grow — it’s the joy of my life.”