Today we’d like to introduce you to Sherrel Pratt.
Hi Sherrel, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Layers of Flavor began as a dream in 2014, when I moved to Phoenix, Arizona with a vision: to bring a taste of Philadelphia to the West Coast. I imagined a menu of Philly-inspired bites, like wings and cheesesteak rolls, alongside authentic Philly water ice, something Arizona had yet to experience.
Then in 2015, life took an unexpected turn when I became pregnant, and the business had to be put on hold. I tried to bring it back to life in the years that followed, but juggling single motherhood and a full-time job made it incredibly hard. One person can only wear so many hats.
Everything shifted during the pandemic. Friends and family kept asking how I seasoned my food and how they could make theirs taste like mine. That question became our seasoning line: eight handcrafted recipes that took off, eventually landing on Amazon.
Now, in 2026, I’m bringing Layers of Flavor back in full, one step at a time. We’re starting with Philly water ice, with pizza pretzels hopefully following soon, and our cultivated munchie menu is on its way. Our seasonings are still available at layersofflavorshop.com.
I say “we” because my little one is part of this passion project every step of the way. This business is built on family, flavor, and a whole lot of heart.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being a single parent means being the primary, the secondary, and the emergency contact, all at once. I do that while working a 9-to-5, keeping my little one active in extracurriculars, and building a business as an entrepreneur. With my village on the East Coast, I’m doing this solo, flying this plane alone, and it has come with real difficulties.
Along the way, I learned that not every offer of help was truly helpful. Still, I persevered. I never lost sight of my goals, my passion, or my purpose. Every challenge, every setback, and every attempt to break me only built a stronger woman, and I’m grateful for each one. Perseverance has carried me this far, and I won’t stop until we cross the finish line.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Layers of Flavor is a burst of flavor in everything we create, with a variety of textures and tastes to satisfy every palate. We keep it simple, and that’s by design.
Philly Water Ice: Made in a machine, our water ice is creamy and smooth consistency with no dairy, yet firm enough to scoop. Very little high fructose corn syrup and real fruit. It’s the perfect treat for Phoenix heat. With 21 flavors (and growing), you can build a small, medium, or large cup with 2 to 3 flavors;
EX:
1. passion fruit, lemon, & watermelon
2. strawberry,cotton candy, & bubblegum,
3. mango & strawberry kiwi.
Munchies Menu:
Quick, less-messy finger foods that are hearty, wholesome, and full of flavor.
Seasonings: Eight recipes crafted so that one seasoning is all you need.
We’re currently mobile, vending at events across the East Valley, West Valley, and Central Phoenix, with hopes of opening a brick-and-mortar location to follow in the near future. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok to find us each month, and shop our seasonings at layersofflavorshop.com. We also have catering options available.
What Sets Us Apart
No one else is offering what we offer. The diversity of our menu, the culture behind it, and the genuine, fire-burning love I pour into this brand are something Phoenix hasn’t experienced yet. Guests who know shaved ice and Italian ice take their first bite of Philly water ice and tell us they’ve never had anything like it. Even our pizza pretzels are made a differently.
What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m most proud that I haven’t quit. I believe in myself and in this brand, and I know Layers of Flavor has something special to give Phoenix: real Philly culture, something new to the Valley. That’s what I’m proudest of, and my hope is that everyone leaves with a smile after their experience with us.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Integrity is the heart of Layers of Flavor. This brand is a reflection of who I am: a person of integrity, strong morals, and good character. I believe in quality over quantity, and I’m committed to doing what it takes to get it right, even when it costs more or requires more of me. We’ve worked hard to fine-tune that standard and to offer it to every customer.
Layers of Flavor isn’t fast food. It’s a small business where integrity, heart, and soul go into everything we make, and we hope you can taste it in every bite.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Layersofflavor.shop
- Instagram: Layersofflavorwaterice
- Other: TikTok- lof_waterice
