Coming September 27th
About Us
How Lorelei Came To Life
From Back Patio Dreams to Legendary Scoops
In 2023, Wendy returned to her hometown of Brooksville, drawn by the comfort of familiar shores and a desire to root herself in something meaningful. Fate, it seemed, had a sweet plan waiting. She became neighbors with Paula—a seasoned expert in the ice cream world, working with the legendary ice cream machine company, Emery Thompson. Their friendship sparked quickly, built on shared laughs, back patio chats, and a love for ice cream, family, and flavor. Paula invited Wendy to tag along for an ice cream demonstration event at Emery Thompson. It was early 2025—and that day changed everything. Wendy was instantly captivated by the process: the scent of fresh cream, the thrill of experimentation, the magic of turning a handful of ingredients into something unforgettable. That day, something clicked. She didn’t just fall in love with ice cream—she saw a new dream. Back on Wendy’s back patio, the ideas started to swirl. With a glass of wine in hand and the warm sun overhead, Wendy and Paula would talk for hours about what their ice cream shop could be: a place full of wonder, a blend of elegance and fun, a tribute to storytelling and flavor. By September 2025, those back patio daydreams became a reality. Lorelei Infusions opened its doors, offering handcrafted ice cream and sorbets made from scratch using honest, all-natural ingredients. Some flavors are whimsical and family-friendly, others subtly boozy and indulgent—an experience for everyone, just like they imagined. Named in honor of the legendary siren and Wendy’s real-life past as a Weeki Wachee Mermaid, Lorelei is more than a brand—it’s a celebration of friendship, artistry, and the magic that happens when two women dare to dream over wine and dessert. And they’re just getting started.
Meet Wendy
Lorelei Infusions is inspired by the enchanting legend of Mermaid Lorelei, known for her captivating voice and irresistible allure—an otherworldly figure who lured sailors with songs that danced like waves. Just like her, our creations are irresistible: infused with charm, mystery, and a touch of indulgence. Every scoop is designed to be a delightful experience that stirs the imagination and satisfies the senses.
But the name is more than a myth. It’s personal.
Our co-founder Wendy is a former Weeki Wachee Mermaid—a real-life siren who once performed beneath the surface of the crystal-clear Florida spring. With grace, strength, and a shimmer of magic, she lived out a dream that most only imagine. Naming our shop Lorelei is our tribute to that legacy, a celebration of her story and the spirit of enchantment she brings to every handcrafted scoop.
Behind the scenes, Wendy brings a powerful blend of creativity, discipline, and business acumen. With a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and a master’s degree in Criminal Justice, paired with over two decades in law enforcement, she knows what it takes to lead with integrity and vision. Her early years in hospitality and entertainment also add an intuitive sense of service, joy, and customer connection—key ingredients in creating unforgettable dessert experiences.
From mermaid tails to sorbet swirls, Lorelei Infusions is where mythical meets delicious, built on a foundation of passion, experience, and a little bit of magic.
Meet Paula
Paula is a seasoned professional in the frozen dessert industry, bringing over two decades of experience to her roles as Office Manager at Emery Thompson Machine & Supply Co. and co-founder of Lorelei Infusions. At Emery Thompson, a family-owned company renowned for its high-quality batch freezers since 1905, Paula plays a pivotal role in operations alongside her husband, Steve Thompson, the company's former president and grandson of founder Emery Thompson. Side note: Where would we be without Emery Thompson? He invented the very first mechanical ice cream machine. Thank you Emery!!
In 2025, Paula expanded her entrepreneurial endeavors by co-founding Lorelei Infusions, a brand dedicated to crafting premium, all-natural frozen desserts for both children and adults. Her extensive knowledge of ice cream production and business operations has been instrumental in shaping Lorelei Infusions' commitment to quality and innovation. Paula's dual expertise in equipment manufacturing and dessert creation positions her as a unique asset in the frozen dessert landscape, driving both companies toward continued success.