To Michael Kimball, ice cream is a canvas for creativity, memories, exploration—and feelings. All of the above inspired the 32-year-old restaurant server turned food stylist to launch Denver’s Sadboy Creamery in early 2023. “We have music for when we’re sad. We should have ice cream for when we’re sad, too,” he says of the business, which he hopes will raise the spirits of all Denverites—in particular, LGBTQIA+ community members who have faced hardship. Some of Kimball’s names, such as the honeydew-centric Melon-choly Mint, reflect the theme of his quirky brand, while others, like the frosted-treat-layered Cookie Circus, are nostalgic throwbacks to his childhood. Every iteration starts with Kimball’s scratch-made base: a creamy, scoopable recipe sweetened with blue agave that he spent months perfecting. Preorder pints on his website to pick up at his Capitol Hill kitchen on Saturday mornings. This fall and winter, look for new creations such as caramel ice cream swirled with a sour apple sherbet and a yellow, orange, and white twist on the traditional Neapolitan that was influenced by his father’s love of candy corn. Both are sweet comfort for whatever mood you’re in.