Purveyor serves up shaved ice, warm heart

IRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspapers Scott Miller Simi Valley residents can get a taste of the Aloha spirit at TuTu's Hawaiian Ice Cream Shack. But the shop's real ray of sunshine comes courtesy of its owner, Scott Miller, whose positive outlook on life is as addictive as the sweet treats he sells.

Located at 4332 Cochran St., TuTu's has been serving up shaved ice, pineapple Dole whips and tropical-flavored ice cream for four years. But Miller didn't step into the frozen paradise until November, when he decided to buy the for-sale ice cream parlor after working 15 years managing wireless retail stores.

While Miller admits the move from telecommunications to TuTu's could be viewed as downsizing, it's easy for even a firsttime visitor to understand why he would make the career change.

Murals of crashing ocean waves greet guests as they enter, and a collection of palm trees, surfboards, leis, tikis and other Polynesian paraphernalia add to the island motif.

Donned in a Hawaiian shirt, Miller fits right in.

"This is supposed to be a happy place," said the 40-year-old Simi resident.

The forever-young Miller— who uses words like "awesome"—takes this happygolucky attitude to heart. In the four months he's been serving the community, Miller has already become well known by his customers for his upbeat personality and his generosity.

"He's a pretty spectacular human being," said Simi resident Donna Baxter. "He's constantly volunteering for something and basically giving away his ice cream. It's unbelievable."

Miller said he believes in paying it forward, which is part of the reason he bought TuTu's Shack in the first place. His mom, Sue Kenney—who's affectionately known as TuTu Sue—said her son's had a cheerful and serviceoriented nature since childhood.

"He's all for helping others and community involvement," said TuTu, which means grandmother in Hawaiian. "There's also the fact that (if) you get out there in the community and you're doing good, then people are going to . . . check out your store."

Miller has donated his time and treats to organizations like Fun & Fit Imagymnation, the Samaritan Center and the Kiwanis for a bunco fundraiser.

Recently, he hauled gallons of shaved ice to a Cupcakes for Cancer benefit in Beverly Hills, even though it was unlikely to increase business. And he hosted a video game tournament in January that drew teens from miles around.

"Am I doing it just to make money? No. I do it because it's fun. If you're not having fun, you're doing it wrong," he explained.

TuTu's also hosts school fundraisers, giving 20 percent of the gross to the organization. And students who've improved their grades can bring in their report cards for a free shaved ice.

"He might be generous to a fault because he gives away a lot of product, but he figures that's the best way to prime the pump, if you will," Kenney said.

Miller said his frozen freebies are partially a grassroots marketing strategy, because he does have a family to support. He and Tracy, his wife of 14 years, have two kids: Jared, 9, and Emily, 5.

"If more businesses were to do what they can and not what they want to do . . . it can come back to help them," he said. "I don't see a lot of businesses getting involved in the community. You have to get out and say hi."

His unconventional business practice seems to be working since business has about tripled, Kenney said, adding that her son covers his ears when she talks about the economy.

"If you think bad, it's going to be bad," Miller said. "I choose not to participate in this economic downturn. Yeah, it's challenging. Life is boring without challenges."

While Miller's optimism might lead some to believe his life is a day at the beach, he's had his share of struggles. In July he was diagnosed with stage three squamous cell carcinoma, the second most common type of skin cancer.

Miller had about 4 inches of skin from his left cheek cut away and then underwent reconstructive surgery twice after the first skin graft didn't take.

Today, a small patch of lightercolored skin under his left eye is the only evidence of his battle with cancer.

"The doctor said if I hadn't had it done when I did, I'd probably be making funeral arrangements," Miller said. "Knock on wood, I'm now cancer-free."

Baxter, a fellow cancer survivor, said she's impressed by Miller's "big heart" and how he never seems to complain or ask for anything from others.

"He's been through a lot but he's just so positive," she said. "He's so excited, he's so full of life, he's got so much energy and he just continues to give."