For all those people out there who love the idea of gorgeous artisan ice cream, but cannot eat dairy produce, help is at hand. YoCoco, an exciting new artisan dairy free ice cream is tantalising tastebuds in South Africa with fabulous flavour combinations and taste sensations.
LoA had the pleasure of meeting with the passionate Sine Ndlela this month to learn more about the art of artisan ice cream making.
What does your company do?
At YoCoco, we make delicious dairy free ice cream using as many locally sourced ingredients as possible.
"My ice cream products are dairy free, hand made, and each flavour is designed according to a chakra - it is intentional and made with love."
What inspired you to start your company?
I was on a spiritual journey to find my purpose which I know is to serve love and at the same time I wanted to become a vegan and I realized there was no ice cream on the market that is dairy free that I could enjoy.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
My ice cream products are dairy free, hand made, and each flavour is designed according to a chakra - it is intentional and made with love.
"My future plan is to expand out of Johannesburg and be the ‘go-to’ dairyfree ice cream brand in the country."
Tell us a little about your team
At the moment I am handling everything from marketing to production, however I do want to add fun, creative and ice cream loving people to the team.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
I have a background in television writing and post production. My parents have been involved in business since they were young as a way to feed their families. When I was growing up I got to see my parents start businesses and also close them.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
I see my company being able to run itself with an efficient happy team. My future plan is to expand out of Johannesburg and be the ‘go-to’ dairyfree ice cream brand in the country.
"When I see my product make someone happy, the fact that I made it myself and it has a direct impact on someone else makes my heart so warm."
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
When I see my product make someone happy, the fact that I made it myself and it has a direct impact on someone else makes my heart so warm.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
Just start exactly where you are. Your business is not going to start at the big picture you see in your mind, you need to build it with what you have right now, and the rest will follow.
Contact or follow YoCoco
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | EMAIL Info@yococo.co.za
Why LoA loves it….
At LoA, we are huge fans of Africa’s women artisan producers who are creating world class products, all made with love, passion and in celebration of local ingredients. We also love to see women entrepreneurs who are tapping into niche markets and making them their own. In the case of Sine Ndlala and her fabulous dairy free ice-cream company, YoCoco, she is providing a much desired product for those consumers who cannot eat dairy products, and winning legions of fans in the process. It is great to see these new consumer brands emerging that understand the power of owning niche markets. --- Melanie Hawken, founder and editor-in-chief of Lionesses of Africa