How Couple Built YOLO Ice Cream from Scratch

Cesendah Mang’eli is one of the directors for Magical Products, the mother company for YOLO Ice Cream.

In June 2022, Mang’eli revealed that they got the business idea from someone else and implemented it.

“We were at Kenya Cinema for the past five years. When we started the business, the person was selling it out. So, it was not our major interest until we got to it, and then that’s when we realized, okay, maybe we could give it a try,” she said.

Mang’eli said they decided to run the business even though they knew nothing about Ice cream.

She explained that it was very difficult, considering the person who gave them the business did not teach them.

Mang’eli stated that they worked with her husband, Mathew, to build the brand without any background knowledge.

“The person we bought the business from didn’t walk us through the suppliers. We didn’t know anything. We didn’t know how to make shakes, how to make ice creams,” she said.

“He left when we were just like, okay, zero, literally. (2:21) So we had to gain interest together with my husband. He’s called Matthew.”

Growing Interest and Demand

Mang’eli said that YouTube and a group of schools suddenly showed interest, marking a turnaround for the Company.

She stated that they had the funds to purchase the business, although it was a rundown business.

However, she said some clients were following them from the Kenya Cinema, while others had been around for a while.

Also Read: How to Start a Food Business in Kenya: A Step-by-Step Guide

“After some time, we saw the need for new renovations. So we stayed for six months, and then we decided to buy the whole place. Initially, we just had a small area,” she said.

Mang’eli said they used to buy and pay rent for about 10 days before they bought the whole unit by seeking financial assistance from Saccos.

Also Read: Two Businessmen Behind Chicken Inn & Pizza Inn 

How They Created Yolo Ice Cream Brands

She revealed that Yolo Ice Cream had more than 20 brands, resulting from customer suggestions and experimentation.

The businesswoman said they just sit with the staff and cook stuff.

Afterward, they give it to each other and make recommendations on the taste.

“All of them have a different taste, because you get to incorporate different. So our goal is to, whatever ice cream you come and eat today, tomorrow if you decide to do something else, it is totally a different experience,” she said.

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