Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Yazeed Yasin, founder, and CEO of Nanashake, located in Toronto, Canada. Nanashake is an online frozen desserts shop.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Nanashake was born of a couple's dream to create a better ice cream alternative for their family. An ice cream alternative they wouldn't hesitate to serve to their kids, and more importantly, one that their kids would enjoy. An ice cream alternative where they didn't have to avoid reading the ingredient list, but instead, one that focused on wholesome ingredients that actually delivered nutritional value. An ice cream alternative that was nutritionist and dietician approved, one that was healthy, nutritious, and also satisfying and delicious. Since its inception in 2015, Nanashake has been committed to the creation and development of Healthy and Nutritious Ice Cream Alternatives that will satisfy your sweet tooth, fuel your body with essential vitamins and nutrients, and leave you feeling great afterwards. Our frozen desserts can be enjoyed by anyone who is looking to enjoy ice cream throughout the year as part of a healthy, active, and balanced lifestyle.
Tell us about yourself
Six years ago, our kids were getting older, and we wanted to start offering them ice cream. My wife and I looked at the labels of the ice cream varieties that were available at supermarkets and stores, and we realized that they were loaded with questionable ingredients and refined sugars. We simply couldn't find a healthy choice. Even though the plant-based varieties had generally better ingredients, they were still loaded with sugars which was usually still listed as one of the top three ingredients. And so we set out to create own own Healthy and Nutritious Ice Cream Alternative that was naturally sweetened with organic bananas and that was made with real, wholesome ingredients that actually provided nutritional value in addition to tasting great. An ice cream alternative that you could feel good about having yourself or offering to your kids throughout the year, knowing that it was healthy and nutritious for them.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My wife and I are extremely proud of the fact that with Nanashake, we were able to not only start our own business but also to create a brand new category of product in the market: Healthy and Nutritious Ice Cream Alternatives. One of the biggest challenges we faced when we started introducing our Nanapops and Nanabowls to retailers across Canada was that they didn't instinctively know where to list these products at their stores because they were so different and unique to everything else that was already available. While it has been an uphill climb educating everyone on the fact that it is now possible to have an ice cream alternative that not only tasted great but that also delivered real nutritional value and health benefits, we have started seeing our efforts bear fruit as more and more customers become aware of this and choose to start incorporating our frozen desserts into their everyday lives.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Keeping yourself motivated day after day, especially when the results are not yet evident. Pushing forward in the face of uncertainty and having to make important and life-changing decisions based mainly on the faith that we have in ourselves, our mission, our products, and the positive impact that they will have in the lives of our customers - long before the sales come rolling in.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Identify a problem that your target audience is currently facing and find a practical solution to solve it. Test your concept and get as much feedback from the people that you are hoping will buy it well before you officially launch it and bring it to market. Have faith in yourself and in your ability to overcome any challenge that comes your way, and be prepared to do a lot of "walking in the dark" along the journey to finding success.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I would like to take a moment to acknowledge and thank our local community for their love and support. You can make the best product on the market, but if people don't come out and support you, you won't get very far. We are very blessed and grateful for everyone who believes in our mission to offer healthy and nutritious ice cream alternatives and who choose to support it.
Where can people find you and your business?
Our frozen desserts are available to order online directly through us (www.nanashake.com). They are also available at amazing retailers all across Canada. You can find the location closest to you by visiting the store locator page of our website (https://nanashake.com/store-locator). Please also make sure to check out our Instagram page (@thenanashake) to find out more about our frozen desserts and the truly unique flavors that we offer.
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.