A Mitchell’s Plain ice cream maker’s business is soaring to new heights. Iehsaan Small launched his company, Ice Cream Vanni Plain, in 2019, in association with the Trinity Trust Foundation. His goal is to change the narrative of his home town, Mitchell’s Plain.
The area is known for high levels of crime and gangsterism. To veer away from the suburb’s negative connotations and paint it in a positive light, Small has named each of his 11 flavours after a specific sub-area. Tafelsig, Lentegeur, Eastridge and the rest all have their own individual flavours.
“I feel that many have a misconceptions about Mitchell’s Plain, so I am trying to educate people by supplying them with information about the area.”
Since the company launched more than three years ago, Small has added more items to his list of goods including ice cream sandwiches, ice cream cupcakes, and mugs with text which educate buyers about the history of the Mitchell’s Plain.
Smile FM is in Mitchell’s Plain this morning, visiting Ice Cream Vanni Plain.
Despite rampant power cuts, the pandemic and economic challenges, a Strandfrontein business owner, Iehsaan Small continues to thrive in his ice-cream company. pic.twitter.com/rqB7i8OfJe
— Smile90.4 FM (@Smile904FM) January 13, 2023
The 36-year-old husband and father of two will soon add chef to his list of achievements when he graduates. He explains how the idea of an ice cream company came to light:
“I am busy finishing my degree and explored business options. I looked for ways to inspire others by using food.”
More than three years later, the Mitchell’s Plain business has proven to be a success as he has been able to survive the impact of rolling blackouts and the covid-19 pandemic.
“We developed the product with load shedding in mind. We took 18 months to execute this. We have a product that can be outside of the freezer, and melt. When it’s re-frozen, it does not lose its quality, so it doesn’t lose its texture, or crystalize.”
A major retailer has now also come onboard to support the growing business. Small is working with the company to develop a sugar-free options for his products. His diabetic-friendly range will be available nationwide from June onward.
“I want to continue building my business, so that I can set up a factory one day, and create jobs for others. “
Read more: From mischief to macchiato
