Sinenhlanhla Ndlela, the founder of Yococo Ice Cream, embarked on a remarkable journey that led her to leave a promising television career and venture into the world of dairy-free desserts. Yococo was established in 2016 with a mission to bring joy and fun into life while prioritizing the wellbeing of lactose-intolerant individuals. Based in Riversands, Johannesburg, the company sources as many ingredients as possible locally, aiming to create guilt-free treats for ice cream lovers across South Africa.
Speaking about the journey into the world of ice cream, which is deeply rooted in her childhood memories, Sinenhlanhla fondly remembers how ice cream was a source of connection with her mom and granny during their lovely moments together. Those cherished memories inspired her to create a business that goes beyond selling desserts—it's about spreading love and joy through every scoop of Yococo ice cream. For her, selling love and scoops has become a way of life.
The inspiration behind the name "Yococo" is a fascinating blend of elements. Sinenhlanhla recalls brainstorming names and looking for a perfect fit. She knew she wanted to create something coconut-based, which led to "coco" in the name. Additionally, her spiritual journey played a role, and she wanted a word alluding to that. Thus, the idea of "yoga," which means union or connection, came into the mix. After carefully considering different options, "Yococo" emerged, combining the coconut base of the ice cream with the essence of spiritual connection.
Yococo's early days were filled with determination and experimentation. Sinenhlanhla ventured into a domain she knew little about, exploring recipes and researching the ice cream industry. After eight months of hard work, Yococo made its debut as a dairy-free, artisanal ice cream company with its first offering: cookies and rooibos-flavored vegan ice cream. The product found its way to the prestigious Rosebank Market in Johannesburg, marking the beginning of Yococo's journey.
However, the path to success was not without its challenges. Sinenhlanhla candidly admitted that her first year in business was both challenging and enjoyable. Filled with doubt, she faced hurdles that initially seemed intimidating. Her lofty aspirations encountered the reality of the hard work required to turn her dreams into reality. Yet, undeterred, she sought solutions and discovered a business development program tailored to her specific needs. With a focus on financial management and personal growth, Sinenhlanhla gained invaluable insights to navigate the entrepreneurial world.
Yococo has now established itself as an African brand to be reckoned with, and Sinenhlanhla's ambition and determination have played a pivotal role in the company's growth. Despite her professional success, Sinenhlanhla embarked on another significant journey—motherhood. Balancing the roles of a businesswoman and a new parent brought about both challenges and learning experiences. Motherhood opened up a whole new world for her, where she found herself constantly learning and growing. It compelled her to embrace openness, grace, and the willingness to seek help when needed, traits she honed during the process of raising her first "baby," Yococo.
For everyone who wishes to savor the sumptuous tubs of Yococo ice cream, Yococo can be found at the Riversands incubation hub unit 65, a place that fosters innovation and growth for the brand. One can also visit selected stores, including Jackson's in Kyalami and Bryanston, Thrupps in Illovo, and The Pantry in Rosebank. Additionally, the company offers its delightful treats online, making it easier for ice cream enthusiasts across the country to indulge in the guilt-free pleasure that Yococo has to offer.
To wrap it up, we all can agree that Sinenhlanhla's dedication to her business and her role as a mother showcases her resilience and determination to excel in multiple aspects of life. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and individuals pursuing their dreams, reminding us that with perseverance, passion, and a willingness to adapt, success can be achieved in even the most challenging endeavors.