adminChidochashe Kossam
MODIE Zivanai, (25) from Bulawayo’s Entumbane suburb had his first taste of ice cream at the age of 23 and from that day, he made a life-changing decision to become the owner of an ice cream company.
Originally from Mberengwa, Midlands province, Zivanai shared in an interview that he first experienced the delightful treat when a friend bought it for him during a visit to Zvishavane.
“I had always wondered how ice cream tasted, and from the moment I tried it, I knew I wanted to be in the ice cream business because it tasted so great,” Zivanai said enthusiastically.
Determined to achieve his dream, Zivanai made sure to seize any opportunity that would lead him towards his goal. He applied for a job at Great Flavours Ice Cream in Bulawayo, where the salary was commission-based.
“I worked very hard at my first job because I knew it was not my final destination. My wish was to become an employer in the ice cream industry as well,” Zivanai explained. After saving up some money, Zivanai purchased a small, non-functioning deep freezer fridge with the intention of transforming it into an ice cream cart. He managed to have tyres fitted, added a handle, and painted it green.
“I was overjoyed when I successfully created my own ice cream cart. This was just the beginning for me,” Zivanai shared with excitement. “I didn’t leave my job at Great Flavours because I hadn’t achieved what I wanted yet.”
Continuing to work hard and save money, Zivanai eventually had enough funds to start making his own ice cream. However, he faced challenges with his green-painted cart as people found it unusual for an ice cream cart to be green. This led to some losses initially.
With limited resources and a burning desire to make his mark in the ice cream industry, Zivanai began experimenting with different flavours and recipes in his humble kitchen. Friends and family became his loyal taste-testers, eagerly awaiting each new creation.
“I didn’t change my idea of using the colour green, and with time, people adjusted and started buying my ice cream,” Zivanai narrated. As his business began to take shape, Zivanai saw an opportunity to register his company, which he promptly did. This step marked a significant milestone in his journey towards becoming a successful ice cream brand owner.
“I managed to have my own ice-cream brand, Modhe ice-cream and I was very excited at this achievement.”
As business was slowly blooming he managed to purchase his second ice cream cart and he had to employ someone else to help him and this made him the employer that he had always wished to be.
“I was happy when I first employed someone to help me because I knew this meant I’m slowly achieving everything that I had wished for,” he said
“I cannot say I have achieved everything in life but I believe I’m in the right direction and one day I will get there, “Zivanai said as we wrapped up our interview.
Modie Zivanai’s determination and passion for ice cream have propelled him from a curious individual who had never tasted the frozen treat to a budding entrepreneur in the ice cream industry. With his registered company and unique green ice cream cart, Zivanai is well on his way to achieving his dream of becoming a brand owner in the ice cream business.
Siphakeme .Mnindwa
