Dreams to Revolutionizing Vegan Ice Cream

In this episode of The Route Podcast, host Christopher Nascimento sits down with Tamara Al-Dip and Yazeed Yasin, the visionary co-founders of Nanashake. Their inspiring story showcases how personal challenges, market awareness, and sheer determination can come together to create something extraordinary. Nanashake, their innovative vegan ice cream business, has grown from a local scoop shop to a thriving consumer packaged goods (CPG) brand, all while redefining the frozen dessert landscape.

From Immigration to Innovation

Tamara and Yazeed’s entrepreneurial journey began after immigrating to Canada. Adjusting to a new country, they faced many challenges but remained driven by a desire to create something meaningful. Their passion for healthy living and a shared vision to address gaps in the dessert industry led to the founding of Nanashake.

Initially launched as a scoop shop, Nanashake offered vegan ice cream alternatives crafted with health-conscious consumers in mind. As demand grew, they transitioned to a CPG model, taking their products beyond their local community and into retail spaces across Canada.

Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Growth

Building a food business from scratch was far from easy. Tamara and Yazeed navigated a steep learning curve, dealing with food safety regulations, understanding consumer behaviour, and adapting to the challenges of running a business during a pandemic. They credit resources like incubators for providing the guidance needed to overcome these obstacles and expand their reach.

The couple also emphasizes the importance of hands-on efforts, such as product demos, which allowed them to build relationships with consumers and retail partners. This grassroots approach proved instrumental in landing Nanashake in stores, with a little help from their family—their daughter played a pivotal role in securing a spot in Metro.

Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Tamara and Yazeed's story is filled with valuable lessons for anyone looking to start a business:

• Personal Challenges Spark Innovation: Their journey began by addressing their own health needs, leading to a product that resonated with others.
• Identify Market Gaps: Observing a lack of healthy, vegan dessert options laid the foundation for their brand.
• Adapt and Evolve: Transitioning from a scoop shop to CPG enabled growth and scalability.
• Compliance is Key: Navigating food safety regulations was critical to their success.
• Persistence Matters: Passion paired with practical decision-making helps overcome hurdles.
• Consumer Insights Drive Success: Listening to customers and adapting to their needs fueled Nanashake’s evolution.
• Network and Demo: Connecting with communities and offering product samples opened doors to retail partnerships.
• Leverage Resources: Participating in incubators provided essential support for scaling their business.
• Lay a Strong Foundation: Research and preparation are essential for sustainable growth.
• Family and Community Help: Their daughter’s involvement highlights the importance of a support system.

From Trial by Fire to Sweet Success

Tamara and Yazeed describe their journey as a “trial by fire,” full of unexpected twists and countless lessons. Yet, they wouldn’t trade the experience, emphasizing how every challenge taught them resilience and shaped the foundation of Nanashake.

As they reflect on their incredible journey, Tamara and Yazeed are grateful for the support of their community and loyal customers. Their story serves as a reminder that entrepreneurship is about more than business—it’s about passion, persistence, and the ability to adapt.

Through Nanashake, Tamara and Yazeed have not only revolutionized vegan desserts but also inspired others to follow their dreams. Whether you're an entrepreneur or simply a fan of good food, their journey is a testament to the power of innovation and the importance of building on a solid foundation.