The Ice-Cream Maker
Neha Badiani makes ice-creams at home. The editorial team spoke to her about her
journey as a woman entrepreneur and home chef.
Why did you decide to become a home-based food entrepreneur?
Though I am an Electronics and Communication Engineer by qualifications, my
responsibility to my family and the time demanded by motherhood did not allow me to
take up a corporate job. I decided to open a passion project as my business. I was
always interested in cooking and tried several experiments at home to start with and
then took a few advanced courses to sharpen my skills and knowledge.
I found that there were several home chefs but very few offered homemade hand-
churned ice creams. Many home entrepreneurs were bakers or chocolate makers. As I
have a passion to create new flavours and curate different ice-cream combinations
which are not generally available, the idea of getting into the business of homemade
ice-cream appealed to me.
What were the challenges you face when you began your business?
I did struggle with getting manpower and training them to help me deliver quality ice-
creams and desserts. I also struggled with larger orders during festivals and managing
them from home without compromising on the quality posed many challenges.
What are the continual efforts you make to progress in the business?
I continuously innovate and come up with new flavours every two weeks, while
maintaining highest quality by personally attending every order. My efforts to cater to
custom needs of the customers and provide home delivery of ice creams differentiate
me from some of the other home based dessert makers.
What are the highlights of your journey?
I have been able to build a good customer base in a short time. I have been able to
come up different and unique flavours, with the right balance of taste and health. I am
proud of these two achievements.
What are your specialities?
I specialize in hand churned ice creams – Apple Cinnamon, seasonal flavours such as
Guava Chilly, Sitafal and exotic flavours such as Lemongrass, Masala Chai and the evergreen Chocolate variations are the top selling ice creams from my menu. In addition
also the range of healthy sugar free desserts such as date bites, date pizzas, fig date
sandwiches are also in demand.
How do you cater to new trends?
These days, plant-based diets and healthy options are in trend. All my ice creams are
customised for vegan and sugar-free choice.
Your future plans?
I want to establish an outlet serving my handmade desserts to customers.
Neha Badiani is a home chef
Insta handle : pure.treat
