By Everson Luhanga
- Thando opened GQ Creamery Gelato Ice Cream Caffé in Newton Park in 2023 after starting small sales from his flat.
- The shop now employs four women and supports more than 18 people through steady ice cream and dessert sales.
Thando Volontiya, 41, once used his grocery money to start selling ice cream from his flat in Gqeberha.
He had no funding. He did not wait for a business plan. He saw a gap in the ice cream market and decided to act.
In 2023, he opened GQ Creamery Gelato Ice Cream Caffé at 61A 4th Avenue in Newton Park.
Today, customers sit inside the shop and enjoy bubble waffles, ice cream crêpes, crêpe spaghetti and gelato.
The business did not make money at first. Thando said the early days were tough.
Through persistence, hard work and marketing, the shop slowly grew. It is now the main breadwinner for his family.
He is married and has four children.
The shop employs four women. Thando said the business now supports more than 18 people.
He still faces challenges. He needs the right equipment and finance to expand production.
He also wants stronger local support to keep the shop busy.
Thando hopes to move into bulk manufacturing. He wants to supply local restaurants and sell to bigger food chain stores.
One day, he plans to open a large manufacturing plant.
He said business has no special advantages.
“There are literally no advantages in doing business but pure luck. Once you find something that people love and you can provide it with exceptional service or product then you found luck,” he said.
His advice to unemployed people is simple.
“No funding or business plan can stop a dream. You don’t have to wait for anything to start a business, do it anyway, anywhere and everywhere,” he said.
Pictured above: Thando Volontiya at his GQ Creamery Gelato Ice Cream Caffé in Newton Park, Gqeberha.
Image source: Supplied
