Today we’d like to introduce you to Susan Sahwani-Garcia.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started the business chocolate wasted ice cream as a small batch creamery in 2014. The neighborhood I had grown up in was changing and I wanted to be a part of that changed and make my mark in the area, not only because I grew up here but also as a 4th generation resident I felt it my responsibility.
The love of food has always been a part of my upbringing and life. Good simple and always with love. So when it came down to what I wanted to bring to the table that wasn’t already being done the way I wanted, Ice Cream was the answer.
Has it been a smooth road?
Nothing worth having is easy, isn’t that how the saying goes? The road hasn’t been completely smooth but it has exceeded my expectations!
As a woman and a small business owner I found it to be a learning process on a daily basis of where I envision my business going, the goals that I have for the future and learning how to get there. I have had an opportunity to surround myself with passionate makers and farmers and chefs that have offered mentorship and advice that has helped more than they know.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Chocolate Wasted Ice Cream Co. LLC story. Tell us more about the business.
chocolate wasted ice cream is a small batch creamery handcrafted artisan every flavor has a different recipe we’re not making one base of vanilla or sweet cream and then adding the flavor to it every flavor is an art. I’m using no preservatives no artificial flavorings or coloring the stabilizers it’s custard free it does not contain eggs it’s gluten-free technically I do Leno more on the side of a gelato so it’s dense and rich and luxurious super high-quality.
When I chose the name chocolate wasted I knew that my chocolate ice cream was going to have to be amazing. It would literally have to be the best chocolate ice cream you had ever tasted and I am confident that that’s where we stand today. The creativeness that this business allows me to do it unless I come from a Latin and Mediterranean background so I love using those flavors as inspiration for unique flavors.
As I mentioned earlier how the company has exceeded my expectations in the three years that the company started we received many accolades. Featured on discovery channel to several magazine articles and best of ice cream list, awards for locally sourced ingredients, hero award:
Houston Best Ice cream -Zagat
Hottest 15 Ice creams in U.S – Zagat
Houston best food truck – Texas lifestyle magazine
Houston best food truck – PopShop America / Houston
Houston best Artisan food vendor -PopShop America/ Houston
definitely makes me feel I’m in the right direction.
Where do you see your industry going over the next 5-10 years? Any big shifts, changes, trends, etc?
In the next 5 to 10 years I do see the company growing. I’ve taken baby steps up until now making sure that the product was perfect before I jumped too far.
I LOVE what I make and so going to fast too soon has worried me but at this point, I’m ready to move forward confident in my product and the quality of my product to take bigger steps in the next coming years.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 281-935-4099
- Instagram: @Chocolatewastedicecream
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/chocolatewastedicecream/
Image Credit:
Ellie Sharp -Zagat
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
