One businessman who began selling scoops from his flat is now opening a store, showing how passion can turn a simple idea into success.
Gqeberha, South Africa (19 August 2025) – In 2023, a young man in Gqeberha started making ice cream from his small flat, experimenting with flavours and sharing scoops with friends and neighbours. That man was Thando Volontiya and what began as a hobby soon became something much bigger.
At first, it was simple. Thando would set up casual “park-and-eat” days, where families could grab a cup or cone, and enjoy it together in the fresh air. But word spread quickly, and so did the smiles. Videos of his creations started popping up on social media, showing off everything from playful upside-down cones to bubble waffles. It was not long before queues formed, and people across the city began talking about this new ice-cream experience.
The turning point came when Thando was invited to showcase his work at a local networking session. That opened the door to a Sunday trading spot at a local tshisanyama, where he dished up scoops week after week. By then, his ice cream was more than just dessert, it was an event. The main attraction that people came for! Now Sundays became a little brighter and sweeter.
The demand grew, and Thando eventually opened a small corner shop where people could get a taste any day of the week. It was modest, but for many, it felt like the beginning of something special. Customers came not just for the flavours, but for the atmosphere and the creativity in each scoop.
Now, in September 2025, Thando is celebrating his biggest milestone yet, the opening of his first ice-cream caffè, named GQ Creamery. For him, it is more than just a store. It’s a dream realised, and a reminder of how far things can go when you hold onto your passion.
“Opening this store is a dream come true,” says Thando Volontiya. “We’ve come a long way from a small flat to a city-loved brand, and now we get to welcome everyone into a space designed just for them.”
Truly inspiring is how rooted it is in community. Thando has given the city something to be proud of, proof that big things can start small, even in the corner of a flat, and that joy can be found in the simplest of treats.
Sources: Facebook / GQ Creamery
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