Ice-cream entrepreneur Oyinkansola ‘Icy’ Fujah has earned £4,000 to boost her business in a Dragons’ Den-style event at The Nest.
Icy’s cool and confident pitch for Icy Creams — and her signature plantain caramel ice cream — wowed a panel of expert judges.
“Having an opportunity like this right here in Thamesmead has made all the difference,” said Icy, whose nickname-turned-brand name comes from her chilled personality. “I’ve been able to improve my business acumen in a way I never have before. I want to say to others, ‘If you have a dream, go for your dream’.”
Nine young entrepreneurs showcased their business ideas at the pitch event, which marked the final stage of YEA! (Youth Entrepreneurs' Alliance) Thamesmead. The intensive business accelerator for 18 to 30-year-olds was run by Local Champions CIC and supported by Peabody.
“I made my first ice cream samples in April. I just had such a very strong desire to make ice cream,” said self-proclaimed dessert lover Icy.
She soon started experimenting with plantain and more of her favourite flavours.
“It’s me tapping into my culture and roots,” explained Icy, who moved to Thamesmead from Nigeria 13 years ago. “I wanted to create something that resonates with my community.
“The inspiration is to create flavours that resonate with African-Caribbean people. If I walk down the ice cream aisle, I don’t see flavours that are a representation of where I’m from or the desserts I love.”
Having secured the prize, top of Icy’s shopping list is a bigger ice cream churner to increase production. This will enable her to start selling to local cafes and restaurants, as well as directly to customers.
“Winning the top prize means I can invest in better equipment and marketing to grow Icy Creams, meaning I can reach more people through events and pop-ups,” she said. “I did my very first pop-up in July, and the response from the Thamesmead community was incredible.
Another winner at the pitch event was Caleb Watson Rensch, who earned £1,000 for his youth-led mental health initiative The World Within. It encourages 16 to 25-year-olds to process their emotions and build resilience through creative expression.
Fellow young entrepreneur Sam Ikhuoria (@theshapesuk) won three months of free coworking space at Facework in Lewisham. His inclusive digital hub, The Shapes, connects a diverse range of creatives with work opportunities.
Be the first to hear about opportunities like this. Email businessready@peabody.org.uk to discuss your business idea or explore opportunities for growing your current business.