In this episode of At Home in Waterloo Region, Cher Goetz sits down with Ajoa Mintah, chemical engineer turned ice cream entrepreneur and founder of Four All Ice Cream. Ajoa shares her journey from a 15-year engineering career to launching an inclusive ice cream brand built on the values of creativity, science, and community connection. From sourcing A2 milk locally to designing flavours based on her family of four, Ajoa discusses how she’s built an ice cream company that is thoughtful, accessible, and uniquely Waterloo Region. The conversation also highlights her reflections on entrepreneurship, local collaborations, and the joy of serving simple pleasures to all.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
- [01:47] Ajoa’s career shift from chemical engineering to founding Four All Ice Cream.
- [04:49] The story behind the name “Four All” and how it reflects her family and inclusive values.
- [08:46] How her technical background informs the science of making ice cream, including balancing flavours and textures.
- [11:08] Early obstacles in starting her business, including licensing challenges and finding motivation to keep going.
- [14:20] The evolution of Four All’s retail spaces and how customer connection became her favorite part.
- [17:15] Working with local farms and suppliers to source A2 dairy and create clean-label, gluten-free, and plant-based ice cream.
- [25:32] Unique sourcing stories, like sea buckthorn from a Shakespeare farm and matcha from a student-led venture.
- [28:50] The freedom and satisfaction of entrepreneurship and creating without limits.
- [30:33] Programs like “Behind the Scoop,” advent calendars, and kids’ birthday parties that bring people behind the scenes.
- [34:15] Where to find Four All Ice Cream in KW and beyond, and their goal to expand across Ontario.
- [35:22] Ajoa’s future goals for growth, feeling “unlimited,” and advice for new entrepreneurs: keep talking about your idea.
- [40:54] How community generosity and creativity shape her business, from artist collaborations to local partnerships.
- [42:54] Social content initiatives like Free Scoop Friday and reflections on being based in Waterloo Region.
- [45:17] Stories of community support during the pandemic and local businesses she loves collaborating with.
This episode is a heartfelt look at how passion, science, and community come together to build a business that truly serves everyone, one scoop at a time.
Connect with Ajoa:
Instagram: @fourallicecream
Website: shop.fourall.ca2
Let's Connect:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/at.home.co
Website: www.athomecompany.ca
Email Community: https://athomeco.myflodesk.com/podcast
Contact: hello@athomecompany.ca
Thank you to our Sponsors:
• Amanda Walczyk, Mortgage Agent | Level 2 license at Dominion Lending Centres National Ltd, FSRA #12360
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saltboxmortgage_agent
Contact: Amanda@saltboxmortgages.com
519.497.9256
• Den1880
Website: https://www.den1880.co
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/den1880.co
