We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Snehee Chaplot. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Snehee below.

Hi Snehee, thanks for joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

After a personal health scare, I developed severe gluten allergies and several food sensitivities. It became very difficult for me to find affordable, delicious food that did not make me sick.

I ultimately took matters into my own hands. In August 2019, I launched Gallivant Mawa Ice, using MaahVaah branded milk solids. Our ice creams are made using Ayurvedic principles of dairy farming and processing. We cook milk and mawa (Indian Milk Solids) together at 175°F for more than 3 hours, compared to the traditional process that ran for 30 minutes at 165°F. This cooking process helps reduce the harmful properties of milk that elevate lactose intolerance.

Additionally, we work directly with dairy farmers who implement Ayurvedic principles into farming. The cows are not separated from their calves, they feed their calves first, and the leftover milk is used for human consumption. All our cows are grass-fed in open lands where regenerative farming practices are followed over generations. This ensures that the milk we use is stress hormone-free and not harmful to the body.

Snehee, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a Food Safety Scientist by trade and have over 17 years of experience in the Food and Beverage industry. I started my career working with numerous food giants including Tyson Foods, KraftHeinz, and Nestle in various operations and R&D roles. Currently, I’m an SQF Auditor and Food Safety Consultant, where I have established robust food safety teams, systems and processes with clients including Mendocino Farms, Shipley Donuts, and more.

These frozen creations are an attempt from my end to bring back age old healing green and sustainable technologies, scaling them while keeping their healing properties intact and providing a healthier option to our consumers without compromising on taste and yumminess!

Has your business ever had a near-death moment? Would you mind sharing the story?

In the beginning of May 2023, we had donated 10 cases of Gallivant mawa ice creams to a Charitable Gala that was raising funds for underprivileged children in Vietnam. This event was being held in Houston, TX. We got a call from one of the organizers saying that all the ice cream cups had fungus in them. I immediately apologized to them and asked them to send me pictures of the spoilt ice cream cups. And further requested them to dispose the product/cases. I had never been so embarrassed in my professional career!

Upon investigation, my team and I discovered that there were 25 cases (containing 54 single serve (3.5oz) cups per case) of mawa ice creams that had spoiled and had developed fungus. All these cases had been stored in the NASA freezers. Upon further investigation, we learned that someone in the NASA facilities had changed the temperature setting of the freezer and converted it into a refrigerator which led to all the ice cream getting spoilt and growing fungus in them.

Any advice for managing a team?

Managing a team and maintaining high morale, especially at a startup, is both a challenging and rewarding experience. It all begins with hiring the right people. I can’t stress enough the importance of hiring individuals who align with your values and vision. I believe transparent communication is another essential pillar. In this environment, priorities can change frequently and disasters happen. Transparent communication keeps everyone informed and builds trust within the team.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://gallivanticecreams.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gallivanticecreams/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gallivanticecreams/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gallivant-mawa-ice-creams/

Image Credits
Rohan Nanavati, Roar Studios