Who hasn't dreamed of being able to enjoy a good gelato just around the corner? Lina Cantali has made this dream come true by creating Krema et Co Gelato et Gâteries, which officially opened on Saturday, July 8. The business is located on avenue Saint-Charles, at the corner of rue des Loisirs in Vaudreuil-Dorion.

The business specializes in ice cream and pastries. There's a choice of 30 types of gelato, and the flavours change from day to day. Soon, Lina will also be offering pieces of sheet pizza.

Ms. Cantali also serves ice cream products for our animal friends, and even a tiny cone to cool off the dogs.

How it all started

It's a beautiful story that can be summed up as a misfortune, a business reorientation, and a crush of the heart, three interrelated elements that led to this official opening. Owner Lina Cantali tells us her story.

"I was a design director in a company when I lost my job at the age of 50. Life became complicated, I could see the dark. I said to myself: what am I going to do? I've got to find my happiness."

"I knew that the previous owner at this address had dreamed of opening a creamery. Covid had delayed his project, and then he recently passed away. I spoke to his ex-wife and his daughter, who is now the owner, and the project was accepted and launched," explains Lina.

Her dream comes true

She continues: "After obtaining the permits, within six weeks everything was done for the design. With her experience in the field, Lina created a particularly inviting, colorful and elegant space.

Ms. Cantali points out that this project would never have seen the light of day without the support of her husband and family. In fact, it's her husband who manages her social media, namely her Facebook and Instagram pages, with photos sent by her employees.

The business opened its doors on April 28. "It's surpassed all my expectations, admits Lina. I'm overwhelmed. People are thanking me for creating a beautiful place for them. I never thought I'd make so many people happy."

Of course it's a lot of work. "I'm here all the time, 7 days a week and 12 hours a day," she says with the smile of one who is not complaining.

"I didn't expect it to be such a success; the clientele is quickly becoming loyal. There are around a hundred families who come regularly, sometimes 2 or 3 times a week", and all this with word-of-mouth marketing and our Facebook page, she admits.

"Everyone has the right to enjoy quality merchandise at a reasonable price," she believes. Her parents used to tell her, "Business doesn't happen to you, it happens for you," she adds. "If I make myself happy, I can make people happy," is her motto.

A year-round business

For now, 7 student employees work with her, and depending on business traffic, she will adjust.  Krema et Co. Gelato et Gâteries will be open year-round. The 5 tables may seat 15 people.

Lina doesn't have a permit for a terrace, but she has added a picnic table outside, especially with animal friends in mind. Her parking lot can accommodate 8 vehicles, and there's plenty of room around to park a car.

Her cake supplier is Les délices Lafrenaie and her gelatos are prepared by Pierino Gelato. She is waiting for her gelato maker and intends to make her own in the medium term.

Love what you do! That's certainly a big part of her success.