Frostys Pizza: How family’s failed business inspired entrepreneurial success
A photo of Frostys Pizza and Ice Cream located at Sita Center.
A childhood shaped by the rise and fall of a family business has inspired one Nakuru entrepreneur to carve her own path in the competitive hospitality industry.
Ruth Wambui, Director of Frostys Pizza and Ice Cream, has turned early lessons into a growing enterprise that reflects resilience, adaptability, and a keen understanding of market demand.
Located at Sita Center in Blankets, Wambui’s business traces its roots to a modest ice cream venture that initially operated from Highway Towers. She recalls that the business showed strong promise in its early days, attracting a steady flow of customers.
However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted operations significantly. Movement restrictions and shifts of Matatus out of town, affected customer traffic patterns which led to a sharp decline in sales, forcing her to rethink her strategy.
Determined to stay afloat, Wambui made a bold decision two years ago to relocate to Blankets. Backed by a Sh1 million investment facilitated through bank support, she re-established her business in a new environment. The move has since proven transformative.
. What began as an ice cream outlet has since evolved into a dual offering, with pizza added to the menu in response to customer demand. This diversification has enabled the business to create complementary revenue streams, strengthening its market position.
A photo of Frostys Pizza and Ice Cream located at Sita Center.
Wambui notes that Nakuru’s consumer spending power is gradually increasing, pushing entrepreneurs to prioritize quality in both products and service delivery.
Her pricing reflects a wide market reach, with ice cream retailing between Sh150 and Sh600, and pizza ranging from Sh800 to Sh4,500.
Beyond business growth, Wambui is a strong advocate for discipline and structure in entrepreneurship. She emphasizes that passion alone is not enough, noting that consistency and well-defined operational systems are critical for long-term success.
She also underscores the importance of setting clear boundaries, particularly when managing family relationships within a business context.
Looking ahead, Wambui has ambitious expansion plans. She aims to establish multiple branches across the country and introduce a franchise model that could create employment opportunities for young people.
At the policy level, she is calling on county governments to support small businesses by reducing the cost of licenses, arguing that high operational costs remain a major barrier to growth for many entrepreneurs.
Her journey highlights not only the resilience required to navigate economic shocks but also the opportunities available for businesses that adapt to changing consumer needs.