Meet the founder.
Self taught baker by Passion.Dreamsicle Founder & Managing Director.
My journey began at my part-time job during my time at university as a pharmacy student. It was at this job I met my dear friend who would eventually convince me that my baked goods were sale worthy and that I was hustle capable.
Dreamsicle began as an online, pre-order only baking business which I ran part time whilst completing my BSc Pharmacy degree. Once I was out of university and began my career as a pharmacist, I continued the online business part time, Not more than year later, my entrepreneurial passion drove me to leave pharmacy and pursue a fulltime culinary career.
Through trial, error and growth, Dreamsicle Tobago has now become a quaint café where you can pop in for comfort food or a perfect fix for your sweet tooth. I now have a small but very talented and motivated team. Get to know them a bit, scroll on.
From Dishwasher to Assistant Chef & onward.
My name is Ethan De Couteau, I am 19 years old.
Fresh out of high-school and in my first real job, I found myself in discontent with the experience.
I always felt very passionate about food (eating out mostly). I even did Food & Nutrition just so I could eat the food we would cook in the class.
I knew life had something more in store for me, however I had no clue what it was or how it would come about.
There came a day where I learnt that my cousin, Leah, had recently started working a second job, part time at a new and small café, Dreamsicle Café.
My mom who believed so strongly in me pushed me to seek an interview.
She even went in and spoke to the owner, Andrea, to secure my interest.
On the day of my interview, nerves got the better of me and basically... "cat got my tongue". However, for some unknown reason to me, Andrea decided I was worth a shot.
My first day was possibly even worse than my interview but Andrea and Leah took the time and care to show me the ropes and teach me what was needed of me.
I started out in the first tiny kitchen, mainly washing dishes and assisting Andrea & Leah.
In January of 2022, I took the leap and joined the Dream Team full time.
Andrea and Leah began teaching me all the fundamentals of food preparation.
I am proud to say that after 6 months I am now a capable Assistant Chef at Dreamsicle Café Tobago.
My goal is to one day know all the ins and outs of running the business. Luckily I have a boss willing to teach me everything she has learned.
I love my job and I am surrounded by many passionate, driven and slightly crazy co-workers. I am ever so grateful for where life has taken me thus far and excited for the future!
Part time job to full time dream.
I moved to Tobago with my family in 2014 and started at Tobago Hospitality & Tourism Institute soon after. At the end of my degree in culinary arts, I pursued my internship at Sandals Grand St Lucia which was quite an impactful experience.
On my return to Tobago post internship, I was met with a challenge. My family decided to move back to Trinidad, however, I felt that I belonged in Tobago so I eagerly began seeking a job that would allow me to stay where my heart was. I landed a job in retail which I was content with. After this first job, I worked in various fields like distribution and real estate while taking care of my beloved grandparents. The circumstances surrounding their health dictated my career path because they were my world and I chose to put them first and give them the love and energy I felt they deserved from me.
After their passing, I got a new job in retail where I was working every other day. Soon after, Andrea (the Founder of Dreamsicle) learned about my existence and started tracking me down. Admittedly, I was a bit hesitant to work with this lunatic but she suggested I start part time so we could get to know each other. Our personalities and passion for food meshed so well that within a month I took a leap of faith and joined Andrea on her venture full time.
Working at Dreamsicle has allowed me freedom to be myself. Working in an environment where my voice, opinion and creative input matters is priceless. With the growth of Dreamsicle I have also experienced personal growth and encouragement for continued development.
The advice I'd like to leave with you would be, no matter how imperfect your current circumstance may be, be true to yourself and the right people will find you.