Churning Out Success, One Scoop at a Time

Hello, I’m Deepa Pai, and if you’ve ever savoured a scoop of Hangyo Ice Cream, you’ve tasted more than just a sweet delight—you’ve experienced a piece of my journey.

Looking back, my life has been a whirlwind of transitions, from the bustling streets of Mumbai to the serene simplicity of Kirwatti, a small village near Hubli. From being a psychology graduate to a banker, and eventually, to becoming a key force behind Hangyo Ice Creams. Every twist and turn, every challenge and triumph, has led me to where I stand today.

A Childhood of Dreams and Simplicity

Born in Mangalore and raised in Mumbai, I was the youngest of five , growing up in a household filled with love, laughter, and boundless support. My father, Shri. Vasudev Kamath, worked at Scindia Steam Navigation, and my mother, a homemaker, filled our childhood with warmth and wisdom. Despite her busy life, she always found a way to make ordinary moments feel magical.

Like many young dreamers, I followed a path carved by curiosity and ambition, earning a degree in psychology before dabbling in computers. This led me to my first job at ANZ Grindlays Bank, where I found stability in the corporate world. But life, as I would soon learn, had different plans for me.

An Unexpected Journey to Kirwatti

My life changed in 1995 when I met Pradeep Pai through a cousin. Ours was an arranged match, and within a few months, I found myself exchanging the energetic pulse of Mumbai for the quiet, unfamiliar landscape of Kirwatti, a small village with none of the urban lifestyle of the metropolitan I was accustomed to. Electricity was inconsistent, entertainment was minimal, and life moved at a pace that felt alien to me.

I had stepped into a new role—a wife, a daughter-in-law, a homemaker. I was content. But… lo! Life had other plans for me. 

The Birth of a Dream

In 1997, we introduced Softee, a simple idea sold at ₹5 that became a massive success. This was a revolutionary concept that quickly became a crowd favourite. The overwhelming response to Softee ignited our passion to take things a step further. Inspired by this success, in 2003, we set our sights on expanding into the world of regular ice creams. It was more than just a business decision; it was a dream taking shape, a dream that would redefine dessert experiences for generations to come.

It wasn’t an easy journey. Building a brand, especially in an industry dominated by established names, required more than just effort—it required belief and today it is standing at a ₹300 crores turnover brand.

Finding My Voice in the Business 

While I initially played a supporting role, I knew I wanted to do more. In 2007, once Sankeern was older, I took on a more active role in Hangyo, contributing to its growth and expansion. I immersed myself in branding, packaging, product development, and marketing, bringing my creativity into the business—designing product labels, crafting new flavors, and enhancing the brand’s identity.

There were challenges, of course. Stepping into a male-dominated industry came with its own set of hurdles, but I learned to navigate them with persistence and grace, staying focused on the larger vision of strengthening and growing the brand alongside my family.

More Than Just Ice Cream 

Beyond the business, my passions extend far and wide. Music, dance, travel—these are the things that fuel my soul. I find joy in meeting people, sharing stories, and creating meaningful connections. To me, life is about experiences, about making memories that outlast the fleeting worries of everyday struggles.

And through it all, faith has been my anchor. I’ve learned to trust in the universe, to let go of things beyond my control, and to embrace every twist and turn with an open heart.

A Legacy in the Making 

Today, as my daughter-in-law Nima, joins the Hangyo family alongwith Sankeern , I see the next generation stepping in with fresh ideas and renewed passion. The journey isn’t over yet—there are new dreams on the horizon, new ventures waiting to unfold.

Awards and accolades have never been my goal. My reward comes in the form of smiling customers, in the joy of seeing a child relish their favourite flavour, in the knowledge that something we created brings happiness to people’s lives.

To anyone chasing their dreams, my advice is simple: Stay humble. Work hard. Know your worth. Every single person has the potential to achieve greatness—it’s just a matter of believing in it.

So, here’s to the journey, to the lessons, to the laughter, and of course, to more Hangyo ice cream. Because at the end of the day, life, much like a perfect scoop, is best enjoyed one moment at a time.

Check our website and our Instagram page to know more about our brand!
https://hangyo.in/
https://www.instagram.com/hangyoicecreams/