Meet Dilyn Gonzales | Owner of Dilly’s Ice Cream

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dilyn Gonzales and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dilyn, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting Dilly’s Ice Cream was driven by a combination of passion, opportunity, and a desire to bring joy to the community. Here’s a bit more detail on the thought process:

Passion for Ice Cream and Community:

I’ve always had a love for ice cream and the way it brings people together. It’s more than just a treat; it’s a source of happiness and nostalgia for many.
Identifying a Niche Market:

San Diego has beautiful weather year-round, making it an ideal location for a mobile ice cream business. I noticed that while there were plenty of ice cream shops, the mobile aspect was underrepresented.
Flexibility and Mobility:

Owning a mobile ice cream truck allows for flexibility in location, which means we can bring our treats to various events, neighborhoods, and festivals, reaching a broader audience.
Personal Fulfillment and Independence:

I wanted to create something of my own, to have the independence of running my own business, and to make a direct impact on my community by spreading joy with every scoop.
Market Research and Feasibility:

Before starting, I conducted thorough market research to ensure there was demand for a mobile ice cream service. I looked into competition, potential customer base, and unique selling points that would make Dilly’s Ice Cream stand out.
Creativity and Innovation:

I wanted to bring creative and innovative flavors to the market, along with a memorable customer experience. This meant not just selling ice cream, but creating an experience that people would talk about and look forward to.
Combining these elements, I decided to take the leap and start Dilly’s Ice Cream. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m thrilled to see how much joy our truck brings to the people of San Diego.

What should our readers know about your business?
Dilly’s Ice Cream is a mobile ice cream truck company based in sunny San Diego, and we’re all about delivering joy one scoop at a time. What sets us apart from others is our commitment to quality, creativity, and community engagement. Here’s more about our journey and what makes us unique:

What Sets Us Apart
Quality Ingredients:

We use only the finest ingredients in our ice cream, ensuring a rich and creamy experience with every bite. We believe that quality should never be compromised, and our customers can taste the difference.
Innovative Flavors:

At Dilly’s Ice Cream, we love to experiment with unique and exciting flavors. From classic favorites to seasonal specials and unexpected combinations, there’s always something new to try.
Community Focus:

Being a mobile business allows us to bring our ice cream directly to the people, whether at local events, festivals, or neighborhood gatherings. We love being a part of the San Diego community and strive to create memorable experiences for everyone we serve.
Our Journey
Getting to where we are today has been a combination of hard work, determination, and a lot of learning. It certainly wasn’t easy, but the challenges made us stronger and more resilient.

Challenges and Overcoming Them
Starting from Scratch:

Launching a business from the ground up meant facing numerous obstacles, from securing permits to finding the perfect truck and sourcing high-quality ingredients. Research, planning, and not being afraid to ask for help were key.
Building a Brand:

Establishing a brand that people recognize and trust took time and consistent effort. We focused on delivering exceptional customer service, creating a strong social media presence, and engaging with our community.
Weathering the Storms:

Like any business, we’ve faced ups and downs, including navigating the challenges posed by the pandemic. Adaptability and a willingness to pivot our strategies, like offering contactless delivery, helped us stay afloat.
Lessons Learned
Perseverance Pays Off:

The road to success is rarely smooth, but staying persistent and resilient is crucial. There were times when things didn’t go as planned, but learning from those setbacks and continuing to push forward made all the difference.
Listen to Your Customers:

Our customers are our greatest asset. Listening to their feedback, understanding their preferences, and continually improving based on their input has helped us grow and thrive.
Embrace Innovation:

Staying creative and being willing to try new things keeps our business fresh and exciting. Innovation isn’t just about new flavors; it’s about finding new ways to connect with and delight our customers.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Certainly! Here’s a condensed version:

Day 1: La Jolla Cove, Kayaking, Sunset at Sunset Cliffs
Day 2: Pacific Beach Boardwalk, Belmont Park, PB Bars
Day 3: USS Midway, San Diego Harbor Cruise, Little Italy
Day 4: Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, Old Town
Day 5: Coronado Beach, Hotel del Coronado, Ferry Ride
Day 6: Torrey Pines, The Crack Shack, Belly Up Tavern
Day 7: Cabrillo National Monument, Liberty Public Market, Juniper & Ivy

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
bsolutely! I’d like to give a heartfelt shoutout to my parents. Their unwavering support, encouragement, and belief in me have been instrumental in my journey to starting and growing Dilly’s Ice Cream.

From the very beginning, my parents were my biggest cheerleaders. They not only encouraged me to pursue my passion but also provided invaluable advice and guidance every step of the way. Their words of wisdom and constant motivation helped me overcome the many challenges that come with starting a business.

My parents also taught me the values of hard work, perseverance, and dedication. Their example showed me what it means to truly commit to something you believe in, and that’s a lesson I carry with me every day. Whether it was helping me brainstorm ideas, offering a listening ear, or simply being there when I needed a boost of confidence, their support has been a cornerstone of my success.

So, to my amazing parents, thank you for everything. Dilly’s Ice Cream wouldn’t be where it is today without your love and encouragement. This shoutout is for you!

Website: https://dillysicecreamsd.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dillysicecream/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083419535339

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/dilly-s-ice-cream-truck-el-cajon

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZW6e0TKMif_Wl7SZq_Z0fQ