Life & Work with Juan Jose Da Silva of Lawndale, CA

Today we’d like to introduce you to Juan Jose Da Silva.

Hi Juan Jose, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Rolling Zone Creamery began in 2016 as a full-time commitment driven by a clear vision: to turn dessert into an unforgettable experience. From the start, the focus wasn’t just on ice cream, but on creativity, interaction, and delivering something people could truly connect with.

In the early years, the business grew steadily, but the real turning point came during the pandemic. While many businesses were forced to slow down, we adapted. Our store gained more traction, and at the same time, we leaned heavily into catering. That shift opened the door to a completely new level of growth. Expanding our catering services allowed us to reach more people, serve larger events, and build stronger relationships with clients who valued quality and presentation.

As demand increased, Rolling Zone Creamery evolved into a multi-concept dessert catering brand — offering ice cream rolls, açaí bowls, pizookies, mini pancakes, and elevated, luxury setups designed to match any type of event. Every step of that growth was intentional and guided by our commitment to excellence, consistency, and innovation.

Family has played a huge role in this journey. My wife has always been by my side, supporting the vision and helping build the business from the ground up. My daughter is my greatest motivation — she pushes me to think bigger and build something lasting. And my mother was instrumental in the early days, offering support and helping us move forward when resources were limited.

Today, Rolling Zone Creamery stands as a brand built on resilience, adaptability, and vision. What started as a single idea has grown into an experience-driven company, and we’re just getting started.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. Rolling Zone Creamery was built the hard way — through long hours, constant pressure, and learning many lessons through experience rather than shortcuts.

In the beginning, resources were limited. Every decision mattered, and mistakes were expensive. I wore every hat — operations, service, purchasing, marketing — often working without days off and reinvesting everything back into the business. There were moments of uncertainty where growth wasn’t guaranteed and quitting would have been the easier option.

The pandemic brought a different kind of challenge. While it eventually became a turning point, it started with fear and instability. We had to adapt quickly, rethink how we operated, and take risks without knowing the outcome. Expanding catering during that time meant stepping into the unknown, managing logistics, staffing, and quality control under intense pressure.

Balancing growth with consistency has also been one of the hardest parts. Scaling a service-based business means trusting others with your standards, training teams to represent the brand, and protecting the reputation you’ve worked years to build. Every event matters — there’s no room for shortcuts.

There were sacrifices along the way — time, comfort, and security. But those struggles shaped the foundation of Rolling Zone Creamery. They forced us to become disciplined, adaptable, and resilient. Nothing about this journey was handed to us, and that’s exactly what makes what we’ve built meaningful.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Rolling Zone Creamery is an experience-driven dessert catering brand. We specialize in live, made-to-order dessert stations that turn any event into an interactive moment. While we started with ice cream rolls, our work has evolved into a full range of premium dessert experiences — including açaí bowls, pizookies, mini pancakes, specialty dessert bars, and elevated, luxury setups designed to complement high-end events.

What we’re known for is consistency, presentation, and execution. We don’t just serve desserts — we bring energy, professionalism, and a level of detail that guests remember long after the event is over. Every setup is intentional, every interaction matters, and every product is crafted on-site to ensure freshness and quality.

What I’m most proud of is the reputation we’ve built. Our growth has come primarily through word-of-mouth and repeat clients, which tells me we’re doing something right. Seeing clients trust us with their weddings, corporate events, and milestone celebrations is incredibly meaningful because those moments matter.

What truly sets Rolling Zone Creamery apart is our mindset. We approach dessert as part of the overall experience, not an afterthought. From our team training to our visual presentation and service flow, everything is designed to elevate the event. We continuously adapt, innovate, and refine what we offer — not to follow trends, but to raise the standard of what dessert catering can be.

At the core, we’re known for turning simple ingredients into memorable experiences — and doing it with passion, precision, and purpose.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My biggest advice is to understand that starting a business takes far more time, discipline, and patience than most people expect. Success rarely happens fast, and there are no shortcuts that replace consistency and hard work. If you’re just starting out, commit fully and be prepared to outwork the early stages.

I wish I had known how important systems and standards are from day one. In the beginning, you’re focused on survival — getting clients, making sales, doing everything yourself. But real growth happens when you create processes that allow you to scale without sacrificing quality. Protect your standards early, because your reputation is everything.

Another lesson is to stay adaptable. Markets change, challenges come unexpectedly, and sometimes growth shows up disguised as pressure. The ability to pivot — especially during difficult moments — can be the difference between staying stuck and moving forward.

Finally, don’t underestimate the power of patience and belief. There will be moments when progress feels invisible, but those are often the seasons where the foundation is being built. If you stay consistent, keep learning, and remain focused on your vision, the results will come.

Build something you’re proud of — and build it to last.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rollingzonecreamery.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rollingzonecreamery/