From Cameraman to Ice Cream Maestro: The Sweet Journey of Bouboule

In the heart of Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, Brussels, a vibrant ice cream parlor named Bouboule has captured the hearts and taste buds of locals. Behind this delightful venture is Jimmy, a 42-year-old former cameraman who turned his passion for ice cream into a thriving business during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A Pandemic Pivot

Jimmy's journey to becoming an ice cream entrepreneur began unexpectedly during the lockdown. With his work as a cameraman for RTL on hold, he found himself with ample time to explore his culinary interests. Having previously assisted a friend in the ice cream business, Jimmy decided to experiment with creating his own recipes.

"I started making my own recipes and thought, why not open my own ice cream shop?" Jimmy recalls.

Despite the uncertainties of the pandemic and the reluctance of banks to invest in the hospitality sector, Jimmy persevered. With the help of a loan from the Flemish region, he opened Bouboule on June 26, 2021.

A Colorful and Welcoming Space

Bouboule is not just about delicious ice cream; it's also about creating a fun and inviting atmosphere. The parlor's vibrant colors and playful logo, inspired by Magritte's iconic painting "The Son of Man," add a touch of Belgian whimsy.

"I think I've created a lively and colorful place, a whole universe around Bouboule," Jimmy explains.

Unique Flavors and a Loyal Following

Bouboule offers a wide variety of ice cream flavors, from classic favorites to unique creations like lemon tart and bounty. Jimmy's passion for experimentation led him to develop a special Indian ice cream called kulfi, which earned him second place in the Belgian Ice Cream Championship just six months after opening.

The parlor's popularity is evident in the positive feedback from customers. "We only have positive feedback. They love the ice cream. We have Italians in the neighborhood who come back every day," Jimmy says proudly.

A Focus on Quality and Community

Jimmy's commitment to quality is reflected in his use of fresh, local ingredients and his dedication to crafting each batch of ice cream by hand. He also values the sense of community that Bouboule has fostered.

"I didn't want to be in a busy shopping street," Jimmy explains. "By being off-center, we reach a wider clientele: people from the neighborhood, children from the school, and people passing through the shopping street, which is a little further away."

Looking Ahead

While Jimmy is open to the possibility of expanding in the future, his primary focus remains on maintaining the quality and personal touch that have made Bouboule a success.

"I could evolve with one or two other points of sale, but I don't want to," he admits. "I'm not chasing money, I'm having fun. And often, when you start to think big, you start to industrialize the processes, and I think we could lose quality."

A Dream Fulfilled

For Jimmy, Bouboule represents more than just a business; it's a dream come true.

"My ultimate dream with Bouboule is that I continue to do what I love, that people are happy to come," he says. "My fear would be having to move because we have a limited production capacity."

The Essence of Bouboule

When asked to describe Bouboule in one word, Jimmy's answer is simple: "Pleasure." It's a testament to the joy he finds in creating delicious ice cream and sharing it with his community.

From a cameraman to an ice cream maestro, Jimmy's story is a reminder that it's never too late to pursue your passions and turn them into something truly special.