The Ice Princesses – A Sweet Success Story from the Hackesche Hoefe
From the tropics to the ice – two students from Venezuela are building a business from scratch in Berlin-Mitte: the ice cream and pastry shop Canal. The smallest shop in Courtyard 1 of the Hackesche Höfe was a crucial step on the path to success.
The Hackesche Höfe are an incubator for small businesses – a place where ideas become reality. With hard work, success is possible here even without significant start-up capital. Daniella Canal and Lupe Eichner are proof of that. In 2015, the two opened a tiny shop of just a few square meters in Courtyard 1, selling homemade ice cream. This marked the beginning of a success story that now includes two additional locations in Berlin-Mitte and 40,000 followers on social media.
A Meeting in Maracaibo
This story is also a love story. It begins in 2006 at the University of Maracaibo, where the two future founders of Canal first meet. They study the same subject: industrial engineering. After graduating, they work in production and in the logistics sector.
But life in their home country becomes increasingly difficult – and dangerous. The murder rate is among the highest in the world; kidnappings, armed robberies and other violent crimes are part of everyday life. Daniella and Lupe are also threatened. After this experience they decide to leave Venezuela.
Falling in Love with Berlin
Their first stop in Europe is Valencia, where they complete a master’s degree. It is an exciting time: having previously lived with their families, they now have their own apartment for the first time. They also meet many new people.
As her surname suggests, Lupe has German roots. She begins learning German and wants to discover the country of her ancestors. During a trip to Berlin in 2011, Daniella and Lupe fall in love with the city’s “honest vibe.” Spain is still suffering from the aftermath of the financial crisis at the time, which reinforces their decision to move to Berlin temporarily. They end up staying for good.
A New Passion
While still in Spain, Daniella grows increasingly dissatisfied with her job. She discovers a new passion and decides: I want to learn how to make ice cream – from the very best. She enrolls at the Istituto italiano di Arti Culinarie e Ospitalità (CAST) in Brescia. This is followed by training with masters of their craft across Europe.
In 2014, Daniella and Lupe open their first small café in Berlin. Here, they gain their first important experience in running a business and navigating German bureaucracy. Most importantly, they figure out what they want – and what they don’t.
The following year, they take the next big step by opening an ice cream shop in Courtyard 1 of the Hackesche Höfe. Lupe stands behind the counter day after day. During this time, she grows very fond of the small shop. Of Canal’s three locations, it remains her favorite to this day, and she is always happy when she gets the chance to work there again. Today, however, she rarely has time to serve customers herself.
The early days are tough. Both work seven days a week. Running a business together is not easy at first. They do everything themselves. Over time, the two friends divide responsibilities between them.
From Ice Cream to Pastry
Working with baked goods as ingredients for ice cream sparks Daniella’s interest in pâtisserie. After a year of training, éclairs are added to the display for the first time in 2018. Introducing the new product line is not easy at first, as éclairs are still largely unknown in Berlin. Today, however, they have become an important second pillar of the business, helping it through the winter months. In 2018, the name and brand Canal is also established – named after Daniella’s surname.
The very first café is eventually closed, while two new small cafés are added – but the ice cream shop in the Hackesche Höfe remains. The range continues to grow. Whether ice cream, éclairs or other pâtisserie specialties, Daniella and Lupe truly master their craft. And they know how to present it. 40,000 Instagram followers accompany them on their journey.
The Hackesche Höfe are characterised by owner-run businesses. Behind them are individuals who have built up a business and a brand through a strong vision, creativity and great perseverance. A large proportion of them are women. In our blog post The Mistresses of the Courtyards, we introduce four self-made women.