Meet the Maker: Mizu Real Fruit Ice Cream

Welcome to Meet the Maker, a series to get to know the local faces behind some of our favourite products! This week, meet Jamie Kristiansen, Owner & Operator of Mizu Real Fruit Ice Cream.

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When and where did Mizu get its start?

Mizu began in 2023 as a dream built by hand, though the passion behind it started long before then. After constructing my Food trailer from the ground up, I was finally able to bring my vision for real-fruit ice cream to Departure Bay, Springford Farm, and our local farmers markets.

What inspired the creation of Mizu?

The inspiration for Mizu came from a desire to bring a healthier, authentic New Zealand-style ice cream to my community. I wanted to move away from the bright, artificial colors and synthetic flavors often found in ice cream, focusing instead on the natural sweetness of real fruit.

Beyond the ice cream, I wanted to combine my passion for entrepreneurship with my love for animals. This is why we proudly donate to Raincoast Dog Rescue Society, helping local dogs find their forever homes.

The name 'Mizu' holds a very special meaning—it is named after my Belgian Malinois. Just like the breed, this business is built on energy, quality, and a commitment to doing things the right way.

How has the community shaped your business?

Mizu was built by hand, but it was grown by you. From our first days at Departure Bay to our regular stops at Springford Farm, the feedback and support from our community have shaped this business into what it is today. You’ve turned a personal dream into a local staple. Thank you!

What does being local mean to you?

It means hand-selecting the best local fruit to ensure every scoop is fresh. It means working together with local shops and farms to keep our community vibrant. We believe that when local businesses support one another, everyone wins!

If you had to start your business over, what would you do differently?

My biggest lesson? Letting go of the 'do-it-all' attitude. I finally realized that the vision for Mizu is far too vast to be limited by my two hands alone. We’re building something bigger than one person, I would hire a strong team from the start.

What advice would you give to other local entrepreneurs/business owners?

Stop waiting for the 'perfect' moment. Follow your dream and start right away—momentum is your best teacher, and you'll learn more in your first week of doing than in a year of dreaming. Always keep a hand out to support the local businesses running alongside you.

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We're proud to carry Mizu products at select Mid Island locations: 

Nanaimo — Bowen Rd 

Nanaimo — Harewood

Nanaimo — Woodgrove

Nanaimo — Cranberry

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