This story starts with a diagnosis.
It was a season full of life and celebrations. Simone Ashman, the founder behind Coco Lov, had just given birth to her first daughter when she got the news: Hashimoto’s Disease, an autoimmune disorder that specifically affects the thyroid, was wreaking havoc on her health.
Simone Ashman
The diagnosis carried with it a lifelong sentence of medication and heavy side effects. But, rather than let the diagnosis define her life, Simone made a decision to take control. Steering away from the medications that were spurring on new health issues and allergies, she sought an alternative path to health through diet. During her exploration process, Simone discovered the healing power of selenium— a nutrient-packed, essential mineral found in coconuts. This discovery became the basis of her new dietary philosophy and marked the beginning of what would become Coco Lov.
At this point in her story, Simone, who grew up in Germany, had spent nearly three decades traveling the world as a flight attendant and learning about a variety of cultures. Drawing on the knowledge from her travels and through hours of research, Simone shifted her diet to include wild greens, coconuts, and fruits — a diet defined as Raw Vegan. Her energy levels spiked, her symptoms disappeared, and the medication was slowly phased out. After one year of being Raw Vegan, the doctors were baffled, calling Simone’s cured disease “miraculous”.
With her passion ignited and a miraculous healing at her back, Simone began a new journey — a journey that would bring hope to others, spread diet-related awareness, and be a tangible help to those with health issues. In 2015, Simone began attending a holistic school in Germany, graduating as a Health and Life Coach; she would also receive her certification as a raw food chef during this time.
Simone began to dream of ways to bring a healing, healthful Raw Vegan menu to the masses. And then it hit her: ice cream.
But not just any ice cream — an ice cream made with fresh coconut milk and wild harvested sea moss from Kingston, Jamaica, all sweetened with Medjool dates — an ice cream later deemed as “the healthiest ice cream in the world”.
In 2021, Simone brought her vision to life. Coco Lov, first founded in Tampa, Florida, was launched just after 2020’s pandemic. Although the odds were against many new businesses at that time, Coco Lov’s streamlined model, differentiated offerings, and community-driven vibe made it a success. The community’s response was overwhelmingly positive as it clamoured for a sugar-free, dairy-free ice cream option that was both healthy and delicious.
Every item on Coco Lov’s menu is clean, whole, and unprocessed, building a trusting relationship with consumers of all walks of life and all dietary needs. Not only does Simone share her creamy, sweet, decadent handcrafted ice cream with her patrons, she has created a menu packed full of whole food choices not likely found anywhere else. Customers will find that all ingredients on the Coco Lov menu are all natural, non-GMO, plant-based, gluten-free, dairy-free, refined sugar free, with no additives, artificial flavors, preservatives, or gums. In a world of competition, Coco Lov has found few foes. The concept is completely niche and aligned with today’s cultural understanding that food is more than just our fuel — it’s nutrition.
Coco Lov offers something for everyone; and vegan and sugar-free ice cream is just the beginning. The menu also consists of gluten-free waffle cones, smoothies, Açaí bowls, plant-based ice cream shakes, bliss balls, and raw vegan cakes. Visitors will even find vegan dog treats and ice cream for their furry family members. For perfect hydration, Coco Lov offers coconut water and watermelon juice.
Now, Coco Lov is expanding its impact through a one-of-a-kind franchise opportunity. Unlike anything else on the market, the Coco Lov franchise is built around Simone’s original recipes—meticulously crafted, completely guilt-free, and designed so that everyone, including those with diabetes or cancer, can indulge without worry. With a menu that is both delicious and nutritious, franchisees can step into a brand that is already a standout in any community it enters.
Another point of attraction for Coco Lov franchisees is the level of support provided. Every Coco Lov franchise includes several resources, including marketing guidance, branded design elements, comprehensive training, and ongoing operational support. Although experience in restaurant management or business is welcomed, the franchise values a passion for serving its premium sweet treats in a positive, friendly environment.
This is more than just a business. Coco Lov is a concept born from a passion for health and wellness that is built to help others find their way back to feeling their best. It’s a new way to think about indulgent treats that is set to transform the very foundation of ice cream and sweet treat shops.
Learn more about Coco Lov by emailing the team at simone.illic@gmail.com or visiting www.cocolov.co.