Factory Tours
Kente Cones
When the world slowed down during the pandemic, Ashley Marrero and a close friend began exploring business ideas—eventually landing on something unexpected: ice cream infused with culture, history, and a sense of pride. “I’m a first-generation entrepreneur,” Ashley says. “I had no experience with ice cream. I just started researching—asking, where do I even start?”
What began as a simple idea soon turned into Kente Cones, a handcrafted ice cream brand celebrating the African diaspora through flavor and storytelling. In the early stages, Ashley enrolled in the Mangrove Community Business Academy (CBA) at Flatbush Central, where she later became a member of the shared commercial kitchen. “That experience really helped shape the brand,” she says. “It helped me understand what makes us different and how to build something sustainable.”
Kente Cones takes its name from Kente cloth, the iconic woven fabric of Ghana once reserved for royalty. Each flavor is handcrafted using premium ingredients sourced from Africa—including cocoa from Ghana, Madagascar vanilla, and Ethiopian coffee—bridging the gap between Africa and the diaspora while honoring the communities behind each ingredient.
The flavors themselves carry layers of meaning. “Our mango pineapple sorbet is called Mansa Musa Golden Scoop, named after the richest man in history,” Ashley explains. “He had so much gold he disrupted the economy of Egypt by giving it away.” Other flavors include Asante Sorbet (honoring the Asante tribe of Ghana), Melanin Madness (a rich chocolate flavor), and Bobby & Huey Crunch (a tribute to the Black Panther Party). “Each flavor has a story. It’s a learning opportunity—for people to say, ‘Who was Mansa Musa?’ and discover our history.”
The process behind each batch is equally intentional. Ashley and her family test recipes at home before producing them in the kitchen, perfecting every detail. “We make everything with love and care,” she says. “We don’t cut corners. We boil, drain, and blend our cashew cream by hand. Ice cream isn’t rocket science—but it’s about patience, ingredients, and love.”
Using a Philadelphia-style base crafted without eggs, Kente Cones also offers vegan and dairy-free options made without additives or preservatives. “It’s about clean ingredients, technique, and honoring the craft,” Ashley says.
Since launching, Kente Cones has evolved into a mobile, experience-driven brand, offering pop-ups, catering, and hands-on workshops across New York City. From corporate activations to community events, the focus is on bringing people together.
Most recently, Ashley’s journey reached a new milestone when she was honored in Albany as a Brooklyn Small Business Leader. “That moment was bigger than me,” she says. “It was about representation—about showing what’s possible when culture, passion, and purpose come together.”
Explore more and stay connected through the Kente Cones app and join the Kente Collective for exclusive updates, early access, and special experiences.