For Seattle entrepreneur Prajakta Patil, ice cream is more than just dessert—it’s a heartfelt tribute to home, heritage, and the simple joys of childhood.
A Sweet Dream Years in the Making
Prajakta first came to the United States to pursue academics and a promising career in tech. But deep down, she always dreamed of building a food business that told a richer story—one rooted in the flavors she grew up loving.
“I’ve always been independent and knew someday I would travel,” Prajakta shared. But making the jump from a traditional career to starting a business didn’t happen overnight. “I felt stuck in my career and was missing community after coming from a big family at home. I knew I needed to do something to change that.”
It took an unexpected layoff and some heartfelt encouragement from her husband to turn “someday” into “let’s do this.” And with that leap of faith, Sookh Ice Cream was born.
Inspired by Home, Crafted for Seattle
“After the layoff, I finally had the time and space to really think about what I wanted to create,” she recalls. “I felt Indian ingredients were underrepresented in the US, so I wanted to showcase them through my ice creams. Ice cream seemed to be the perfect medium.”
Seeing a gap in the local food scene, Prajakta set out to create small-batch, South Asian-inspired ice cream that celebrates the subtleties of spices and ingredients often overlooked. With each scoop, Sookh Ice Cream delivers nostalgia, boldness, and a taste of home.
Support from a Strong Small Business Community
Starting a food business—especially as a solo entrepreneur and immigrant—comes with serious challenges. Thankfully, Prajakta found guidance and community through Business Impact NW’s free business coaching programs for Food & Farm Businesses.
“A friend referred me to Devra Gartenstein, one of the coaches with Business Impact NW,” she says. “And it was a game-changer.”
Devra, a seasoned entrepreneur who’s run her own food businesses for over 30 years, provided Prajakta with practical advice, emotional support, and key connections. Her own company recently transitioned to a worker-owned cooperative, allowing her to dedicate more time to helping aspiring business owners like Prajakta thrive.
“From the moment I met Prajakta, I knew she had a clear vision and a deep connection to the flavors and stories she wanted to share. What’s been most inspiring is her willingness to embrace both the creative and the practical sides of running a business. She’s built Sookh Ice Cream with heart, integrity, and determination—and it’s been a joy to support her along the way.”
— Devra Gartenstein, Business Coach, Business Impact NW
“She helped me build a business plan, manage my profit and loss, and find ways to keep my costs down while scaling,” Prajakta said. “Working with Devra was incredibly validating. She believed in my vision.”
Through Devra’s support, Prajakta also became involved in Business Impact NW’s showcase events, like Celebrating Dreams and the Impact Pitch competition, giving her a platform to share her story and connect with supporters and customers.
A Tasty Future
There’s still a long road ahead for Patil. Like many solo entrepreneurs, Prajakta wears just about every hat in the business—from handcrafting each batch of ice cream to hauling coolers to weekend markets. Building Sookh Ice Cream through neighborhood pop-ups and weekly markets has taught her resilience. Still, she dreams of having a dedicated retail space and a small team to help with operations so she can focus more on creativity and dreaming up new flavors. “Starting small helps you get into the flow of owning your own business and keeping it manageable,” she says.
Her advice for fellow aspiring entrepreneurs? “Friends and family can be encouraging and a wealth of support, but you also need outside perspectives to really develop your product.” As she looks ahead, Prajakta is excited to focus more on marketing and connecting with new customers who believe in what she’s doing and keep coming back for more.
Where to Find Sookh Ice Cream in Seattle
Ready to try these amazing flavors like the wildly popular Cardamom Soy Sauce Caramel or the Saffron Pistachio for yourself? You can find Sookh Ice Cream at:
- Fremont Sunday Market (most Sundays)
- Columbia City Night Market (every 3rd Saturday)
- South Lake Union Saturday Market (every weekend starting in June)
For pop-up events, new flavor drops, and more, follow @sookh.icecream on Instagram.
Inspired to Start Your Own Business?
If Prajakta’s story has sparked something in you, Business Impact NW is here to help. Whether you’re dreaming of opening a café, launching a creative brand, or building a legacy business, their network of experienced entrepreneurial coaches, classes, and funding opportunities can help turn your vision into reality.
👉 Learn more and get started at businessimpactnw.org
About the author
Leigh Bezezekoff
Leigh Bezezekoff is a passionate advocate and connector in the Pacific Northwest music community. A former contributor to the KEXP Blog, Leigh has written extensively on music, technology, and housing, weaving together the cultural and economic threads that shape our region. Her work uplifts artists and highlights the intersections of art and community impact. Leigh serves on the boards of The Freakout Festival, Washington Nightlife & Music Association (WANMA), and the Conor Byrne Cooperative, where she helps drive policy, visibility, and sustainability for local music scenes. As a contributor to Business Impact NW, she continues to champion creative economies and equitable access through storytelling and strategic insight.