Since 2023, Zane Haas has been bringing fun, flavour and smiles to communities across Queensland through Aaliyah’s Slushies and Confectionary, a vibrant mobile food van based in Maryborough. Travelling to community events, festivals and other high traffic locations, the business serves refreshing slushies in a wide variety of flavours alongside lollies, flavoured popcorn, fudge and other sweet treats for customers of all ages.

Before starting the business, Zane operated a concrete garden statue business after a heart attack in 2018 inspired him to find a way to stay active while supporting his physical and mental wellbeing. In July 2023, he purchased a slushie van to create another income stream and a business that he and his wife, Lizzy, could build together. Since then, Aaliyah’s Slushies and Confectionary has continued to grow, with the addition of confectionery and several products they now make themselves.

Working with Many Rivers

I discovered Many Rivers through social media and reached out directly in January 2024.

Through Many Rivers, I received regular and supportive business coaching, which helped me develop a comprehensive business plan, understand and manage cashflow, brainstorm new ideas and create marketing initiatives. I also received microfinance support to purchase a new slushie machine. This machine has allowed us to diversify our offerings to include iced coffees and chocolate frappes.

My business coach, Kristy, provides a relaxed and considerate coaching style that suits my learning approach. She also offers practical guidance around pacing, recovery and planning while creating a supportive environment filled with humour and camaraderie. Kristy also shows up to support us at events like the Wondai Garden Expo and Fraser Coast Lawn Mowing events.

The most valuable aspect of working with Many Rivers has been the combination of practical business development support and consistent coaching. Having someone to celebrate our wins, help refine our business story and keep us focused on sustainable growth has made a real difference.

The loan we received from Many Rivers allowed us to purchase our new slushie machine. This upgrade enabled us to diversify into iced coffees and chocolate frappes and has positioned us to expand into event hire services in the near future.

Today, the business is primarily operated by my wife, Lizzy, and me, with a fantastic team of casual staff who support us during larger events.

Biggest Challenge

Our biggest challenges have been event cancellations due to rain and severe weather, as well as maintaining adequate stock levels following large events.

Biggest Success

One of our biggest successes was attending the Tones and I concert in Maryborough. We achieved a record amount of sales at that single event and received excellent feedback from customers.

We also established a strong relationship with the event organisers, who have indicated they would like to have us at future events, including potential interstate opportunities.

Biggest Change

The biggest change has been a significant increase in confidence for both my wife and me.

It has also been incredibly rewarding to see our young daughter grow in confidence. She loves engaging with customers, and they enjoy interacting with her just as much. One of the reasons I wanted to start this business was to create something fun and family friendly that she could one day be involved in, and it has been amazing to see that becoming a reality.

Future Goals

We plan to expand the business to include a party hire arm offering slushie and popcorn machine hire.

Building on the success of the Tones and I event, we want to focus on high energy events such as concerts and race days. Our goal is to continue scaling the business sustainably while refining and strengthening what we offer.

Want to see where Aaliyah’s Slushies and Confectionary will be popping up next or learn more about their delicious range of slushies and sweet treats? 

Follow them on Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553222253463 

Thinking about starting or growing your own business? 

Many Rivers helps people start, grow and strengthen their businesses through business coaching, mentoring and access to finance. 

Ready to take the next step? Click the button below to find out how Many Rivers can help you on your business journey. 

CLICK HERE to see if Many Rivers is right for you

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