We had the good fortune of connecting with Natalie Zena and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Natalie, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
When Roberto and I started Che Gelato, our goal was to create more than just a place that served gelato—we wanted to build a community-centered spot where people could gather, relax, and enjoy high-quality, artisan flavors. We were inspired by our passion for using natural ingredients and wanted to offer a product free of artificial colors and preservatives.

Beyond that, we saw an opportunity to bring something unique to Moorpark: authentic gelato made fresh every day, with options for everyone, including dairy-free, gluten-free, and even dog-friendly sorbets. It’s not just about the gelato itself, but the experience of treating yourself to something handcrafted and wholesome.

Every decision, from sourcing ingredients to adding things like pastries and free WiFi, has been about creating a welcoming space where people can connect, enjoy, and feel good about what they’re eating.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a graphic designer by trade, but life led me into the restaurant business as I worked to pay off my student loans. What started as a necessity quickly evolved into a passion. Running Che Gelato! with Roberto has allowed me to combine my creativity with entrepreneurship, which has been both exciting and challenging. It’s given me a way to design not only visually, but also through the flavors, atmosphere, and experiences we create for our customers.

Getting to where we are today wasn’t easy. In the beginning, there were countless late nights and unexpected hurdles—balancing creativity with logistics, learning the ins and outs of running a gelato business, and making sure every gelato batch was perfect. One of the biggest challenges was starting from scratch, but we stayed motivated by focusing on our long-term vision: creating a community space where people can enjoy authentic, all-natural gelato and feel good about what they’re eating.

The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is that resilience is everything. There are moments when things don’t go as planned, but every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow. Another key takeaway has been the importance of connection—whether it’s building relationships with customers or collaborating with local farmers to source ingredients.

What sets Che Gelato! apart is the heart we put into everything, from crafting unique flavors to offering gluten-free, vegan, and even dog-friendly options. It’s not just about making great gelato; it’s about building a space where people feel welcome and cared for. Our story is about turning passion into purpose and showing our kids that no dream is too big if you love what you do and keep going, no matter the obstacles.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
6:00 AM: Start the trip with a Malibu waterfall hike followed by some yoga (like Solstice Canyon) to enjoy breathtaking views and nature.
9:00 AM: Breakfast at Mercado Buenos Aires in Van Nuys—try the empanadas, tostaditos and café con leche.
12:00 PM: Head to Hollywood to explore the Walk of Fame and Chinese Theatre, followed by a visit to the Getty Museum to soak in art and panoramic views.
5:00 PM: Stop by Che Gelato in Moorpark for a mid-day treat—try their almond gelato or Frutti di Bosco sorbet.
9:00 PM: End the night with a feast at Buenos Aires Grill in Northridge—don’t miss the bacon-wrapped filet mignon or Entraña Gaucha (Skirt Steak)
10:30 PM: Finish with drinks at Toca Madera—a perfect spot for cocktails and a lively vibe.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Our biggest shoutout goes to our kids. They are our daily motivation and constant reminder of why we do what we do. Knowing they’re watching us pour our hearts into Che Gelato!—seeing our dedication, passion, and persistence in following our dreams—fuels us to keep going, even on the hardest days. We hope our journey inspires them to pursue what they love and to believe that anything is possible with effort and heart.

We’re also incredibly grateful to our family and close friends, whose unwavering support has been essential throughout this journey. Their encouragement, advice, and belief in us have made all the difference. And of course, we can’t forget our amazing customers and the Moorpark community—they’ve embraced Che Gelato! with open arms, and their excitement keeps us energized every day. It’s a beautiful feeling knowing that we’re building something special with the people around us.

This journey wouldn’t be the same without each and every one of them.

Website: https://www.CheGelato.com

Instagram: @chegelatousa

Facebook: @chegelatousa

Yelp: Che Gelato USA

Other: Tiktok: @chegelatousa

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.