Premium Ice Cream Brand Brings the Taste of South Asia Across America
News
July 10, 2023
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Heritage Kulfi, a premium ice cream manufacturer known for its South Asian-inspired flavors, has been selected to participate in KeHE elevate, a program by KeHE Distributors that connects emerging brands with retailers across the country.
Founder and CEO of Heritage Kulfi, Mansoor Ahmed, explained that the brand was created to address a gap in the mainstream market by offering classic South Asian flavors and a creamy, traditional kulfi.
Mr. Ahmed emphasized the use of high-quality, authentic ingredients and traditional methods in crafting each flavor. Drawing from his personal nostalgia for the South Asian cuisine and desserts of his childhood in New York, he confidently developed a product that he knew others would enjoy as well.
Kelly Stockdale, KeHE’s senior category manager, stated that for a brand to be selected for the emerging brand program, it must offer something new and unique. Heritage Kulfi stood out due to its distinctive flavors, attractive packaging, and the growing consumer demand for experiencing diverse tastes. KeHE’s sales team and retail partners voted to include the premium ice cream brand in the program.
Heritage Kulfi takes pride in its handcrafted production process. According to Food Business News, the company simmers locally sourced ingredients overnight, caramelizes and browns the cream’s milk proteins before freezing, resulting in a dense, creamy texture with rich dairy notes.
Their range of flavors includes Alphonso Mango, Cardamom Chai, Coconut, Earl Grey, Pistachio, Rosewater, Saffron, Vanilla Bean, Malai Sweet Cream, and Almond Blossom. Additionally, Heritage Kulfi is actively developing vegan and dairy alternative options.
The company aims to leverage this opportunity of being selected by KeHE to expand its distribution from the Northeast and Midwest regions to nationwide coverage within the next two years.
The Jed Foundation (JED) held its annual gala on June 4 at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City, gathering more than 650 guests for a special evening dedicated to raising awareness and taking action for youth mental health. The sold-out event raised over $1.6 million in support of JED’s mission: to protect emotional health and prevent suicide among teens and young adults.
Hosted by Emmy-winning journalist, Savannah Sellers, the gala recognized individuals and organizations at the helm of the drive for youth mental health awareness. “The mental health struggles of our young people are undeniable, as suicide remains a leading cause of death for this population,” said JED CEO John MacPhee who emphasized the urgency of their work. “The dedication of tonight’s incredible individuals, organizations, and advocates — helping JED protect and prioritize student mental health with life-saving tools, resources, and connections — serves as a positive reminder that it takes every one of us to prevent suicide and foster a kinder community here at home and across the country.”
Honoring Voices Making an Impact
Singer, actor, and DIVE Studios co-founder Eric Nam and Peloton instructor and entrepreneur Ally Love received the 2025 Voice of Mental Health Award. Both were praised for destigmatizing mental health and encouraging open dialogue.
Nam highlighted the importance of prioritizing self-care, “Mental health is universal; it impacts how every one of us shows up in the world.” His work with JED and Mindset has helped connect AAPI youth and K-pop fans to personal mental health stories.
Eric Nam | Singer, Actor, and DIVE Studios Co-founder
Love also shared her own experiences: “Living with mental health challenges is part of my story, but it does not define who I am. ”
Ally Love | Entrepreneur, CEO/Founder of Love Squad
Victoria’s Secret PINK earned the Corporate Voice of Mental Health Award, recognized for a five-year partnership with JED focused on Gen Z engagement. Through digital tools, campus outreach, and initiatives like the PINK with Purpose Project — which awarded $25,000 grants to 10 young advocates — PINK has helped expand access to support and resources.
“PINK is all about inspiring Gen Z to show up authentically and find joy in this chapter of life,” said Leslie Nixon, Associate Vice President of Community Relations at Victoria’s Secret & Co. “Our work with JED highlighted that supporting positive mental health is the key to fostering growth, connection, and future success.
Leslie Nixon, Associate Vice President of Community Relations at Victoria’s Secret & Co.
Celebrating Student Advocates and Voices of Hope
Model and mental health advocate Remi Bader introduced the recipients of the 2025 Student Voice of Mental Health Award: Rohan Satija, a recently graduated Texas high school senior, and Nora Yanyi Sun, a rising junior at Harvard. Both students shared powerful reflections on their mental health journeys and their work to uplift peers through advocacy.
The evening featured performances by Lorna Courtney, Thomas Robert Kitt, BAILEN the Band, and the Brooklyn United Marching Band, each contributing to a moving celebration of resilience, hope, and connection.
User Experience, commonly referred to as UX, is a very broad term, which makes it hard to evaluate whether your website works with users.
As such, Peter Morville simplified UX into 7 core pillars, allowing a comprehensive evaluation of the UX:
Useful: It should have features that help users achieve certain goals easily.
Desirable: It should have add-on features that can cater to users’ specific wants.
Accessible: It should be usable by users with disabilities, and it is equally easy to use on mobile devices and laptops/PC.
Credible: It should be smooth, and there should not be any major bugs that disrupt the user experience.
Findable: It should showcase information clearly, allowing for easy navigation across the website.
Usable: As simple as it sounds, users should be able to use the website intuitively; the User Interface should be familiar.
Valuable: It should bring value to the user; it should help them save in some way, whether it is time, money, or effort. Simply, what do they gain by using your website (over going in-store, for example)?
Why Asian Hustle Solutions?
At AHS, we specialize in helping brands capture attention and inspire action — whether you’re launching a new product or scaling your business, we’ll guide you to marketing that resonates and delivers results.
When you first meet her, you feel her warmth—grounded, welcoming, and full of passion. With over 25 years in the banking industry, An Tran, Market Executive at Banc of California, has become known not only for her distinctive leadership but also for the deep care she gives to her family—and for her dedication as a passionate skincare and self-care advocate.
Yet behind these roles lies a journey marked by resilience—a story not only of her own, but of many Vietnamese immigrants who navigated life in a new country with hope for a brighter future and the American dream.
An Tran | SVP Market Executive at Banc of California
A Humble Beginning, A Lifelong Commitment
Banking wasn’t part of her plan at the start of her career. In fact, her first job was as a receptionist at a bank in San Francisco. But she didn’t let that humble beginning define her. Fueled by passion, relentless effort, and the sense of responsibility that came from being the eldest of eight children, she turned what she lacked in experience into unstoppable drive.
“My professional life has always revolved around service and sales, with a natural inclination to care for others, perhaps stemming from my role as the eldest of eight,” she says.
Over the years, she took every opportunity whenever she could to learn, grow, and serve her clients better. Her work ethic and trust-building skills propelled her forward, step by step, until she eventually became the Market Executive for Banc of California—a role she holds today with pride and purpose.
A Journey Rooted in Sacrifice and Survival
By her own admission, she doesn’t have any news-breaking stories. She is simply a daughter born to Vietnamese immigrants who came to America during the 1970s and ’80s. Yet it was her generation that first began to rise out of poverty, despite arriving in the U.S. with nothing in hand. “Through relentless hard work, we’ve not only achieved the American dream but also built the lives our parents envisioned for us when they first arrived,” she reflects.
Her family’s story, like so many others, is one of hope and sacrifice. And through years of determination and resilience, she has proven the grit and strength of her community—successfully building the life her parents once dreamed of when they left Vietnam.
An Tran has successfully built what her parents imagined for their children in the US.
Facing Challenges with Grace and Grit
Climbing the banking ladder over the past 25 years was no easy feat for a young woman like An. She faced unique hurdles—from skepticism to subtle sexism in the workplace.
But instead of letting those experiences hold her back, she used them as fuel to move forward.
“Every challenge throughout my life and career has been a positive force, shaping me into the person I am today,” she shares. “These experiences pushed me to find new ways to grow and overcome adversity. I believe challenges are essential for growth—without them, we can’t truly learn. Remaining a lifelong student, absorbing both small and significant lessons daily, is key. The moment you stop learning is the moment you stop achieving.”
An Tran has faced criticism with grace and determination, climbing the banking ladder step by step.
Empowering the Asian Community, One Role Model at a Time
From receptionist to executive, her journey is a remarkable one. But for her, the real achievements aren’t just titles—they’re the impact she’s had on others and the example she’s set for her children, her colleagues, and her community.
“I’m incredibly grateful to be where I am today, creating the life I envisioned and providing for my family in a way my parents dreamed of when we left Vietnam. My pride extends to every step of this remarkable path,” she says.
She’s living proof. A former refugee who arrived in America with nothing is now leading in one of the most competitive industries in the country—and doing so with compassion, integrity, and purpose.
Connect With An Na Tran
“My goal is to be a resource for the Asian community, showing that we are strong, career-driven, and incredibly successful.”
Your audience is busy — if you want their attention, you need to earn it with a message that cuts through the noise.
AIDA is a time-tested framework that guides your messaging from first glance to final action, helping you craft marketing that actually converts.
Attention – Grab your audience with a bold headline, eye-catching image, or intriguing question.
Interest – Share a benefit or story that keeps them reading.
Desire – Build an emotional connection by showing how your product solves their problem or improves their life.
Action – End with a clear call-to-action so they know exactly what to do next.
Why Asian Hustle Solutions?
At AHS, we specialize in helping brands capture attention and inspire action — whether you’re launching a new product or scaling your business, we’ll guide you to marketing that resonates and delivers results.
