Where are you originally from Vanessa?

I'm originally from Germany, but before moving to Costa Rica, I spent nearly 18 years living in Belgium—between the Flemish coast and Brussels.

How and when did you discover Costa Rica?

My first trip to Costa Rica was back in 2005. I experienced the country through a fantastic "stay & drive" package: you’d receive a list of hotels, a local SIM card with a mobile phone and a 4x4 rental car right at the airport in San José. From there, you just hit the road and explore. It was an amazing way to discover the beauty and diversity of the country, people, nature and the different regions.

When and why did you start the business?

I opened my kiosk in January 2020. After years of being a bit of a workaholic, I wanted to slow down, enjoy nature, and spend more quality time with my children. The idea was to create something small and meaningful, where I could balance work and family while embracing the beach lifestyle.

What were the most difficult things about getting the business off the ground?

If I had known earlier how things work when it comes to starting a business in Costa Rica, I would have prepared differently. There were quite a few surprises along the way. One big challenge was the language—I moved here without speaking a single word of Spanish. Looking back, I definitely would have started learning the language much sooner!

Why is your business successful?

I believe that fresh products made with love attract people everywhere in the world. At Sno Shack, everything is made fresh daily with high-quality ingredients. Whether it's our colorful shaved ice, nutritious açaí bowls, green smoothies, or our ice-cold caramel lattes—there’s something for everyone. The presentation matters, and we always aim to create something that looks beautiful and tastes even better. Add to that a warm, friendly service, and I think that’s what makes the place special.

What future plans or changes are you thinking about making?

We’re planning to expand our breakfast and dessert menu. We're working on introducing wraps, sandwiches, and even some hearty breakfast options. We love experimenting and are always thinking about what delicious things we can offer next!

Just for Fun!!

Where in Costa Rica or Central America do you like to visit when you are not working?

I love taking a boat tour every now and then—whether it’s a catamaran cruise with Pacific Lounge or some high-energy fun with Pura Vida Watersports doing wakeboarding or a donut ride. It’s the best way to visit those hidden, remote beaches you can only reach by boat. I also enjoy occasional trips to Escazú to try out all the great restaurants. And when I need a change from bikinis and flip-flops, I escape to the cooler regions like Cartago or Heredia—just to feel the joy of wearing jeans and a jacket again. Real clothes!

Who is your Favorite Band or Musician?

I’d say Coldplay, Frank Sinatra, and Alicia Keys. It’s a bit of a wild mix, I know—but I think having a broad musical taste is a beautiful thing.

Who is your Favorite Comedian or/and Actor?

Definitely Morgan Freeman—he brings so much depth and calm wisdom to every role. And for comedy, I love Florence Foresti, a brilliant French comedian who has me crying with laughter with her stories about teenagers and midlife crises. She’s hilarious and so relatable!

What is a Movie you can watch over & over?

The Bucket List with Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson. It’s moving, inspiring, and full of life lessons with just the right touch of humor.

What would be your go-to Karaoke song?

Please never hand me a microphone to sing—I’m afraid the place would empty out in seconds! 😅

Do you have a talent, skill or experience that most people might not know about you?

I’d say I have a natural gift for bringing people together. Whether intentionally or just through the spaces I create, it’s something that’s followed me since my teenage years.

You can invite 6 people to a dinner party plus a chef. They can be friends or family or people you do not know and would like to meet, dead or alive. Who would you invite and who would be the chef to do the cooking?

I’d invite one of my former chefs from my days working in fine dining, Monsieur Paul Haeberlin, Peter Goosens, Otto Fehrenbacher—they were all so incredibly talented in their craft. My partner Daniel would absolutely be there too—he brings so much atmosphere and storytelling to any evening. And of course, I’d invite you, Carl Willson, because with you around, fun and great conversation are guaranteed. For entertainment, Frank Sinatra would be our musical guest, crooning us through the night. And who knows, maybe we’d all end the evening flying to the moon together.

Visit Vanessa's SnoShack Business Here