The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Getting to know you
Her great grandfather Bennett Jannetta started the family business in St Andrews in 1908. Nicola Hazel been running the firm with her husband, Owen, for more than 21 years
Q What’s so great about ice cream?
A Ice cream tends to take people to a happy place and is proven to release endorphins too. Q Best country for ice cream, apart from Scotland of course? A Ooh that would be Italy of course, my second home. Q What are your favourite flavours? A Vanilla, nocciola (hazelnut) and Jannettas’ “Dime”. Q Your house is on fire, what one item do you save? A My children.
Q Theme song for your life?
A The Rembrandts’ I’ll Be There For You because whether it’s my family, friends, staff, customers or business I am incredibly loyal and like to think I am there for them all, in equal measures, when needed.
Q Last meal on earth?
A Antipasti, arancini rice balls and bakewell tart with nocciola gelato in my ancestral home in Italy watching the sun go down with my family around me and a glass of prosecco in my hand. A perfect end.
Q Dream dinner party guests?
A Michael Buble. I love his singing and effervescent personality. He is also a bit of a joker and seems fun to be around. I would also love the opportunity to spend time with my grandfather, Charlie Jannetta, who I never met.
Q Quiet night in or big night out?
A Nowadays it’s definitely a quiet night in with the family and a glass of prosecco.
Q Home or abroad?
A I love Scotland but I am a sun worshipper so any chance to escape to the sun, I take it. Q Early or late? A Always early, I very much dislike tardiness.
Q City break or weekend in the country?
A Weekend in the country. Although I do enjoy city breaks they can often be busy so it’s nice to get away and just chill in the countryside. Q Sweet or savoury? A It has to be sweet of course, coming from a dynasty of gelato producers. Q What was the worst punishment you had as a child? A Having to clean out the coal fire and get it ready. I detested it. Q What’s your motto? A Do unto others as you would have done unto you.
Q Happiest memory?
A Undoubtedly finding out I was expecting each of my three children. Nothing gives me more pleasure than being a mum.
Q What advice would you give to your younger self?
A Listen to your parents and give them time – they have a wealth of knowledge and experience and almost always turn out to be right. Q Hardest thing you’ve had to give up? A My son leaving home and going to university.
Q Who do you admire most?
A My husband, Owen. He didn’t come from an ice cream background but he joined the business 22 years ago without hesitation and just rolled up his sleeves. He is my rock.
Q Biggest regret?
A Not being able to take regular holidays with my children due to the demands of the business.
Q Who would you like to thank?
A My great grandfather Bennett Jannetta – without him there wouldn’t be a Jannettas Gelateria and I wouldn’t be doing the job I love today.
Q What would be your superhero power/name? A Gelato Girl – rescuing people in need with an ice cream and spreading happiness