Bringing Kuwait to the global gelato stage through artistry, science, and authenticity.

For Chef Fatemah Ben Salamah, curiosity was the spark that ignited a world-class culinary journey. What began as a simple love for ice cream evolved into Mama C, Kuwait’s first fully scratch-made gelato brand, built on science, authenticity, and creativity. From her earliest experiments, Fatemah was determined to craft something exceptional gelato made entirely from fresh milk and natural ingredients, free from shortcuts or artificiality. “I wanted to create the best ice cream in the world,” she says, “something Kuwait could truly be proud of.”

Her approach was anything but ordinary. Instead of following trends, Fatemah delved into the chemistry of frozen desserts, studying texture, temperature, and balance like a scientist in a lab. “I realised that behind every scoop lies precision and patience,” she explains. “To master gelato, you must first understand the science that gives it life.” That dedication turned her kitchen into a studio of innovation, where creativity met calculation and where every flavour was an act of craftsmanship.

In 2024, that mastery earned her global recognition: Mama C was ranked 114th in the world by the Gelato Festival World Ranking, placing Fatemah among the finest artisanal gelato makers from 44 countries and making her the first Kuwaiti chef ever to appear on the list. “Standing among world-renowned artisans was surreal,” she recalls. “It proved that passion, science, and hard work can take you from a small kitchen to a global stage.”

For Fatemah, empowerment means freedom, the freedom to learn, create, and define her own path. “It’s believing in your vision and working tirelessly to make it real,” she says. Her journey embodies that belief, showing that ambition paired with integrity can transform any dream into something tangible. Professionally, she extends this mindset to her team and community, inspiring others, especially women to enter culinary entrepreneurship with purpose and confidence.

The Porsche values of innovation, excellence, and performance mirror her own. “Innovation drives Mama C,” she says. “We’re not repeating what exists, we’re redefining what gelato can be.” In her hands, each recipe becomes a symbol of progress, where every detail from base formulation to flavour pairing reflects intention. Excellence is not perfection, she explains, but “commitment to doing things with honesty and passion, every single day.”

Balancing creativity, leadership, and business has been one of Fatemah’s greatest lessons. “Creativity brings new ideas, leadership makes them possible, and business ensures they endure,” she explains. From experimenting with base recipes to managing her growing team, she moves seamlessly between artistry and strategy. “It’s about staying grounded in the craft while leading with purpose.”

Her entrepreneurial journey was not without obstacles. As a woman in a demanding, science-driven industry, Fatemah faced skepticism and countless moments of doubt. “The hardest part was doing it all, the creative, the technical, and the business sides,” she admits. Yet every challenge strengthened her resolve. “You learn to trust the process, surround yourself with people who believe in the vision, and focus on progress, not perfection.”

What truly distinguishes Mama C is its authenticity. Every gelato is made from real ingredients, fresh milk, seasonal fruits, and pure flavour compounds crafted from scratch with no shortcuts. “We’re creating desserts that represent Kuwait with pride,” she says. “It’s proof that quality and creativity can come from anywhere.” Each flavour tells a story of culture, craftsmanship, and courage.

When asked what keeps her motivated, Fatemah smiles. “Love,” she says simply. “I love the process developing a base, refining a flavour, watching people enjoy it. That joy keeps me moving forward.”

Her inspiration comes from artisans and chefs who blend knowledge with passion, those who, like her, see food as both art and science. “That balance between creativity and precision inspires me every day,” she says.

Today, Mama C is expanding, with plans to grow regionally and eventually take Kuwaiti gelato to the global market. “My goal is to make Mama C a symbol of quality, honesty, and national pride,” she says. “I want people to see that something truly world-class can be created right here.”

Being part of Porsche’s EmpowerHER initiative reaffirmed her belief in collaboration and shared ambition. “Seeing women from different industries come together was deeply inspiring,” she says. “EmpowerHER reminded me that real success is collective, it grows stronger when we uplift each other.”

Through Mama C, Chef Fatemah Ben Salamah has transformed curiosity into craftsmanship and local passion into global recognition. Her journey reflects Porsche’s spirit of innovation and excellence and the belief that when women create with purpose, they don’t just change industries; they redefine them.

Fatemah Ben Salamah
Founder – Mama C
@mama.c.kw