Shake Your Groove Thing

My sweet tooth was aching for some sugary goodness. I’d passed many counters in the City Square Mall that offered suitable fixes. I was almost swayed by a free sample of frozen yoghurt I was given, but instantly felt a warming connection to a particular counter.

We obviously share the same kind of cheeky sense of humour.

How could I not be bedazzled by the fresh and funky design of Make Shake?

I’m not normally a milkshake drinker as the ones I have had previously were too thick and sickly-sweet…even for me! I decided to put my dubious thoughts to the back of my mind and give milkshakes another go.

I was spoilt for choice but the menu is so indecisive-friendly. The Make Shake team have kindly put together a series of eight signature milkshakes for all palettes. 

Awesome by name, awesome by nature

From strawberries and cream cheese to Kit Kat and choc fudge, you are sure to find a milkshake to match your cravings. I love that there are no cheap substitutes here. You get the real deal. Maltesers are Maltesers and not “malted balls”. They even make their own vanilla ice cream that’s reduced in sugar. It already sounds like a world apart from the milkshakes I’ve had back in England.

As tempting as the eight shakes were, I decided to be a rebel and custom make my own shake. I was literally like a kid in a candy store. M&M Nuts…no wait Kinder Bueno…but then they have mango which wouldn’t go…help! In the end, I went for Toblerone with toffee nut sauce. I moved up the queue and ordered my shake. I had a choice between a small shake for $3.70 with one shake-in or a large shake for $5.20 which allows two free shake-ins. I splashed out on a large size as I wanted a sweet treat of epic proportions.

Even though it was late at night and Make Shake would be closing soon, the server – or should I say Shakerista - was bright, breezy and very chatty. Whilst I waited for my shake, I read an article pinned to the side of the counter. It then dawned on me that I was being served by one of the business partners, 23-year-old Daphne Ng. I was in awe as I read the story of how Make Shake began.

Inspired from his days as a bartender, Seth Lui, 26, came up with the idea of customising milkshakes. Together with Daphne Ng and Lim Rongjie, Seth's brainchild grew into what is now Singapore's first and only customisable premium milkshake outlet. Combining a grant from SPRING Singapore with their savings, the team risked everything to bring their ideas to life.

Daphne in action!

Like a bashful fan meeting a celebrity, I confirmed that it was Daphne who served me. My curious nature took over and I bombarded the poor girl with questions but, rather than tell me to get lost, Daphne smiled and was more than happy to speak to me.

It shocked me that the branch was in its infancy (opened mid October 2011). The military operation of the shake counter and the amount of customers naturally ordering shakes like they’ve been doing it for months on end is more of a credit to the team. Daphne explained that it took a lot of work and experimentation to get to this stage but is pleased with the outcome:

“We make our own ice-cream in-house. This alone took almost six months to achieve a base that could withstand the blending and mixing process while allowing the flavour of the shake ingredients to stand out. Creating combinations that would resound with the public also took time but it led to the creation of awesome signature shakes.

Daphne added:

“Setting up the store was one thing, but having to work efficiently was another. There was no system in place (so) the whole kitchen became a haphazard affair. By creating designated stations, we improved the flow of our work process.”

Throughout these trials and tribulations, Daphne has had a lot of support:

“There were mixed feelings from my family and friends but they understand that being young, one can risk without a high level of commitment and will be a learning experience. Support is important as it reinforces the determination and perseverance to see through tough times.

Another support mechanism which I never considered was that of the entrepreneurial community. I had visions of a dog-eat-dog world but Daphne claimed the contrary:

“ It has never ceased to amaze me the energy and support other entrepreneurs display toward their fellow peers – it’s something you rarely see in the corporate world so the experience is different and indeed heartening."

Where all the action takes place

I was already in love with this company and I hadn’t even tasted my shake yet. My first experience as a “Shakespearean” lived up to the hype I had created for myself. The shake was smooth and creamy without being too sweet. My taste buds sought out the vanilla straight away. They were soon enveloped in the toffee nut sauce with the crunch of Toblerone offering the exquisite finishing touch. I was catapulted into a sugar-ecstasy.

I wanted more but Make Shake was closing. There was only one thing for it…

…Go back the next day of course. It was my final day in Singapore which was a sad occasion in itself. I needed a little pick-me-up. Waiting for me were three little pick-me-ups. I had a strawberries and cream cheese shake (Berry Cheesy) along with a coffee and breakfast tea shake (Yuan Yang). This was finished off with a Champion Breakfast shake made up of raisins, granola and maple syrup. The last one was my favourite. It tasted more like a breakfast yoghurt than a milkshake. There is literally a shake for all times of the day!

As you can see, some of these shakes are no longer on the Awesome Popular Shakes menu. Due to the fast-moving industry and ever-changing tastes of the public, Make Shake updates their menu to suit.

Other companies have noticed the growing trend and are hot on Make Shake's tail. Once Upon A Milkshake as well as other ice cream joints are trying their best to compete. One thing that Make Shake does have which can’t be copied is a personality!

As well as customising your shakes you can jazz up your cup with stickers available for purchasing at the counter.

Fill in the gap…

This poster made me smile and even better...

The team hope to open a few more stores in Singapore and possibly South East Asia. Big dreams from a grounded individual, Daphne offers up some wise words:

“In business, be practical and always offer what the consumer wants. (You should) always believe in yourself and have the courage to pursue what you want in life. Don’t ever look back and have regrets.”

How can you not feel anything but admiration for a young dream in the making? Make Shake’s bubbly nature was infectious…

Unfortunately I am no longer in Singapore so am looking for other ways to spread the Make Shake word...

 Working hard.