To start their frozen fruit dessert company, Michael and Victoria Philippou didn’t just change careers, they changed countries.

The couple, who were working as lawyers at the same London firm, began coming up with ideas for a business after meeting in an MBA program sponsored by their employer. They liked the idea of pureed frozen fruit dispensed like frozen yogurt.

“We have a real sweet tooth but like to try to be healthier,” said Victoria Philippou, 31.

Since frozen yogurt isn’t as popular in the United Kingdom as it is in the states, they began looking elsewhere. So they set their sights on Los Angeles, with its year-round sun and vibrant food scene.

The couple obtained E-2 investment visas, which allow foreigners to start businesses in the United States, and sold their apartment last year to fund their endeavor. In July, they launched Frozen Fruit Co. at a small storefront on upscale Montana Avenue in Santa Monica.

The store cost $100,000 to $150,000 to open, and it grossed $15,000 to $17,000 a month during the summer, said Michael Philippou, 30. They plan to open three to four more stores in Los Angeles and then perhaps start franchising.

Ultimately, they hope to earn more than they would have as lawyers.

“Maybe we have the crazy gene,” he said. “We’ve done a lot of market research. This is where Pinkberry started. It felt like if we’re going to do it, now’s the time.”

– Caroline Anderson