2006 Vermilion alumni Jennifer Karres opened Hawaii Ice after living in her 49th state, Hawaii! Following her dream of traveling across the US, she began working with different species of animals, in many different settings, which ultimately lead her to Hawaii. Jennifer hopes to inspire others to follow their own dreams by showing them her love of travel, the environment, and helping animals & people alike. Hawaii Ice was born while Karres was in Hawaii, and first opened in Vermilion, Ohio August 2019. Hawaii Ice’s goal was and still is to reach the youth of this small town on the lake while providing the community with a truly authentic Hawaiian treat! Jen designed Hawaii Ice as a mobile unit where she could work with the animals she’s truly passionate about while still having the opportunity to touch people everywhere. "It's more than a treat, it's a way of life that the world needs to experience! I call it the Aloha Spirit! Relax, spread, kindness, and enjoy the simple pleasures in life... like a Shave Ice!" - Jen