1851

<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-jean-michel?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=from-amazon-packages-to-shaved-ice-meet-the-local-entrepreneur-bringing-kona-ice-to-los-angeles-2726532" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Jenny Jean-Michel</a> is somewhat of a corporate retail legend. She spent years working for well-known names like H&amp;M, Forever 21 and Gap, helping expand the retailers across the country. She even facilitated the first ever H&amp;M opening in America.&nbsp;Originally from New York, Jean-Michel eventually moved to the West Coast to pursue new opportunities as the retail landscape began shifting towards online sales. “[B]rick-and-mortar stores were no longer the go-to, and everyone was starting to purchase online,” said Jean-Michel. “I could see a shift in the business. Amazon was booming, so [I thought:] if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.”This led her to join Amazon's Delivery Service program, marking her first foray into business ownership. “I spent 20 years making everyone else rich, but this time I could focus on myself and make a difference in the community,” she said.Last year, a chance encounter with a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kona-ice.com/shaved-ice-franchise/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=from-amazon-packages-to-shaved-ice-meet-the-local-entrepreneur-bringing-kona-ice-to-los-angeles-2726532" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Kona Ice</a> truck sparked a whole new passion.“During our busy seasons, I do a lot of team building for our drivers,” said Jean-Michel. “We’ve done food trucks, events and giveaways. That is where I came across Kona Ice. I wanted to do something for my drivers on a hot July day and stumbled across Kona Ice. I requested a truck for my drivers, and it came that evening. It was a huge hit — they loved it! My daughter couldn’t get enough of it either. The experience was so great that I started talking to the driver about the business model. I was intrigued and sold from there. We did a deep dive into the company and the brand. They had all the information out there, nothing was hidden. That’s why I decided to take the leap and apply for the franchise.”Now, alongside her husband,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/garyjourdain/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=from-amazon-packages-to-shaved-ice-meet-the-local-entrepreneur-bringing-kona-ice-to-los-angeles-2726532" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Gary Jourdain</a>, who operates a workers' compensation management business, Jean-Michel is eager to build a large Kona Ice operation in Los Angeles. They envision this venture as a family affair, involving their children, River and Ocean. Together, they aim to create lasting memories with their community.1851 Franchise spoke with Jean-Michel to learn more about her story, her journey to franchising and her plans for the future.&nbsp;1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us.&nbsp;What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?Jenny Jean-Michel: I was in corporate retail for many years, dealing in fast fashion. I’ve worked for companies like H&amp;M, Forever 21 and Gap. I opened the first H&amp;M location in the U.S. and helped them open 326 stores across the country. I traveled all around the U.S. and overseas. Originally from New York, I was recruited to the West Coast by another company. As the retail market started changing, brick-and-mortar stores were no longer the go-to, and everyone was starting to purchase online. I could see a shift in the business. Amazon was booming, so if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. I started with an Amazon Delivery Service program, which allowed me to become my own business owner. I spent 20 years making everyone else rich, but this time I could focus on myself and make a difference in the community. I’ve been doing that for three years now.During our busy seasons, I do a lot of team building for drivers. We’ve done food trucks, events and giveaways. That is where I came across Kona Ice. I wanted to do something for my drivers on a hot July day and stumbled across Kona Ice. I requested a truck for my drivers, and it came that evening. It was a huge hit — they loved it! My daughter couldn’t get enough of it either. The experience was so great that I started talking to the driver about the business model. I was intrigued and sold from there. We did a deep dive into the company and the brand. They had all the information out there, nothing was hidden. That’s why I decided to take the leap and apply for the franchise.We have two small kids, River and Ocean, and this is something we can all do together. I own an Amazon transportation service that delivers on behalf of Amazon, with a full-time manager running it. My background is in retail, with 17 years at H&amp;M, Gap, Forever 21 and Cotton On, which brought me to the West Coast. My husband, Gary, is the owner-operator of a workers' compensation management business. We both plan to work the Kona Ice business and build a large operation.1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?Jean-Michel:&nbsp;I was really more sold on Kona Ice rather than franchising in general. I am a big believer in following something that is winning. We wanted to work with a model that was already successful, which is why we chose to focus on a franchise.1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?Jean-Michel: I could tell this was one of the top franchise businesses right now. Most importantly, it was fun. It seemed like something that was very family-oriented. We could do all types of different events. I love Amazon and what it has done for our family, but the day-in and day-out operations can be a bit challenging. We wanted to do something we saw ourselves doing for 15-plus years. We could get the family involved — who doesn’t want shaved ice? We live in California, so it was a win all around.1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?Jean-Michel:&nbsp;We hope to be up and running by July 1st. We are already signed up for a second truck. We want to have at least 12 trucks. Los Angeles can be a tough city to take on with food trucks, but our goal is to focus on the school districts, which we are already connecting with. We already have events planned for USC. Our goal is to really establish ourselves in Los Angeles and grow from there. We want people to recognize the brand.1851: What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?Jean-Michel: We’re ready to serve our Los Angeles customers — we want to get out there into the community.1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming a franchise owner?Jean-Michel:&nbsp;Planning is very important. As an entrepreneur, you’ve always got to have a plan. If you are on the fence, just know that you will have a franchisor behind you. They are there to walk you along the way. Once you get the keys, just know that you still have somebody there to help you. You are going to be in good hands.For more information on franchising with Kona Ice, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ownakona.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=from-amazon-packages-to-shaved-ice-meet-the-local-entrepreneur-bringing-kona-ice-to-los-angeles-2726532" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.ownakona.com</a>.About Kona IceFounded in 2007 by Tony Lamb, Kona Ice launched its first Kona Entertainment Vehicle (KEV) in Florence, Kentucky, offering a unique combination of cleanliness, friendliness and a one-of-a-kind experience. Today, Kona Ice has grown to more than 1,700 mobile units that serve 49 states across the country. Kona Ice has been named to Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 list for 11 consecutive years, earning a spot on the Franchise 500 Hall of Fame, and most recently being named #1 in the “Frozen Desserts” and “Ice Cream” categories. In addition, Kona was named to the Franchise Business Review Top 200 list in the overall “Top 50” and “Enterprise” categories. Other accolades include being named a “Top 100 Most Innovative Franchise” by Franchise Business Review and a “Top Franchise for Veterans.” With a commitment to giving back, Kona Ice has donated over $180 million to communities nationwide. For more on Kona Ice, visit the brand’s online Newsroom and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news. For more information about booking Kona Ice for a fundraiser or event, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kona-ice.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=from-amazon-packages-to-shaved-ice-meet-the-local-entrepreneur-bringing-kona-ice-to-los-angeles-2726532" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.kona-ice.com</a>. To learn more about available franchise opportunities, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ownakona.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=from-amazon-packages-to-shaved-ice-meet-the-local-entrepreneur-bringing-kona-ice-to-los-angeles-2726532" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.ownakona.com</a> or call (800) KONAICE.

From Amazon to Kona Ice: Jenny Jean-Michel's Franchise Journey in Los Angeles

1851 Franchise

After a successful career in fast fashion and launching her own Amazon Delivery Service, Jenny Jean-Michel is embracing the family-friendly Kona Ice franchise, aiming to establish a strong presence in the LA community.

This brand page has been paid for by 1851. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

From Amazon Packages to Shaved Ice: Meet the Local Entrepreneur Bringing Kona Ice to Los Angeles

from-amazon-packages-to-shaved-ice-meet-the-local-entrepreneur-bringing-kona-ice-to-los-angeles

HomeTeam Inspection Service

Photo of four HomeTeam Inspection Service inspectors

The HomeTeam Advantage: 30 Years Strong and Still Growing

hometeam-30-year-legacy

Mathnasium

Mathnasium Franchise - James Temple - 1851 Franchise

Fast Growth and Bold Moves: James Temple’s Journey to Franchise Ownership With Mathnasium Learning Centers

mathnasium-franchise-james-temple

TruBlue Home Service Ally

TruBlue Accelerates Growth in 2025 With Record-Breaking Midyear Momentum

trublue-accelerates-growth-in-2025-with-record-breaking-midyear-momentum

Caring Transitions

Building a Legacy With Caring Transitions: How Franchisees Create Lasting Impact While Growing a Successful Business

building-a-legacy-with-caring-transitions-how-franchisees-create-lasting-impact-while-growing-a-successful-business

Why Andrew Boules Chose Mathnasium Learning Centers and Built a Six-Unit Franchise Portfolio Fast

mathnasium-franchise-andrew-boules-six-locations

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Photo of Paris Baguette pastries and beverages 

Paris Baguette Celebrates 250th Café Opening in Frederick, Maryland, Accelerating Expansion and Reviving the Neighborhood Bakery Café

paris-baguette-250th-north-america-cafe

Restaurant Chains Open Their Wallets To Jump-Start Franchise Growth - 1851 Franchise

Restaurant Chains Open Their Wallets To Jump-Start Franchise Growth

restaurant-franchise-incentives-cash-royalty-holidays-fee-reductions

U.S. Budget Deficit Rises as Tariff Revenues Increase — Potential Considerations for Franchising

us-budget-deficit-rises-as-tariff-revenues-increase-potential-considerations-for-franchising

Dickey's Franchisee Backlash - Lawsuits - Disputes - 1851 Franchise

Texas-Based Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Grapples with Franchisee Backlash

dickeys-barbecue-pit-franchisee-lawsuits

Design with person in blazer, with laptop, holding sign that reads "LOOKING FOR A JOB"

Uptick in Jobless Claims Points to Continued Instability in Labor Market

jobless-claims-franchise-growth

Hely and Hiral Patel Bring Their Longtime Dream to Life With The Brass Tap

brass-tap-franchise-pasadena-maryland-hely-hiral-patel

graphic for a spotlight from 1851 franchise featuring Kevin Rarick from caring transitions

Army Veteran Returns Home To Launch Caring Transitions Franchise in Reading, Pennsylvania

kevin-rarick-caring-transitions-reading-pa

Navy Veteran and Professional Artist Couple Open Caring Transitions in Texas

Navy Veteran and Professional Artist Couple Set Out to Build a Purpose-Driven Business With Caring Transitions in Texas

navy-veteran-and-professional-artist-couple-set-out-to-build-a-purpose-driven-business-with-caring-transitions-in-texas

graphic image of an 1851 franchisee spotlight brayden and johnny steven of teriyaki madness

Father-and-Daughter Team Bring Teriyaki Madness to Wichita, Kansas, With Big Expansion Plans

johnny-brayden-steven-teriyaki-madness-wichita

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores - Agg - 1851 Franchise

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores

hooters-franchise-model-company-owned-closures

1851 Keyword - The Secret To Succeeding With a Part-Time Franchise Is Picking the Right Model

The Secret To Succeeding With a Part-Time Franchise Is Picking the Right Model

part-time-franchises-picking-the-right-model

1851 Franchise Deep Dive graphic with Sparkle Squad logo

Sparkle Squad Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

franchise-deep-dive-sparkle-squad-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

Rising Jobless Claims Could Signal Challenges — and Opportunities — for Franchising

From Amazon Packages to Shaved Ice: Meet the Local Entrepreneur Bringing Kona Ice to Los Angeles

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS