Today we’d like to introduce you to Jess Howes.
Hi Jess, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m a former Division I hockey player at Merrimack College. For years, I focused on performance but didn’t fully understand the role nutrition played in my health. I often got sick in college, and my weight fluctuated a lot. It wasn’t until after college that I slowly developed an interest in nutrition and began reading extensively about it.
As I studied food and nutrition, I realized that what we eat affects much more than just our weight, it influences our energy, overall well-being, and quality of life. Looking back, I wish I had known then what I know now; it would have saved me years of low energy, frequent illness, and struggling with my weight.
As my passion for health grew, I wanted to help others, but I wasn’t sure how, until I recognized how hard it can be to find quick, truly healthy food that you can trust without reading having to read the label. That’s why our tagline is “Fuel your body with ingredients you can trust.” At Olakino Shakes, we read the labels so you don’t have to.
Since I’ve always loved making protein shakes since my college days, I combined that hobby with my wellness journey, passion for nutrition and and overall health to create Olakino Shakes. We are a drink truck more than a food food truck and offer superfood shakes (healthy smoothies & protein shakes) and organic coffee.
The name “Olakino” comes from the Hawaiian language: “Ola” means health or well-being, and “Kino” means body. Together, it represents harmony and wellness for your body. I was born and raised in Minnesota, and our business is based in the Twin Cities, but my inspiration comes from Hawaii, a place known for its vibrant colors, healthy lifestyle, and tropical warmth. I wanted to bring a touch of that Hawaiian energy and warmth to Minnesota.
At Olakino Shakes, our mission is simple: to empower people to fuel their bodies with clean, wholesome ingredients that nourish the body, energize the mind, and support lasting wellness.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not exactly, but I don’t think starting any new business is ever a smooth road. There are always learning curves and unexpected challenges to navigate. Over time, the road does get smoother, but I also know that with growth will come new bumps along the way.
For example, when I first purchased my truck out of Illinois, I had to road trip overnight to pick it up. The truck had been sitting for a while, and we only knew what we were told about its condition. On the drive back, a mechanical issue came up, forcing us to wait three hours at a local repair shop before we could continue on the 6 hour drive home.
Once I got the truck back to Minnesota, I had to bring the truck up to state food truck regulations, which are very different from Illinois’. That meant buying a new water tank, plumbing, a water heater, and completely redoing the electrical, all things I knew very little about at the time.
Since then, I’ve run into a few issues with the battery, generator, POS, and electrical all during events which were stressful in the moment, but each time I’ve been able to figure it out. That’s just how it goes when you start a business, you can’t know everything ahead of time, but you learn by jumping in and doing it. I also know I won’t make the same mistake twice.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
When I graduated college, I earned a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Management with a minor in Graphic Design. After graduation, I started my career as a Marketing Coordinator, but quickly realized I preferred a more active role rather than sitting behind a desk all day. That led me to jump into sales, where I’ve spent the last five years working in a variety of industries and companies of all sizes. I’ve learned a tremendous amount during that time and am grateful for every opportunity, but my ultimate dream has always been to run my own business in something I’m truly passionate about.
Olakino Shakes is that dream come true. We launched this past June as a part-time food truck, serving 1–2 events per weekend, both public and private. We’ll be wrapping up our first season in early October, perfect timing for my long, awaited honeymoon to Italy with my husband after our wedding last June in 2024.
Starting April 1st, 2026, Olakino Shakes will operate full-time, running each year from April 1 through November 1, and closing during the winter months.
What makes Olakino Shakes unique is our unwavering commitment to clean, nourishing ingredients. Health and nutrition are deeply personal to me, and I’ve dedicated countless hours to learning how different foods and ingredients affect our overall well-being. That’s why every item on our menu is crafted with intention, using only nutrient-dense, thoughtfully selected ingredients you can truly trust. Our shakes and coffee are always free from dairy, soy, gluten, cane sugar, highly processed fillers, and artificial additives. Instead, we focus on whole, organic, and nourishing ingredients that fuel the body and support lasting wellness.
My vision for Olakino Shakes is to create more than just a place to grab a shake or coffee. I want it to be a source of education, inspiration, and nourishment, helping people see how the food they choose impacts their energy, health, and overall well-being. My hope is to make healthier options simple, enjoyable, and accessible so people can enjoy delicious drinks while feeling confident that they’re nourishing their bodies with the best ingredients possible.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My husband, Jake Howes, deserves so much credit. He has been my biggest cheerleader, encouraging me to start this business and motivating me to see it through. He’s also my go-to problem solver, always helping repair or improve components on the truck whenever challenges arise.
Another person who deserves tremendous credit is my mentor, Tara, owner of Adventure Bowls. What started as a simple conversation gradually turned into a meaningful friendship. Seeing another woman successfully run her own business was incredibly empowering, and I don’t think I could have started without her guidance.
I’d also like to give a huge shout-out to my life coach, Ben Greene of Greene Performance & Wellness, for helping guide me and giving me the courage to begin this journey.
A special thanks goes to my go-to electrician, Kevin, who’s always been there when technical problems pop up.
And of course, I’m deeply grateful for my family and friends, whose unwavering support and encouragement have made this journey possible. Many of them also run their own businesses, and it’s been inspiring to watch how far they’ve come. Knowing I can turn to them for guidance and advice has been invaluable along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://OlakinoShakes.com
- Instagram: @OlakinoShakes
- Facebook: Olakino Shakes
- Other: @OlakinoShakes (TikTok)
