I started working at Jeni’s in the evenings, as a way to get out and see people (freelancing from home can be lonely at times), but also to do something I love. I have worked in food service on some level off and on since I was 14, the last time being when I was in graduate school waitressing while studying for comps. As both a woman and an aspiring entrepreneur, I admire and want to soak up all of the wisdom I can from my time with the awesome company that is Jeni’s. I often run into former co-workers as I scoop and ring out happy ice cream customers; they stare at me baffled and trying to place me in the unfamiliar scene. I guess some people don’t get why I am working in a non-executive-track job after my experience out there in the “real world”, but I can tell you that it is a genuine joy to serve people Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams each summer evening, to see happiness on their faces, to speak of the creative process and inspiration that goes into each flavor. It is seriously art. And what a company, what a brand to be a part of! Truly the coolest culture, and some incredibly smart people to rub ice-cream-covered elbows with daily. Okay, enough gushing… but check it out! Google is apparently on board as well.

P.S. The still shot of Jeni in the field perfectly highlights why I will forever have a love affair with Ohio — big sky, open spaces, green patches, dirt road — you can watch those clouds for hours, folks.