Smoothie Business Brings Piece of Paradise to Johnston

Shellie Smaha brings a little bit of paradise to your life with each smoothie she dishes out.

Smaha owns a franchise of in Johnston.

While she doesn't have a storefront, her tasty treats can be found at numerous events, not just around town, but also across central Iowa.

"We wanted to do a franchise and my husband (Jeff) was going on the internet and saw it," she said of getting a start in the business. "I thought it was fun, and gave us a chance to truly make our own hours."

Shellie officially began in May 2008 and has been going strong ever since.

"The first year we just started getting on the internet and looking for events," she said. "We did a lot of small events, the second year the Des Moines Arts Festival contacted us."

Now her schedule includes large events such as the Arts Festival, Adel Sweet Corn Festival, Ankeny SummerFest and the Urbandale Fourth of July celeration.

The Smahas aren't just about attending big events, they're also in the business of giving back to their community.

In April, they donated smoothies to the Johnston High School after prom event.

While their children have been involved heavily at Johnston High School they have participated in a fundraiser for Showzam for several years.

"My kids have always been in choir so it was a no-brainer," Shellie said. "Now we have no kids in choir but we still do it. it's good for them. and kids always know to expect us there."

For that event they donated 20 percent of their smoothie proceeds to the Vocal Parents Association at the school.

They've also worked at the and warm weather football games.

With fresh fruit smoothie flavors like Hawaiian Breeze, Hawaiian Dreamcicle and Kona Rain, it's not a surprise they're a hit with the younger crowd.

The tasty drinks are priced from $4 to around $8.

"Kids really love it," Shellie said. "If we're someplace, especially the warm weather football games, and the kids are always asking."

The business has become a true family affair, with the Smaha children helping at larger events.

Chelsea, 24, Joshua, 21, Ryan 19 and Tyler, 17, can often be found manning the tiki hut style booth during events.

"As they've become older we've had neighbor kids help out, as well," she said.

The relationships the Smahas have been able to cultivate with the business have been rewarding.

"I think especially because of the schools and how welcoming they have been to let us work," Shellie said. "When you're in a bigger community it might be harder to forge a relationship with the schools."

Maui Wowi often attends JHS sporting games and donates 20 percent of the proceeds to the booster clubs.

The Smahas have also made appearances at graduation parties, bar mitzvahs and other special occasions.

"It's very laid back, any time you want a laid back island type drink, we try to accommodate anything," she said. "We're flexible for small parties or big events."

For information on catering and events visit the Maui Wowi website here.