Our First Event And taking the leap into event catering shave ice

Our very first event will always be one we remember.

Going live for the first time was equal parts nerve-wracking and exciting. The event was a dance competition, and like any new business owner, the what ifs immediately set in.

What if people don’t buy?

What if they don’t like our product?

Those worries didn’t last long.

As soon as the event started and we saw long lineups forming, the nerves melted away. People were excited, curious, and ready for something fun—and that moment gave us the confidence that Island Girl Shave Ice was onto something special.

After that first event, we jumped right in. We worked two Canada Day locations, serving from basically dawn to dusk. Those long days became some of our biggest learning experiences. We quickly discovered what worked, what didn’t, and how to adapt on the fly.

Our first year turned out to be incredibly successful, especially when it came to event catering shave ice bookings. At the same time, I felt the need to be at every single event—another lesson learned. Over time, we figured out which events were worth the time and energy, and which ones weren’t the right fit.

One of the standout moments near the end of that first year was Comic Con at the RBC Convention Centre. The lines truly never stopped, and it was a powerful reminder that people loved the Island Girl Shave Ice experience.

As we look back on those first events, one thing is clear: none of this would have been possible without the incredible support of our guests, clients, and community.

Mahalo for welcoming us into your events and celebrations from the very beginning.