Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Christian Chica, Founder of Juicify, located in Altamonte Springs, FL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Our business is a healthy alternative business. We do our best to make our products as affordable as possible. The long-term goal is to serve our surrounding communities with a community garden, nutritional classes, donate to the cancer society, and show everyone how we make our products so they can be encouraged to make their own. We take great pride in what we do. We always get excited about educating anyone who is interested in having a healthy lifestyle. Our customers range from individuals who are aware of cold press juices and the benefits to individuals who are just starting out and what to be informed about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
Tell us about yourself
The idea of Juicify came about while I was battling stage four Hodgkin Lymphoma Cancer. Even though I took chemo despite what every doctor said, I knew getting cancer was more than just a family inherited. This was my body's way of saying something was wrong, and I needed to fix it. I didn't want to just depend on chemo for my remission. After my first treatment, I read many books and watched documentaries about vegetables and fruits. During my research, it occurred to me that what I was consuming contributed toward my cancer. I am not against the pharmaceutical industry; I actually feel because of today's modern medicine, we are living longer. However, I do feel certain things such as type two diabetes, high cholesterol, arthritis, and high blood pressure things within that nature can be controlled through a change in our diet. Our body can heal itself, but it's up to us to give it the proper nutrients and minerals needed for the healing process.
During the battle with cancer, I changed my diet and made my own salads, juices, and smoothies. There were certain days when I didn't want to make anything and will purchase my juices, salads, and smoothies. That's when I realized how expensive it was. It was mind-blowing how a salad can cost almost 10$, but a fast food burger will cost less than $2. Juicify aims to make our products as affordable as possible and educate everyone about vegetables and fruits. We want to show everyone how we make our products so it can encourage them to make their own healthy alternative; we're just here for the convenience. My biggest motivation is my son.
My son is seven now, and by educating my son about vegetables and fruits, he can educate his friends about vegetables and fruits. Most children do not know the benefits of vegetables and fruits. Most children do not know where vegetables and fruits come from. If you ask them where does vegetables and fruits come from, most will point to a supermarket instead of the ground. I feel it is important to teach our children (the future generation) about vegetables and fruits. Where it comes from, how it's grown, and how it impacts our body. I continuously research about different vegetables and fruits so I can learn and teach others. A healthy lifestyle will lead toward a healthier life, which will lead toward happiness. You'll be surprised how the chemicals in our foods impact not just our body but also our brain waves.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is being able to educate everyone about different types of vegetables and fruits and learn from others. Until this day, I learn something new every day from people because we all know something we can learn from each other.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
There really isn't just one difficult thing about being a business owner. There are many. There are things such as finances, motivation, marketing, hiring people, and building a network, just to name a few. At the end of the day, you have to ask yourself that why question, why am I doing this? As a business owner, you'll have to be your own cheerleader. People will only see the success, but not the struggle that came with it. If you believe in what you're doing and that you're making a difference in society keep pushing forward. The last thing you want is that "what if" in your life.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Have a business plan before you start so you'll have a direction of where you want your business to go.
- Make sure your plan has a minimum of five years. Of course, it's going to change throughout the years, but the fact that you have a direction, at least you'll know where you're heading.
- Always motivate yourself. No one will be your biggest cheerleader but you. Never give up because quitters never win, and winners never quit.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
If you order a minimum of six juices online at www.juicifytheworld.com, you'll receive a complimentary Juicicle, our cold press popsicles. We are also working on shipping, so we'll be able to ship around the country and eventually around the world. The best part is delivery in Seminole County, and Orange County is free.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.juicifytheworld.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juicifytheworld/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juicifytheworld/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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