Juice For Us, Juice For Everyone
Vegan For My Last Name
What started as a healthy choice has become a way of life for both Christina Serrano and Aaron Tomblin.
In 2016, Aaron found he was pre-diabetic and Christina also encountered health issues within her family. This prompted the two to try a 40-day fruit and vegetable fast that solidified their lifestyle change to a plant-based diet.
While fasting the two would gain a true passion for healthy consumption as they saw it as a way to break the curse of many health issues plaguing their families as well as their community.
By changing what they consumed, they could change the trajectory of their future.
Aaron and Christina began making their own juices and smoothies at home and then decided to turn it into a business.
Thus came, Juice For Us. Helping our families, our cultures, and our communities, one juice at a time.
Our taste-buds couldn’t be more happier!
I’ll Drink To That
Juice For Us delivers in the taste department but it is the brands drive to better the community that has us captivated.
Aaron and Christina were able to get rid of the pre-diabetes and all those health issues just by changing what they consumed.
They wanted to bring their knowledge of healthy consumption to local communities in a less intimidating way.
Juice For Us has juice for us… Anyone and everyone, because we can all benefit from a whole lot of goodness, the all natural way.
Juice For Us seeks to inspire and educate families of our cultures and in our communities to enhance their quality of life and increase their quantity of life with the power of juicing.
Did we mention Juice For Us was delicious?
A Cup Of Inspiration
Christina and Aaron are serving up a delightful cup of inspiration.
The two are remarkable in showing that entrepreneurs should stand behind a product they believe in.
Their brand is committed to a health conscious lifestyle using only the freshest quality ingredients, wholesome, locally sourced and organic.
Their seasonal crafted menu is full of fruit and vegetable juices and smoothies that is not only healthy but delicious as well.
We caught up with Christina Serrano to discuss her business Juice For Us, her journey as an entrepreneur and much more!
When did you realize your product could become a business?
Before launching Juice For Us, both Aaron and I had no prior business experience in the food and beverage industry.
It was really scary jumping headfirst into starting our own business but we were inspired by the want to leave the 9-5 and start something we were both passionate about.
In order to get our brand out there to the world, we began vending at many local events. We noticed at many of the events we were the only 100% plant based vegan options. So we noted the need for our product and also the public’s unawareness to the benefits of healthy consumption.
Once people at these events became informed and tasted our product the raves rolled in. Moments like that is what keeps us going.
Describe your day as a business owner.
As a business owner everyday is different. During a typical market day we are up by 5:30 am packing up the truck with our fresh ingredients.
We make all the juices fresh that day.
We have to be at the market 2 hours before the official start time to setup. The markets usually run for about 6 hours, with an additional hour of clean up.
After the market, we come home wash out the truck, and take inventory. We try to stay busy by scheduling as many events/markets as possible within the week.
What challenges have you come across that you didn’t expect?
Working a 9-5 job you are always under guidance. You are given a set pay, hours and schedule of tasks.
As an entrepreneur you are in control of your destiny. No one is there to keep you motivated. You are always pushing yourself. Your schedule is also flexible. You’re accountable to only yourself.
What does your product have in common with the urban community?
In our community there are lots of health issues plaguing our people such as diabetes, cancer and mental health issues. Our product aims to bring awareness to how healthier consumption choices can lead to a healthier lifestyle and ultimately a healthier community.
What do you think about the Makerhoods mission?
I think it’s awesome. Your mission should be adopted in many other cities around the U.S. I know their are communities with abandoned property not being utilized for the betterment of its people. Most entrepreneurs don’t know where or how to start. You guys are not only surrounding entrepreneurs within a community but also offering resources and business help as well. Every entrepreneur should be jumping at this opportunity.
What are your business goals for 2019?
We want to finish designing our food truck. So far we have only been able to paint the food truck a base color.
We have never taken out a business loan, everything has been purchased with our own capital.
In the near future we are in search of a permanent location. Traveling from event to event is both tiring and costly. We want a permanent location hopefully in Newark.
What advice would you tell your younger self? Any self-starting entrepreneur?
Whatever you do don’t stop. Keep going. Consistency will get you there. Don’t get caught up in fears or self-doubt.
Anthony Smith, Community Outreach Coordinator
After graduating college and returning back to my hometown of Newark, NJ I became a member of the Newark Makerhoods team. This transformative experience put me in touch with many local entrepreneurs who are all in different business stages, ranging from established to upstart. Newark is a thriving city for talented creators. I'm here to share their stories and launch their business to the everyday public’s eye.