Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Javonne Sanders. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Javonne thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Getting that first client is always an exciting milestone. Can you talk to us about how you got your first customer who wasn’t a friend, family, or acquaintance?

The first dollar Toss It Up ever made wasn’t planned—and that’s what made it so special. I was attending and participating in a local organization event when I struck up a conversation with a woman who was also involved. Naturally, I started talking about Toss It Up and the salads I was creating. She seemed intrigued and asked if I could bring her one sometime.

The next day, while I was making lunch for myself, I decided to make a second salad for her. I wasn’t thinking of it as a sale—I just wanted her to try it and experience what I was so passionate about.

When I delivered the salad, she opened it, looked at it, and immediately said, “How much do you charge for this?”

I paused for a second, smiled, and said, “Well, how much would you pay for it?”

She looked at it again and said with confidence, “This looks like a $15 salad.”

I laughed and said, “Well then, I guess it’s $15!” I added quickly, “But I didn’t bring it to charge you—I really just wanted you to enjoy it.”

Later that evening, while I was at home getting ready for the next day, a text came in: “I want to sow into your dream. I would like to purchase 3 salads a week. I will have your money on Sunday.”

Tears started forming in my eyes.

Javonne, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Javonne Sanders, and I’m the founder of *Toss It Up*, a salad company based in South Los Angeles. I’m a proud native of L.A., born and raised in the Crenshaw District, and I’ve always had a deep connection to my community and a passion for making a positive impact through food, health, and entrepreneurship.

The journey into this industry wasn’t a straight path. I didn’t start off in food—I started with a dream to create something meaningful, something that would serve others and reflect who I am at my core. That dream led me to build *Toss It Up* from the ground up. I saw firsthand how many communities, especially Black and Brown neighborhoods like mine, lacked access to fresh, healthy, and affordable food options. Fast food was everywhere, but nutrient-dense meals? Not so much. So, I decided to be part of the solution.

*Toss It Up* offers fresh, mouthwatering salads, made with love and intention. Our business is mobile, which means we meet people where they are—at farmers markets, community centers, corporate offices, and local events. We also offer meal plans, catering for office lunches and events, and healthy eating workshops. It’s more than just food—it’s about creating access, building trust, and shifting the culture around wellness in underserved communities.

What sets *Toss It Up* apart is the experience. We don’t just sell salads—we create joy, build community, and educate. Each meal is crafted to be satisfying and flavorful, with bold, clean ingredients. Our customers feel the love in every bite. They’re not just getting a meal; they’re getting nourishment for their bodies and support from someone who truly cares about their health and lifestyle.

I’m most proud of how far we’ve come—from selling one salad to a stranger who believed in me, to catering major events like the U.S. Open with the United States Golf Association. I’ve built this business with grit, grace, and God. Every challenge has strengthened me, and every success has fueled my commitment to this mission.

What I want people to know is this: *Toss It Up* isn’t just a business—it’s a movement. We’re reimagining what healthy food looks like in South L.A. We’re giving people options. We’re creating jobs. We’re teaching the next generation that entrepreneurship is possible, and that you can build a business with purpose.

Whether you’re looking for a fresh salad, a reliable catering partner, or someone to speak and educate on healthy living—I’m here for it. This is more than a brand. It’s a calling.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

One of the biggest pivots for *Toss It Up* came during the early stages of the pandemic. At the time, the business was primarily operating through farmers markets and catering opportunities. But when COVID hit, everything shifted. Farmers markets were paused, events were canceled, and the uncertainty made it feel like everything had come to a halt.

But instead of shutting down, we saw it as a moment to pivot and expand our impact. Even though our regular operations were on pause, new opportunities began to open up throughout the city. We participated in senior meal programs and served at COVID testing and vaccination sites, making sure people still had access to fresh, nourishing meals during one of the most difficult times our community had ever faced.

We also leaned into meal prep and delivery, offering weekly salad plans to individuals and families who were now stuck at home but still wanted to eat well and stay healthy. That pivot allowed us to not only keep the business alive, but to deepen our mission—to serve, to nourish, and to meet people exactly where they were.

It was a turning point for *Toss It Up*. It showed us the power of adaptability, the strength of our community, and the importance of staying rooted in purpose, no matter the circumstances.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy we’ve used to grow our clientele has been showing up consistently and building genuine relationships—whether it’s at the farmers markets, community events, or inside corporate offices. People don’t just connect with our salads—they connect with *us*, our story, and our presence.

Word of mouth has been huge for us. When someone has a great experience with *Toss It Up*, they tell their coworkers, friends, and family. That one connection often turns into five new customers. We’ve also been intentional about aligning ourselves with programs and organizations that help us get in front of new audiences, like the LA Urban League, LA Food Policy Council, and corporate wellness initiatives.

Another powerful strategy has been tapping into community-focused opportunities. From meal plans to workshops, pop-ups to catering corporate meetings, we position *Toss It Up* as more than just food—we’re part of a lifestyle that supports health, culture, and connection.

We also take time to listen to our customers. When they give feedback or make requests, we actually respond. That trust and care keeps people coming back—and referring others. It’s not just about sales; it’s about service.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tossitupinc.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/tossiutpsalad
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tossitupinc
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toss-it-up