We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Juhara Kirby. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Juhara below.

Alright, Juhara thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

Our story is one that may be familiar to many. My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 and again in 2019. I encouraged her to make healthier food choices. She was very reluctant and stubborn at that time, but that didn’t stop me for wanting to learn more about health and wellness. In my research, I stumbled across juicing. While juicing for a friend, I created a menu, posted it to my Instagram story, and JudyMakesJuices blossomed. I started juicing to help my mom become the healthiest version of herself. I learned quickly that more people wanted help to live a healthier lifestyle. As a teacher, I have a passion for helping others. I want people to know that eating healthy can be delicious. I currently offer fresh cold-pressed juices, juice cleanses, smoothies, and açaí bowls. This year I’m looking to expand my business by going full-time with my food truck, website, and menu adding salads, parfaits, and fruit bowls. My hope and goal are that people will decide to make healthier adjustments to their life. As I like to say, it’s a lifestyle change.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am Judy, the owner of JudyMakesJuices. I am from the Hampton, VA. I grew up in Northern VA. I went to VCU where I received a bachelors in Liberal Studies, Masters in Special Education and Post Masters in Educational Leadership. At one point I wanted to become a Principal but that was short lived lol. I enjoy traveling to new destinations, dancing around the house and cooking/baking of some sort. I come from a fairly larger family of 5 siblings, where I am the oldest. I aim to be a kind and friendly person, realizing we all have things going on in our daily lives and it doesn’t hurt to be kind. Outside of JMJ, I like to consider myself as a ball of positive energy.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

I started JMJ with all the money I had in my savings account. I purchased a commercial juicer from Kuvings and ordered bottles from Amazon. When I decided to commit to getting a food truck, I reached out to my grandfather for help. I also used my credit plus received a business loan from Ready Capital. Ready Capital is a loan provider through the SBA!

Here’s my referral link for anyone that may qualify for their loans!

https://readycapital.preview-postedstuff.com/V2-wMpB-Xoug-nC1I-8Sid/erc-gp/

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

BE YOURSELF! People want to know who you are, and they want to feel connected to you in some way. I have had people reach out, sharing their stories about knowing someone with a health ailment. Being true to myself and my story has helped my business grow tremendously because those people have referred others. I make a point to post on my social media almost daily. I also recycle information. At one point, I hired a social media manager. They create about 100 posts for me that I know use in rotation with minor adjustments. You want to be consistent, so people continue to see your business. That consistency will help you gain business.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.judymakeskjuices.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/judymakesjuices/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083133234729
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/judymakes

Image Credits
@Tanickacookephotography