We recently connected with Kelli Redmond-Bagby and have shared our conversation below.

Kelli, appreciate you joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

Mova Nature began its journey in 2020, spurred by my sister’s diagnosis of stage IV Colon Cancer and the passing of our father amidst the backdrop of the pandemic. Seeking holistic approaches to support her, I delved into researching various herbs, fruits, juicing recipes, and Eastern philosophy healing techniques renowned for their potential to manage and even heal chronic illnesses. Throughout this journey of discovery, I documented each step via Instagram and Facebook. Before long, people began reaching out for advice on juicing, healing, and tips for adopting healthier lifestyles. While balancing care-giving for my sister, I took on the role of delivering door-to-door, shipping wellness products nationwide, and crafting insightful social media content for wellness. Gradually, Mova Nature garnered recognition as a trusted source for wellness products and alternative healing information.
In 2021, an opportunity emerged to secure a stall at the recently renovated Lexington Market in Baltimore. Though this opportunity didn’t materialize, it fueled my determination to find Mova Nature’s first permanent home. Divinely, I stumbled upon a storefront in Hampden, formerly a smoothie place, and felt an undeniable sense of purpose—this was where Mova Nature belonged. We officially opened our doors in January 2023, only to face the reality of needing to readjust our marketing strategy and temporarily close.
Navigating challenges both personal and professional, including the winter opening in a new, unfamiliar neighborhood, required resilience and adaptability. However, fast forward to 2024, and I am thrilled to announce Mova Nature’s reopening this spring, embodying our full vision. Our expanded space will feature a comprehensive wellness area alongside the juice bar, offering fresh produce sourced from local Maryland farmers, a diverse herbal apothecary showcasing products from small businesses, and engaging workshops on juicing, nutrition, and herbal tea-making.
Additionally, our multipurpose “zen room” will provide a tranquil sanctuary for meditation and wellness workshops, fostering community engagement and collaboration with holistic practitioners. At Mova Nature, our commitment to community remains unwavering, and I am eager to embark on this next phase, offering even more valuable wellness resources to our community.

Kelli, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Yes. My name is Kelli, and I am from Baltimore, MD. As the founder of Mova Nature, a haven for holistic wellness, my inspiration stems from a deeply personal experience. In 2019, my 34-year-old sister was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer, marking the beginning of a challenging journey. Despite undergoing multiple seemingly successful surgeries, we realized the importance of exploring alternative healing methods alongside conventional treatments.

This realization led me to delve into research on healing modalities such as juicing and herbal remedies. I discovered a lack of accessible healthy options in our neighborhood, prompting me to conceive the idea of creating a health and wellness juice center. Mova Nature was born from the desire to not only provide nourishing juices but also to embrace holistic healing practices, including meditation, mindfulness, and nutrition workshops.

Our long-term vision for Mova Nature is to be recognized as a comprehensive health and wellness resource within our community and beyond. We offer a diverse range of products and services, including fresh juices, herbs, teas, food education, and lifestyle workshops, all aimed at enhancing overall well-being. Additionally, we serve as a hub for wellness services, introducing movement therapy (yoga), nutrition education, sound therapy, and more. At Mova Nature, our approach is holistic, prioritizing the well-being of the entire individual. We are dedicated to supporting our customers on their journey toward a healthier lifestyle through nourishing products and empowering wellness services.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Absolutely. In 2023, I faced an immensely challenging period that prompted a significant pivot in my journey. Finally achieving my dream of opening a storefront for my business, I was confronted with the harsh reality of financial pressures and the absence of a safety net. Despite securing the space, the urgent need to generate more income to cover newly accrued overhead costs loomed over me. Progress in the new Baltimore neighborhood was slower than anticipated, and I found myself feeling overwhelmed.

After exhausting all available options and experiencing burnout, I made the difficult decision to temporarily close the business. As a minority entrepreneur, limited capital posed a significant obstacle in sustaining a business in transition, leaving me feeling defeated. The space intended to honor my sister felt like a failure, and I was exhausted with the idea of losing things that meant dear to me.

In an attempt to find clarity, I returned to school to complete my nursing degree, but it became evident that this path no longer aligned with my true calling. I realized the necessity of regrouping and confronting the daunting reality I was facing. Seeking a supportive environment conducive to transition, I focused on stillness and self-care to re-center my mind.

Towards the end of 2023, a traumatic experience served as a wake-up call, reigniting my strength and reaffirming my purpose. It wasn’t a matter of failure but rather the resilience to pivot and persevere—an essence of true entrepreneurship. Returning to the drawing board, I revisited the original vision of Mova Nature, renegotiated leasing terms for better feasibility, and began laying the groundwork for reopening.

Now, on the cusp of spring, I feel grounded, armed with newfound wisdom, partnerships, and support from a trusted team. This reopening symbolizes a rebirth, aligning with the fresh beginnings of nature’s changing seasons.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

The initial quest for capital proved challenging. Most banks scrutinize creditworthiness and income to ensure applicants can handle potential setbacks. Fortunately, funding was secured through a local financial institution, alongside financial support from friends and family. However, the obtained amount only covered a couple of months’ rent, leaving the remainder to be allocated towards inventory, equipment, and various expenses associated with opening the space (such as license fees and applications). Baltimore City imposes numerous fees related to business openings, catching me off guard. Coupled with the lengthy processing time for each application, it’s a daunting process that I had not fully anticipated.

Looking ahead to our current opening, the primary strategy for securing additional funding primarily revolves around pursuing grants and utilizing personal resources. Balancing full-time work with business operations isn’t ideal time-wise, but it’s crucial to sustain operations until the business can generate sufficient revenue independently.

I embrace the challenge; entrepreneurship ignites a sense of determination reminiscent of my high school sports days, albeit with significantly higher stakes and greater rewards. We are committed to seeking capital through partnerships, grants, crowdfunding, and potential investors to fuel our expansion plans and will rely on all available support to achieve our goals.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.movanature.com
• Instagram: movanature
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelli-redmond-bagby-54480a187/

Image Credits
27 Inc Photography Center5oul Photography