We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kerri Rush. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kerri below.
Kerri, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
The idea for my business came from a place of desperation, hope, and a fierce determination to heal my mom. In 1996, my mom was diagnosed with stage 4 colon, liver, and lymph node cancer. The doctors gave us very little hope, but something inside of me refused to accept that this was the end of her story. I began researching anything that could strengthen her immune system and support her body’s healing. That’s when I discovered wheatgrass.
I started growing wheatgrass on every available surface of my home. I juiced it fresh for her every single day, pouring all my love, care, and belief into those little green shots. What happened over the next several months was nothing short of miraculous. Against all odds, my mom began to heal. She not only survived, but she thrived. Today, she’s a happy, healthy, and thriving woman in her late 70s.
Seeing the incredible impact wheatgrass had on her life, I knew I had to share this gift with others. It wasn’t just about growing wheatgrass; it was about growing hope, health, and resilience. I launched Fresh Wheatgrass Girl with the mission of providing the purest, most nutrient-dense wheatgrass juice powder to people who, like my mom, needed something powerful and natural to support their wellness journey.
I realized that most wheatgrass products on the market were made from dehydrated, whole wheatgrass (including the fiber and often containing fillers), which not only made them difficult to digest but also compromised their nutritional integrity. I knew I could do it better. So, I dedicated myself to growing wheatgrass organically in nutrient-rich soil, juicing it, and then freeze-drying the pure juice to preserve every bit of its nutritional goodness.
What got me most excited was the idea of giving people an easy and delicious way to integrate wheatgrass into their daily lives. A product that tasted great, was easily digestible, and offered powerful benefits. I believed that if it could save my mom’s life, it could help countless others find their way to better health and well-being.
The passion, the process, and the potential impact of Fresh Wheatgrass Girl kept me moving forward. It’s not just a business. It’s a mission to bring the healing power of wheatgrass to as many people as possible.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My name is Kerri Rush, but most people know me as “The Wheatgrass Girl.” I’m the owner, farmer, and chef at Fresh Wheatgrass Girl Farm in Carlisle, Iowa. My journey into the world of wheatgrass and plant-based living began in 1996 when my mom was diagnosed with stage 4 colon, liver, and lymph node cancer. It was a devastating time for my family, but I was determined to find a way to help her heal.
Through countless hours of research and a lot of trial and error, I discovered the incredible power of wheatgrass juice. I started growing it myself, juicing it fresh every day, and pouring all my love and hope into those little shots of green. Miraculously, my mom not only survived but thrived, and today she’s a healthy, happy, vibrant woman. The experience completely changed my life and set me on a mission to share the gift of wheatgrass with the world.
Fresh Wheatgrass Girl is about more than just selling a product—it’s about empowering people to take control of their health through nature’s most powerful ingredients. I grow the highest quality wheatgrass organically, juice it at peak nutrition, and freeze-dry the pure juice to preserve its nutritional integrity. Unlike many other wheatgrass products on the market, mine is pure juice powder, not ground-up grass. This makes it smoother, sweeter, and much easier to digest, while delivering the highest possible chlorophyll, protein, and nutrient content.
Our clients come to us because they are looking for a simple, effective, and natural way to improve their health and vitality. Whether they’re dealing with chronic illness, fatigue, inflammation, or just looking to boost their overall wellness, our freeze-dried wheatgrass juice powder offers them a convenient and powerful solution.
What sets me apart from others in this industry is my full commitment to quality and integrity. I grow everything from start to finish, use heritage organic seed, and juice the wheatgrass at peak nutrition—all to ensure that every pouch delivers the best possible benefits. I’m not just selling a product; I’m sharing a story of hope and resilience, inspired by my mom’s healing journey.
I’m most proud of the community of wellness-seekers that has grown around Fresh Wheatgrass Girl. My mission has always been to connect people to nature and to themselves, showing that the simple power of a small grass can transform lives. I’ve been honored to teach, inspire, and support others on their health journeys through my products, my story, and the cooking and wellness classes I lead.
What I want people to know most about my brand is that it’s rooted in authenticity, passion, and purpose. I believe in the healing power of nature, and I’m dedicated to bringing that power to as many people as I can. Whether it’s through our pure wheatgrass juice powder, plant-based cooking classes, or the community we’ve cultivated, my goal is always to empower people to feel their best and thrive.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
One of the most challenging moments in my journey was when we received a cease and desist letter from the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals. At that time, we were on the brink of something huge. Our frozen wheatgrass shots were being sold in about 300 stores, and we were rapidly expanding our wholesale accounts. It felt like all the hard work, dedication, and passion I had poured into Fresh Wheatgrass Girl was finally paying off.
But then, the letter arrived. The issue was that our juice was not pasteurized, which made it non-compliant for wholesale distribution under the state’s regulations. The news was devastating. We had to immediately stop all wholesale sales, refund all the money, and discard the product we had already produced. Financially, it was a massive hit. Emotionally, it was crushing. It felt like everything was falling apart.
But I wasn’t willing to give up. I had built this business from the ground up, inspired by my mom’s healing journey, and I knew it was too important to quit. So, I pivoted. Instead of giving up, I focused on selling directly to consumers, where the laws were different, and we could continue providing pure wheatgrass juice powder to those who needed it.
The experience taught me the importance of resilience, adaptability, and staying true to my mission. I doubled down on creating the highest quality wheatgrass juice powder, educating people about its benefits, and building a direct-to-consumer brand that people could trust.
Since then, our brand has become even stronger. We’ve built a loyal community of health-conscious individuals who believe in the healing power of wheatgrass. And now, we are getting ready to launch a wholesale line again, this time with more knowledge, experience, and determination than ever before.
Looking back, that setback was actually a turning point. It forced me to find new ways to grow and strengthen the business. It was proof that when your mission is rooted in something authentic and meaningful, nothing can truly stop you. You just have to keep going, keep learning, and keep believing.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
I believe my reputation within the market has been built on a foundation of integrity, consistency, and genuine care for my customers and community. From the very beginning, I’ve made it a priority to be completely transparent about our growing practices. We don’t cut corners. We use the best organic seed, sourced directly from the farmer, and we go the extra mile to mix our own soil and grow in soil instead of taking the easier route of hydroponic growing. This commitment to quality is non-negotiable for me because I want to provide the absolute best product possible.
Building relationships has always been at the heart of my business. I show up consistently and genuinely care about the people I serve. We’ve been at the Downtown Des Moines Farmers Market every year since 2006, rarely missing a Saturday. It’s not just about selling wheatgrass juice powder; it’s about being there to listen, educate, and support people on their health journeys. I want them to feel seen, heard, and appreciated, and I think that connection is what keeps them coming back.
I’ve also made a strong effort to give back to the community. From volunteering and feeding the homeless at the YMCA Supportive Housing Campus kitchen in downtown Des Moines, to donating juice and juicers for research in Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, I’m deeply committed to being of service wherever I can. Seeing how chlorophyll and wheatgrass are showing signs of success in treating and reversing symptoms has only fueled my passion even more.
My business isn’t built on making a quick buck. It’s built on long-term relationships, unwavering quality, and a deep-rooted desire to help others achieve better health and well-being. I’ve seen others come and go, trying to copy what we do, but they often lack the stamina and dedication it takes to do the hard work consistently. They don’t have the same love and passion for sharing the healing power of wheatgrass and chlorophyll.
What sets Fresh Wheatgrass Girl apart is our dedication to quality, community, and strong values. We are here for the long haul. We are here to educate, inspire, and help people improve their health span, not just their lifespan. For me, it’s about quality of life and building something meaningful that truly makes a difference in people’s lives.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.freshwheatgrassgirl.com
- Instagram: freshwheatgrassgirl
- Facebook: freshwheatgrassgirl
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/kerri-rush-freshwheatgrassgirl
- Twitter: freshwheatgrassgirl
- Youtube: freshwheatgrassgirl
- Yelp: freshwheatgrassgirl
- Soundcloud: freshwheatgrassgirl
- Other: spotify: freshwheatgrassgirl
Image Credits
Kerri Rush, Tim Rush, Hannah Rush, Sarah Rush, Nancy Marchack