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

Lucy, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

Life has a way of pushing us in directions we never expected. For me, that moment came when I found myself in a hospital bed, facing a serious illness that forced me to slow down and reevaluate everything. It was a wake-up call—a reminder that life is fragile, that time is precious, and that faith and family are what truly matter.

During that time, my husband shared his dream of opening a superfood shop—a place where we could serve fresh, nourishing food to the community while creating something of our own. At first, I wasn’t sure if it was the right move. With so much already on my plate as a mother, teacher, and artist, adding a business to the mix seemed overwhelming. But as I prayed and reflected, I realized how important this dream was to him—and to us as a family. I knew God had given me a second chance, and I wanted to use it to support my husband, to build something meaningful together, and to serve others in a way that aligned with our values.

So, as a family, we took the leap. We worked side by side, putting in long hours, making mistakes, and learning as we went. Our kids pitched in, we leaned on each other, and little by little, our business came to life. It wasn’t just a business—it was a labor of love, an act of faith, and a reflection of our journey. Every step of the way, we trusted that God had a plan, even when things felt uncertain.

Like any business, we’ve faced obstacles along the way. Change is never easy, and there were moments when we questioned everything. But through prayer, perseverance, and the support of our community, we kept going, staying true to why we started in the first place—to bring people together over something simple, healthy, and made with care.

Balancing everything—running a business, teaching, raising a family, and now pursuing a law degree—has been a challenge, to say the least. Some days, I feel like I have it all under control; other days, I’m just trusting God to get me through. But if my journey has taught me anything, it’s that you don’t have to be perfect to be successful. You just have to keep showing up, keep learning, and keep moving forward with faith.

Beyond Bowls and Blends isn’t just a business; it’s a testament to God’s faithfulness. It’s proof that even in the hardest moments, there’s always a new beginning waiting. It’s a place built on resilience, love, and the belief that good food has the power to bring people together.

So whether you’re here for a quick boost, a family outing, or a post-workout recharge, know that every bowl, smoothie, and blend we serve is made with care—because we believe that health, happiness, and faith go hand in hand.

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

As a family, we took a leap of faith. We built this business together, pouring our hearts into every detail. It wasn’t just about serving food; it was about creating a space where people could find something wholesome, fresh, and made with love.

What We Offer & The Problems We Solve

At Beyond Bowls and Blends, we specialize in handcrafted açaí bowls, smoothies, fresh-pressed juices, and other nutrient-packed offerings that cater to busy individuals, families, athletes, and anyone looking for a healthier option. We know that people are constantly searching for food that is both delicious and nourishing without compromising on quality. That’s where we come in.

In a world full of processed fast food, we aim to be different. We focus on fresh, real ingredients, ensuring that our customers fuel their bodies with something that not only tastes good but also makes them feel good. Whether it’s a busy parent needing a quick and healthy meal, an athlete looking for a post-workout boost, or a student wanting a refreshing snack, we provide options that fit different lifestyles without sacrificing nutrition.

What Sets Us Apart

Beyond Bowls and Blends isn’t just another açaí shop—it’s built on family values, faith, and a commitment to quality. We believe in creating food that nourishes the body and soul, and we bring that passion into every bowl and blend we serve.

Here’s what makes us unique:

A Family-Owned & Operated Business – This isn’t just a job for us; it’s something we’ve built together with love and dedication. Every bowl we serve carries the heart and effort of our family.
Faith at Our Core – We believe that this business is a blessing, and we strive to run it with integrity, kindness, and gratitude, serving others with the gifts we’ve been given.
A Community-Centered Approach – We see our customers as more than just transactions—they’re part of our extended family. We love engaging with the community, getting to know our regulars, and creating a welcoming space for all.
Quality & Transparency – We don’t cut corners. Everything we serve is made with fresh, carefully sourced ingredients. No artificial fillers, just real food made with care.
What I’m Most Proud Of

I’m incredibly proud of how far we’ve come—not just as a business, but as a family. We’ve overcome challenges, adapted through change, and continued to grow in ways we never imagined. More than anything, I’m proud of the relationships we’ve built along the way. Seeing familiar faces return, watching customers introduce their friends and family to our bowls, and knowing that we’ve made even a small positive impact on someone’s health or day—that’s what makes this journey worthwhile.

What We Want You to Know

Beyond Bowls and Blends is more than just a place to grab a smoothie or a bowl—it’s a place built on love, resilience, and faith. It’s a reflection of our journey, our values, and our commitment to offering something good to the world.

We want our customers to know that when they walk through our doors, they’re not just supporting a business—they’re supporting a family, a dream, and a mission to bring fresh, nourishing food to the community. Whether you’re looking for a healthy alternative, a family-friendly spot, or just a place that truly cares about what it serves,

How’d you meet your business partner?

My business partner also happens to be my husband, and our journey together started over 20 years ago when we worked at ViewSonic. Back then, I was in my own world, focused on my work, never expecting that my future would be sitting just a few desks away in the IT department. My computer always seemed to need fixing (or maybe I just found reasons for it to), and every time I called for help, he was the one who showed up.

Even then, there was something different about him—his kindness, his patience, his pure and genuine heart. He was one of those rare people who always showed up—not just to fix a computer, but for the people in his life. I admired that about him long before we ever became anything more. Over time, our friendship grew into something deeper, and before we knew it, we were building a life together.

Fast forward to today, and we’re still partners—in life, in business, in faith, and in every challenge that comes our way. The idea to start a superfood business was actually his dream first. He has a passion for health and wellness and saw a need for something fresh and nourishing in our community. At the time, I was juggling multiple roles—being a teacher, an artist, and a mother—so the thought of starting a business felt overwhelming. But after a serious illness landed me in the hospital, everything changed. That experience reminded me of what truly mattered: family, faith, and the importance of pursuing the dreams placed in our hearts.

When I saw how much this meant to him, I knew I had to support him—not just as his wife, but as his partner. We decided to build the business together as a family, involving our kids and putting in long hours side by side. It wasn’t just about opening a shop; it was about creating something meaningful that aligned with our values and allowed us to serve our community in a way that felt authentic to us.

Over time, our roles naturally fell into place—he focuses on the operations, while I handle the branding, marketing, and creative direction. We don’t always agree on everything (what married couple does?), but at the end of the day, his steady presence, his loyalty, and his good heart have been the foundation of everything we’ve built.

Starting this business together has been one of the greatest adventures of our lives. It’s tested us, challenged us, and ultimately made us stronger—not just as business partners, but as a couple and as a family. Beyond Bowls and Blends is more than just a business to us—it’s the result of years of hard work, faith, and the belief that when you build something with love and purpose, it can truly make a difference.

And through it all, I know that if my computer (or my life) ever needs fixing, he’ll always be the one who shows up. ❤️

Can you share one of your favorite marketing or sales stories?

Do you remember the coloring contest we did a while ago? It was one of my favorite marketing ideas! We created a fun coloring page featuring cartoon smoothies and an açaí bowl, then provided free coloring pages and crayons for kids to join in. The contest was divided by age groups, and we had such an amazing turnout—so many adorable entries! Choosing the winners was tough because every page was full of creativity, but the best part was seeing our community come together for something fun. It was a huge success and such a great way to engage with local families!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://beyondbowlsandblends.com
• Instagram: @beyondbowlsandblends
• Facebook: Beyond Bowls and Blends
• Twitter: @beyondglendora

Image Credits

Just me – Lucy Manalo