We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nikki Eke. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nikki below.
Nikki, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?
Sooko Gardens began as a lifeline—a response to my autoimmune diagnosis that brought constant inflammation and pain. When my doctor said, “Eat whole foods,” I took those words to heart, eliminating processed foods and experimenting with anti-inflammatory ingredients like ginger, turmeric, and pineapple. To my surprise, these natural remedies improved my health, and what started as a personal project became a calling.
Determined to share these benefits, I dove into learning about licensing, health regulations, and sourcing quality ingredients. Recipes like Bliss, our pineapple ginger infused with adaptogenic teas for relaxation, and Boost, our green tea and hibiscus blend with adaptogens for energy, were born from countless hours in my kitchen and feedback from family and friends. This winter, we introduce Golden Chai, a creamy, dairy-free blend made with tiger nut, naturally sweetened with dates, and infused with chai spices. Along with our Mulled Hot Cider, these new additions bring warmth and comfort to our lineup for the colder months.
Obtaining a manufacturer’s license and finding a commercial kitchen were challenging but necessary steps. I began small, selling at local farmers’ markets and expanded to more the following year, where every tasting, sale and conversation confirmed I was on the right path. Each step, from perfecting recipes to listening to customer feedback, brought me closer to building a business rooted in wellness, perseverance, and a passion for helping others live better.
Nikki, 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?
I’m excited to share the story of Sooko Gardens, a project that grew out of my own health journey and my love for wellness. Being a first-generation Nigerian-American has deeply influenced my values, instilling in me a sense of resilience and creativity. With more than 20 years of experience in management, visual merchandising, and training for well-known brands like Victoria’s Secret, Express, and Gap, I’ve channeled my dedication into crafting beverages that not only nourish the body but also bring joy to the senses.
Sooko Gardens is all about crafting artisanal fruit and botanical blends that nourish both the body and soul. We offer Refreshers, Wellness Elixirs, and Mocktail Mixers, each designed to bring vibrant flavors while delivering real health benefits. What makes us special is our ability to bridge the gap between sugary sodas and bland herbal teas, providing creative and delicious alternatives for anyone looking to make healthier choices.
I take immense pride in the connections we’ve built with our customers. Hearing how our beverages have become a meaningful part of their wellness journeys truly warms my heart. Each bottle symbolizes my dedication to quality, creativity, and care. It’s more than just a drink; it’s about crafted wellness in every sip. My hope is that Sooko Gardens inspires others to embrace small but impactful changes in their lives while enjoying the vibrant flavors we offer.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Turning a personal remedy into a business has been anything but easy. Early on, we ran into a major roadblock when demand started outpacing production. Our equipment couldn’t keep up, which meant long nights, constant stress, and the fear of showing up at a farmers’ market with fewer bottles than we needed—or worse, having to cancel altogether because we just didn’t have enough product.
I’ll never forget the week our main juicer broke down right before a big market weekend. For a moment, I panicked. But giving up wasn’t an option. I spent the entire night manually pressing juice and brewing teas to make sure we had enough to bring to market. It was exhausting and painstaking, but every bottle was crafted with the same care and precision our customers deserve. Of course, the commercial kitchen fee that month was absolutely astronomical thanks to the extra hours. Let’s just say the only thing juiced more than my hands was my wallet!
That experience taught me two things: always be ready for the unexpected and never underestimate the power of perseverance. With backup equipment now in place, I’m more prepared than ever to create handcrafted, healthier drink options for my community—because no matter what challenges come my way, this mission is worth it.
Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?
Sooko Gardens has truly been a labor of love, built one juice sale at a time. From the very beginning, every dollar earned at farmers’ markets has gone straight back into the business. We’ve invested in better packaging, high-quality ingredients, and grassroots marketing to ensure that what we offer reflects our values. Nearly everything you see—branding, signage, labels, social media presence, and marketing—has been crafted in-house, making the journey as fulfilling as it is challenging.
While funding remains a constant hurdle, it has also fueled our creativity and resourcefulness. We’re eager to team up with professionals who can help us elevate our brand and its impact even further. Each sale, every partnership, and all the support from our community reassures us that Sooko Gardens is on the right track. Little by little, we’re creating something truly special, built on determination, passion, and the understanding that real growth comes from patience and care.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sookogardens.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/sookogardens
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/sookogardens
- Twitter: @sookogardens
Image Credits
Farmers Market picture by Bailey Ramsey.