Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tamala Austin. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Tamala, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So, let’s start with a hypothetical – what would you change about the educational system?

One of the biggest downfalls in today’s education system, no longer do the students have options. Many of the school districts today have removed extra-curricular activities such as cosmetology, welding, c0oking etc. These are some of the classes that were offered back in my day. For various reasons schools are no longer offering these classes. Every child does not desire to go to a 4 year college, but they have a gift/passion that can be discovered while in school so that by the time they graduate they can have the skills to get a job or open their own business. While college degrees are often lauded as the best pathway to higher earnings and financial wellbeing, enrolling in college is not necessarily a golden ticket. Prospective students should also be aware of the opportunities outside of higher education. Many good-paying jobs do not require a college degree. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the health care and social assistance sector will add the largest number of new jobs by 2030.While some of those jobs will require additional schooling, there are plenty that require less than a college degree. I had no idea that when I was in school seeling cool cups that I was being an entrepreneur or running a business. I was just selling to pay for my senior fees and to help my grandparents. Little di I know that I had started a business in my grandma’s kitchen. Sounds just like my J.I.V.E. Juice story, that I started in my kitchen. Instead of making cool cups, I make healthy juices.

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?

Tamala Austin started JIVE Juice Company in her kitchen. After dealing with minor health issues, her passion for a fit and healthy lifestyle became even more real. She whole-heartedly believes that “Your Health Is Your Wealth”. As she would share the deliciously decadent juices with friends and family members, it became clear that Austin accidently found a way to create a business that would not only provide jobs within her community but would provide a platform to an improved quality of life.

In 2018 J.I.V.E. Juice Company was the First African American Female Juice Company of its kind to join Whole Foods Market. The journey began in one location in Houston, Texas and is now currently in 12 locations in Houston and surrounding areas. Just recently in July 2021, the growing health company achieved another milestone as it joined the H-E-B Grocery Company family, enabling it to reach more clients and help them maintain healthier bodies. It is the first female black owned juice company to make it to the H-E-B Grocery Company shelves, and its founder could not be any happier.

In 2019 at his biennial State of the State address, Texas Governor Greg Abbott touted the state’s strong economy and workforce, highlighting the success story of J.I.V.E. Juice founder Tamala Austin. J.I.V.E, which stands for Juicing Is Very Essential, is the first juice company owned by an African American to be placed in Whole Foods, and Austin received a standing ovation by state leaders in honor of her accomplishments. “Inspiration, hard work and drive pay off in Texas; they paid off for Tamala,” Gov. Abbott stated, citing the growth of J.I.V.E. Juice from a home-based business into a retail success. “Let us thank you for your inspiration of what a business leader can be.”
Gov. Abbott also noted the state’s strength for African-American and Hispanic-owned businesses and women entrepreneurs, while noting Texas’ overall growth in business and population. There are 1.1 million minority-owned businesses in Texas, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration, and Texas is top in the nation for the economic clout of its women-owned businesses. “When women succeed, Texas succeeds,” Gov. Abbott quoted.

After 20 plus years in corporate, the diverse nature of her expertise and skills have propelled her into a new career opportunity as Director of Entrepreneurial Initiatives and Community Relations for Women of Color at Houston Community College. Being widely recognized for her collaborative leadership style, proactive approach and keen ability to translate complex concepts into straightforward ideas effectively, will help her to succeed in her new role. It is her passion to share her journey of entrepreneurship, encourage a culture of learning, while inspiring others that they can achieve anything while fostering a culture of innovation. To bridge the gap between theory and practice and to stay current in industry, she coaches teams and individuals, especially women who have a desire to start a business or have an existing business. Her message is simple, with the right tool’s success is achievable.

Just recently Austin was the keynote speaker for Texas Woman’s University Fall 2022 commencement. Her theme was “Resiliency”, Education breeds resilience and Resilience breeds confidence. This year she has launched her own coaching program, Manifest U to help entrepreneurs achieve their dreams.

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

One of the biggest way I have funded my business is through, pitch competitions and grants. I do a lot of reasearch, I follow groups on social media and I believe in networking. In order to win, you have to show up because you never know who is in the room.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I built my social media audience by being transparent and consnsitent. I am my product, the problem I am solving starts with me. Being transparent and posting relatable information will attract your target audience. Once you get your audience you have to remain consistent. Your product or service should be represented on all your platforms. Be careful what you post because you never know who is watching.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jivejuicecompany.com
• Instagram: jivejuicecompanyhtx
• Facebook: JIVE Juice Company

Image Credits
Tamala Austin