Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tamara Shelly, founder of Classic Juice Co., located in Toronto, ON, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

At Classic Juice Co. ™, we believe that self-care is a part of something bigger. It's something that matters not only for individuals but for society. We believe that healthier people make a healthier planet. "A better you is a better us, and a better us creates a better world."

We are a wellness company empowering you to make healthier choices and leave toxic habits behind with a variety of 48 cold-pressed juice flavours and a holistic cleanse program you can customizable based on your goals and needs. Our customers are health-conscious individuals seeking to improve their lives. Women are the primary consumers of our products.

Tell us about yourself

In my early 20s, I was diagnosed with PCOS and struggled with a number of symptoms. I struggled with the medication provided, and it caused me to have a lack of energy and be irritable. As a young person with a lot of dreams and ambitions, the combination of the medical issues and the adverse reaction to the medication led to depression. And I was losing my zest for life and my fight for the things I was passionate about.

I asked my doctor for a natural alternative or supplement for my issues and was told there was nothing that could help me. I almost felt hopeless. But I reflected on my culture and the natural remedies my grandmothers would give me whenever I was unwell. I began to do research on the benefits of herbs, foods, and juices, and in my search, I came across Ancient Chinese medicine highlighting the core belief that good health begins in the stomach, an ancient notion that is backed by recent science. I took what I learned and added it to what was already instilled within me, "Food is Medicine" and decided to fight back against PCOS by juicing, eating healthy, exercising, and self-care and reversing all of the symptoms that came with my diagnosis.

As my diet and lifestyle changed, my energy, mood, attitude, and relationships improved after making the connection. I reflected on the domino effect of my journey. I learned a profound lesson: the greatest revolution of all is self-care! This revelation ignited a purpose within me to share this wisdom with others.

We are passionate about wellness! Our goal is and support and empower you on your self-care journey with our handcrafted, small batches of cold-pressed, raw, nutritious juice made with local and tropical produce and friendly customer service with a Caribbean flair. We offer a wide variety of 48 different flavours on a seasonal, rotating menu and a holistic, innovative cleanse program that's customizable to suit your unique goals, food allergies, and preferences, helping you leave toxic habits behind. Each drink is made with patience, purpose, and passion for improving your health and your quality of life!

We guarantee we have a juice for everyone. Classic Juice Co. has become a reputable brand disrupting the juice industry with a nutritious, healthy juice alternative.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

It's hard to choose just one. We've come from humble beginnings. I launched the Classic Juice Co. as an incubator with a B Corp company. I validated my product within that business, farmer's markets, and catering until taking the leap to open a flagship retail location in 2018.
We were nominated within our first year as Best Juice Bar in Toronto and sold 15,000 bottles in the last year.

We have maintained a 5 Star Review since opening and have grown a loyal and devoted community organically with very little marketing and no advertising. We have been championed by influential figures, including Penny Oleksiak, Canada's Most Decorated Olympian, as one of her Top 3 Spots to visit in the city. Where she spoke about completing a cleanse to reset her body for a hard training period for her Olympic win. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rornUa2SYyg&t=5s

We've also survived a global pandemic!

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

One of the hardest things about being a business owner is time management. Trying to get everything done at once while trying to drive the business forward is always a challenge.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Get started! Start small and grow.
  2. Keep track of all your expenses from Day 1.
  3. Get legal advice and get structured as you build.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

It's important that you do what you love and what you are passionate about. It doesn't mean that every day will feel like play, but it will drive you through the tough times and keep you motivated during the times you have to do things on your own.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://classicjuice.co/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Classic-Juice-Co-325411492246603
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classicjuicecompany/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ClassicJuiceCo
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/classic-juice-8498661a3/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.