Plant-Based Real Food - Nourish Juicery and Kitchen

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sarah Verlinde, founder, and owner of Nourish Juicery and Kitchen, located in Blissfield, MI, USA.

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

We are a Juice Shop, Bakery, and Healthy Scratch Food Kitchen, and everything we make is Vegan, Gluten-Free, and Soy-Free. We provide options for those that struggle to eat out due to dietary preferences, food intolerances, allergies, or who are just looking for options that are nutrient-dense and delicious. We have our own storefront, do catering, and have a small group of wholesale partners.

Tell us about yourself

This business was born out of my own illness/ healing journey. I suffered from chronic illness and, out of desperation, turned to natural health and food, and it has completely changed my life. I began juicing for myself and sharing my story. I began helping others by providing juice out of a cooler on my porch before finally deciding to do this full-time when I had been downsized from my corporate job and asked God what He had for me next..." it's right in front of you" as clear as day. I truly feel that this is what He has called me to do, how I'm meant to serve in this season of my life.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

We opened our own location the weekend before the world shut down in the wake of the pandemic. Our business model proved to be a blessing. We were able to stay open and provide a safe and nurturing space for our customers to visit. Our business has continued to grow throughout all of the challenges of the past few years, and I have been blessed with an incredible team and community of customers.

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

I had been recovering from a TBI due to a car accident four years ago, so I struggled a lot with overwhelming confidence. There are so many "good" things out there and directions that we could focus our efforts on that it can be very stressful deciding which direction to take while at the same time juggling all of the day-to-day operations/ logistics of a specialty food business.

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

Don't be afraid to ask for help. Find a community of other business owners you can share with and connect with for support and encouragement.
Run your business with your heart, but not at the expense of your cash flow. Make hard decisions and analyze everything on a regular basis.
Give yourself Grace. Only you are aware of most of the things you feel "behind" on. Take each day as it comes and stays focused on your purpose, not perfection.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.nourishjuiceryandkitchen.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nourishjk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nourishjk/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-verlinde-6aba593b/

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.