Ashley Morken
We asked Renae of Juice Box Fargo to talk about their business focused on wellness!
Tell us a bit about yourself:
I grew up on a farm in western North Dakota as the youngest of three girls. I was taught that I could do anything I wanted as long as I worked hard enough for it. This is the third business that I’ve created from nothing. I love everything about being an entrepreneur! When I’m not working, I have a love for all things nature. Colorado is my happy place, we go there as often as we can! My kids are my two loves. We are always off on some new adventure!
Describe what you create under Juice Box Fargo?
We create raw, purposefully not pasteurized, organic, cold-pressed juice. Cold-pressed is a two step process of juicing where the juice is never forced through a mesh screen, therefore preserving the maximum amount of nutrients and extending the shelf life of the juice. It truly is a labor of love!
Tell us where your name came from?
I wish it were more glamourous of a story but it’s not! I was on Pinterest looking for ideas and I saw this cute curbside juice stand called Juice Box London and boom, that was it! Juice Box Fargo.
Your personal favorite juice you’ve created so far?
Golden Citrus! (Orange, pineapple, lemon, ginger, turmeric). It always makes me feel like I’m on a tropical vacation!
Tell us the health and wellness benefits of enjoying the juice you create?
When raw juice is consumed without food, the nutrients go straight into your bloodstream within 20-30 minutes. It’s an instant shot of nutrition! It’s an easy and delicious way to get the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables into our diet each day! We also offer 1 and 3-day juice cleanses which are a great way to give your digestive system a break. This allows
your body to take the energy that would normally be put into digestion and put it into detoxing and healing your body.
What will you be bringing to the 11th Annual Unglued: Craft Fest at West Acres on March 13?
We are bringing our full lineup of cold- pressed juices – including a surprise new flavor just for this event!
How do you determine the next flavor you’ll release?
I listen to feedback from my customers and look for areas that aren’t covered on my menu. Like sweet, greens, vegetables, kid-friendly, etc.
What is your favorite thing about having your own business?
Being able to create a business model that fits my lifestyle, not the other way around. I also chose this business so that I could have my two teenagers work alongside me. I wanted them to learn how to start and grow a business!
What is the most challenging thing?
The first year was rough, not going to lie! This is a lot more labor-intensive than I ever realized. It was a struggle figuring out how to not wear my body down, which is why I started juicing six years ago in the first place. Also, my margins were horrible for the first year. Coming up on my two-year anniversary this summer, I feel like I’ve finally got it functioning the way I want it to. Yay!
What is a word that best describes you?
Weird. The doormat at my house says, the good kind of weird lives here. 🙂
What advice would you have given yourself 10 years ago?
Take care of yourself first, otherwise, you’ll pay for it down the road!
Where can people find your work?
I juice out of Square One Kitchen at 1407 1st Ave N Fargo. We offer curbside pick- ups on Tuesdays and Fridays from 5-6 p.m. for pre-orders only. Orders need to be placed online by 9 p.m. the night before we juice. And we do regular pop-ups that we post information about on social media. In the summer and fall, you will find us every Saturday at the Red Market downtown Fargo!
How can our community support you – especially in this pandemic time?
I have been so appreciative of all the love and support throughout all of this. I’m extremely blessed to have such wonderful customers! Just continue to share the message about living a healthy lifestyle that includes juicing!
Website/social to stay connected:
www.juiceboxfargo.com
Instagram @juiceboxfargo
Facebook @juiceboxfargo
