Today we’d like to introduce you to Jesseca Lightbourne.
Jesseca, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
The story begins in the community.
As a researcher, one of my roles is to conduct needs assessments for local communities and provide result-oriented solutions to address challenges. For many years communities have been plagued with issues such as public safety, affordable housing, and transit disparities. In addition to these issues, we have been reminded by the pandemic that health and wellness must be a contend
er for the top priority.
With that being said, many of our communities are surrounded by food swamps. These communities lack access to healthy food options. Moreover, our neighbors, family, and friends are experiencing elevated rates of cholesterol, diabetes, and heart disease amongst other underlying health issues. For years underserved communities have called for access to tasty and healthier food options—Think Juice is answering the call. Think Juice is a natural herbal juicing company established in 2021 to help combat food insecurities in the north Texas region. Our goal is to provide fresh and nutritious juices, sea moss, plant-based milks that are nourishing to the taste, mind, body, and spirit.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
In the juicing business, obstacles and challenges are inevitable. From the increase in costs of produce to mastering the perfect blends. As a mom, wife, aunt, sister, friend, and colleague, I have learned strategies over the years to overcome obstacles and challenges. For example, food prices are rising nationwide. This would result in an increase in prices with our products, which may reduce accessibility for many of our customers. Instead of viewing this as a setback, our team began using our diverse skillsets. For example, as a master gardener we grow fruits, herbs, and vegetables for Think Juice. In addition, Think Juice has connected with growers across the Dallas region to obtain produce at reasonable rates to keep costs low. Fortunately, I have an amazing partner. My husband, Sherard Lightbourne, uses his background in chemistry to help perfect the herbal juices. You see my support system does not just serve as cheerleaders, they are product testers, the branding and marketing team, sales representatives, and so forth. This makes our work to serve the community manageable. If there is anything to be learned from obstacles is that failure is an option. Failure is a critical factor to success. If you fail, then reset, strategize, and keep moving forward
As you know, we’re big fans of Think Juice. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I am the owner of Think Juice, a natural, herbal juicing company that provides options instead of problems. We can be found at the Dallas Farmers Market on Saturday and Sunday. Also, the For Oak Cliff Farmers Market every first Saturday of the month. Our products can also be purchased online (shipping is available).
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Finding a mentor is not as difficult as it used to be years ago. People are breaking down their walls, and entertaining collaboration. Social media has been a very resourceful tool. You can literally gain a mentor from numerous groups from across the world. We have mentors that we never met in person, but they share a wealth of wisdom to anyone willing to receive it. For instance, Frances Dean Smith, executive director for the Zan Wesley Holmes, Jr. Community Outreach Center, has been a gem. She provides essential training on creating a business plan, cash flow, and managing resources. The mentorship our team at Think Juice has received offers beneficial insight that helps us to improve the quality of life despite someone’s zip code.
Pricing:
- Renewal Green Juice ($7/$10)
- Morning Sunshine ($7/$10)
- O2 Boost ($7/$10)
- Milks (Walnuts, Almonds, Oat) $12
- Irish Sea Moss ($23-$35)
Contact Info:
- Email: Thinkjuice21@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.trec2go.com/trecthinkjuice/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/th1nk_juice?utm_medium=copy_link
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/th1nk_juice-109450438233160/
Image Credits
Joshua Powell
Phramed Images
