Kashana Waples is the owner of Juice Capitol LLC. Juice Capitol LLC is a raw, cold-press juice company in Blackwood, NJ focused on custom juice plans and their mission is to educate, provide and model for individual healthy living. We had a chance to sit down with her to ask about her experience with entrepreneurship and LAEDA’s training program.

(1) LAEDA: Entrepreneurship is a very challenging path to take with many different possible
directions. What made you decide to become an entrepreneur?
I did not decide to become an entrepreneur because when I received my MBA in 2010 I thought that I was going to be working for corporate America. When that did not happen I started looking at my passion as my business and my first step was that I helped to heal my friend of IBS and then I started my business journey whilst creating valuable relations. This lead to my business being known through word of mouth and the positive differences it was making in the lives of individuals with different needs and healing processes.

(2) LAEDA: Why did you choose your industry?
I did not choose juicing but I know this was my calling. I learned at the age of eight how to juice and then juicing would pop up here and there for me. When I realized I loved being in the kitchen making juices for fourteen hours at a time, listening to my gospels with no complaints I knew this is what God had for me. Thus, I launched my business as a home business and established the storefront in 2021 and since then we have continued to grow.

(3) LAEDA: Tell me about your experience while attending EDTP. What have the major takeaways been from the program? Have you had any “Ah-ha!” moments? How did the program help you?
EDTP was a game changer, for Juice Capitol. I went in as an employee of my own company to an actual CEO. MBA in 2010 I remembered nothing from that program, but being in the center of my company and learning at the same time changed everything for Juice Capitol. I now have true business to take care of. Products and services (pricing formulas), cost of goods sold and IRS AND TAXES. Due to me learning this, I changed my prices and NEVER miss a quarterly sales tax. I work with someone one on one from the state of New Jersey to keep Juice Capitol ahead.

(4) LAEDA: Tell me about your journey on the road to business start-up. What have been some of the challenges, successes, failures, etc.?
Challenges was trying to get a loan, and then learning I needed three years of profit and loss statements to get it. However, that did not stop me and I took this challenge to continue learning and growth and saw it as my opportunity for growth. In addition, I saved $30,000 so that way I did not have to pay back anyone because I did not have business credit. Learning that I need to keep my personal credit good in order to get my business credit, which is vital in the business venture world.

(5) LAEDA: Could you tell me a little about where your business is today?
The business today is doing better. In addition to my storefront, I also provide a traveling juice for wellness events, conferences, parties, weddings, street and much more. I already owned a storefront before coming to the LAEDA program, but the program helped me to manage my business affairs. I no longer have slow period from September to December in my business cycle just November to December, but I believe that will change too because of my effective marketing and building relationships.

(6) LAEDA: Do you have any advice for future (or existing) entrepreneurs?
Complete the 9-week program with LAEDA and visit their website to learn more and attend other free sessions. Also, look into other programs, and attend those as well. Never stop learning and finally become a vendor, get out there. Network!

More about Juice Capitol LLC:
Juice Capitol was establish by Kashana Yara Waples’ home in 2019. After juicing for herself and completing a juice challenge that helped herself lose weight and rid her friend’s issues with irritable bowel syndrome, word got out via social media. Shortly after, with great demand from strangers Kashana started 5-day juice plans. She saved the money that she made, because banks denied her of any loans to start her own store. For 3 years, Kashana built relationships with her clients, purchased produce, clean, cut, juiced and delivered juices 3-4 days out the week, while working a full time job and being a single parent. Afterward, Kashana also wrote a book called, “so you think you can juice” on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. COVID hit and that is when she came up with a wellness kit, which helped so many people heal. After saving for 7 months with 30,000.00 in the bank, Kashana was able to afford the startup cost to have Juice Capitol as a storefront.

Kashana opened Juice Capitol; a raw, cold-press juice company in Blackwood, NJ focused on custom juice plans. Juice Capitol mantra “God created everything to heal the body” is inspired by the rejuvenating effect of a healthy meal and a quality juice plan. Adding smoothie bowls, seamoss smoothies, teas and mushroom coffee, all allergy friendly/all vegan products.

All products is manufactured in-house using USDA- certified produce and sustainable vessels and practices to minimize waste and environmental footprint. The rapidly growing trends of cold-press juice appeal to a health-conscious audience who enjoys the social aspects of grabbing a juice.
Build increasing sales in Blackwood, NJ and hotspots. Maintain a balanced control of cost and operation.

To get in touch with Juice Capitol LLC:
Website: https://www.juicecapitol.co/
Visit the New Jersey Location at 1031 Little Gloucester Rd, Blackwood, NJ 08012
Call at (856)-805-7105
Instagram: @juicecapitol.co
Facebook: Juice Capitol

About the Entrepreneurial Development Training Program (EDTP):
The Entrepreneurial Development Training Program (EDTP) is a free, nine-week business skills training course offered in Camden, NJ in the Spring and Fall each year. Qualified entrepreneurs receive 72+ hours of training from industry professionals, business planning, and continued technical assistance. Please visit our website to learn more: https://laeda.com/.