Today we’d like to introduce you to Summer Sanders.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Local Juicery was always a thought in the back of my mind, but there were many hurdles to get over before it could become a reality. My husband had a great career as a Naval Special Warfare Officer and our life was moving toward a life in the Navy. After our son was born in 2013, the burning desire to have a home base that was steady for my family and the feeling of needing to share everything I loved so dearly with the world couldn’t be ignored any longer. We were visiting San Fransisco for a much-needed vacation after my husband’s second deployment to Afghanistan and something snapped inside of me while we were there. I just knew that I was going to open an organic cold-pressed juice bar and I knew it needed to be in our hometown of Sedona, AZ.
Within weeks of that inward “Snap”, I started making moves toward the dream. My husband could feel the change in me and I think he knew how important it was to my spirit. He supported me and our then 9-month-old son to move to Sedona and start with pop up shops and delivery of the foods and juices I loved so dearly. It became obvious after a few months of continually selling out at each pop up within an hour that we need a brick and mortar location. The search began, inventory was low in Sedona and we had a tiny budget. I came across a location that was not listed, after digging pages deep on google, I found the owners lawyer and called! She put me in touch and voila, that was the spot. My husband came as often from San Diego as possible to help with the start-up phase, but a lot fell on me to just figure out. I learned a lot, messed up a lot, laughed a lot, and definitely had my fair share of tears.
The night before we opened, our was sick with the flu, my husband was up all night pressing juice and literally slept in the shop, I was driving back and forth from the shop to go home and nurse my baby who was sick with my mom… it was crazy. The next day, March 5th, 2015 we opened our doors, we practically sold out of everything we had made that day. The community was incredibly supportive. We were exhausted and elated. After the first week of opening my husband went back to California and I was on my own with this new business. It was much like being a new mother, so much you don’t know. I had to rely on my intuition and accept that it wasn’t going to be easy or perfect. The first year was one of the hardest years of my life, trying to be a mama and a mother to new business… it tested me on many levels, but the love and passion for what we do have always helped me pull through. After a year and a half, my husband left the Navy and now is a vital part of Local Juicery.
We opened our second last year in Flagstaff and couldn’t be more excited about the future. We believe people need more organic, cleanly made foods and juices. Food made with love and good intentions always taste better.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I had to get over everything I thought to be true about our life and convince my husband to risk everything for my dream. I’m not going to sugar coat it, we had many fights, lots of cries and some good therapy sessions over Local Juicery. We spent almost two years living apart so that I could open Local. That was a major sacrifice for our entire family. I also had to accept that I wasn’t going to be the main caretaker of our son when I was working 15 hour days. My mom, bless her heart, was with our son and would bring him into the shop three times a day while he was still nursing so I could connect with him. I went from being a stay at home mom to working 60+ hours a week.
Learning how to lead a group was a challenge for me, but one that I truly loved. Our team is so tight and connected now and I believe a lot of that is because of how we started. We never were “corporate” style, there were lots of hugs, communication and long meetings that we’re more like friends getting together. At first, I wasn’t sure how to balance being the boss and being a friend but it’s gotten easier as I’ve grown as a person. I always do my best to listen and really digest what my team has to say before jumping to a conclusion or answer. I think being patient and honoring each person for their unique gifts is part of what makes a great leader, it’s what I strive for.
I have learned to get very organized. We had some issues in the beginning because I failed to get some important things in writing. I’m grateful for those bumps because they have helped refine myself as a businesswoman. Struggles are necessary, let them be the teacher and trust that spirit/god/the universe never hands you anything you can’t handle.
Please tell us about Local Juicery.
At Local Juicery, we specialize in chef-driven organic superfood infused foods and juices. We have smoothies, breakfast foods, cold-pressed juices, tonics, coffees, raw vegan desserts, and amazing salads. We make everything as we would at home and I think that’s what sets us apart from other concepts that are similar. We spare no expense and you can taste it in our products. We source 100% organic produce and food items, cook only in coconut oil, use only eco-friendly cleaning and soap products, compost, recycle and infuse everything with love.
I’m so proud of the care that our team puts into everything. We have the most dedicated crew of people who stand behind what we do and live the brands’ truths. It’s incredibly rewarding to work with such an amazing group of humans each day.
We also have a unique retail section that I’m crazy about. Each product is something I use personally and can stand behind.
Who have you been inspired by?
My mother, of course… She was a single mom and created her own business. I watched her go through so much with it and saw everything it took to really give something your all. She’s an incredible woman, she came from nothing and created a life she loves.
I have so much respect for the women who decide to break the norm, go their own way and follow the fire within. We need it. The world needs it. Our children need to see it.
Contact Info:
- Address: Sedona Local Juicery
3150 West STR 89A, Suite 5
Sedona, AZ 86336Flagstaff Local Juicery
600 Piccadilly, Suite 85
Flagstaff, AZ 86001 - Website: www.localjuicery.com
- Phone: 928.282.8932
- Email: summer@localjuciery.com
- Instagram: @localjuicery
- Facebook: facebook.com/localjuicery
Image Credit:
Hannah Rose Gray
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