Exploring Life & Business with Graciela Claudia Harris of Fruta Healthy Eating

Today we’d like to introduce you to Graciela Claudia Harris.

Hi Graciela Claudia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born and raised in Peru, where I grew up surrounded by vibrant fruits, vegetables, and the traditions of fresh, natural food. After moving to Arizona, I quickly realized that it was hard to find the kind of all-natural, low-sugar, nutrient-rich options that I wanted for myself and my family. As a mom, I especially wanted a place where I could take my daughter to enjoy something delicious while knowing it was also good for her.

That’s how Fruta was born six years ago out of a mix of necessity, passion, and a vision. I wanted to create a space where people could enjoy organic cold pressed juices, smoothies, bowls, and wholesome foods made with simple, honest ingredients. No shortcuts, no artificial syrups just real fruits, vegetables, and superfoods crafted with care.

Starting wasn’t easy. Like many small business owners, I wore all the hats working long hours, learning through trial and error, and building a loyal community one customer at a time. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how our products can make a difference, whether it’s boosting energy, supporting wellness, or simply giving someone a moment of joy in their day.

Opening my business also came with a bigger purpose: to be a referral and inspiration for others who are creating clean, natural products, and to encourage those who dream of opening their own business. I believe wellness shouldn’t be about competition; it should be about community and more options for customers. Because when I’m not at my business, I’m a customer too, searching for places that share the same commitment to honest ingredients and helping people live healthier lives.

Today, Fruta is more than just a juice and smoothie shop. It’s a wellness-focused community hub. We collaborate with local vendors, host markets and events, and continue to innovate our menu with clean, nourishing options.
My journey has been fueled by the memory of my hardworking family back in Peru, the support of my husband and daughter, and the dream of showing others that eating well can be both simple and joyful.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not. Like most small business owners, my journey has had its fair share of bumps. In the beginning, I had to learn everything by doing managing staff, balancing inventory, creating systems, and trying to wear ten hats at once. There were days when sales were slow, when I doubted myself, and when I had to sacrifice a lot personally to keep the business moving forward.

Another challenge has been educating people about what makes Fruta different. Competing with big chains that use cheaper, artificial ingredients is not easy, but I’ve stayed committed to my vision of offering clean, honest, and natural products.

Still, every struggle has taught me resilience. It pushed me to be more creative, to build strong relationships with my team, and to lean on my community. Looking back, the tough moments were also the moments that made me stronger and reminded me why I started Fruta in the first place.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Fruta Healthy Eating?
As the owner of Fruta, my professional life is a blend of leadership, creativity, and hands-on work. I’m not only the founder but also very involved in the day-to-day operations whether it’s creating new recipes, training my team, or engaging with customers to make sure they feel at home when they walk in. I see myself not just as a business owner but as part of a team, and I try to lead by example.

Before opening Fruta, I spent several years building my career in the service industry. I worked for five years in a luxury hotel in Spain, where I learned the importance of attention to detail and how to deliver top-of-the-notch service. I also had the privilege of working at the America’s Cup event, which gave me firsthand experience in high-pressure environments where hospitality, professionalism, and excellence were non-negotiable.

Those years taught me not only how to serve people but how to anticipate their needs, how to make them feel cared for, and how to turn a simple interaction into a memorable experience. Today, I bring all of that into Fruta. I don’t just see it as a juice and smoothie shop. I see it as a space where hospitality and wellness meet. My role as a professional is to guide my team with that same standard of service, making sure every customer feels valued while also staying true to our mission of offering honest, natural products.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
For me, mentorship and networking have been about building genuine relationships rather than just seeking connections. I’ve learned that the best mentors often appear naturally people who inspire you with their example, who share your values, and who are willing to give honest guidance. My advice is to stay open, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to reach out to people you admire. It was a challenge for me at the beginning but then when you surround yourself with think a like people it became easier. Sometimes it’s as simple as having coffee with someone in your industry and really listening to their story.

What has worked well for me is staying active in my community collaborating with other small businesses, attending local events, and supporting other entrepreneurs. I believe that when you show up authentically and with a spirit of collaboration instead of competition, the right relationships and opportunities follow.

Pricing:

• Organic Cold-Pressed Juices (16 oz): starting at $12
• Smoothies: starting at $8 (made with organic fruits and superfoods, protein options available)
• Acai & Dragon Fruit Bowls: starting at $12 (customizable with fresh toppings)
• Seasonal & Limited-Edition Items: pricing varies (special releases announced on Instagram @frutahealthyeating)
• Healthy Wraps & toasts: starting at $10 (high-protein, low-carb, and vegan options available)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.frutahealthyeating.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frutahealthyeating/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/frutahealthyeating
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@frutahealthyeatin