Photo by Eddie Rissling, The Come Up Show
Lessons learned from the music industry influence Juices For Life, a health bar launched by two rap stars from Yonkers.
As health-consumers embrace plant-based diets, fresh-juice bars have flourished. To address that niche, two Yonkers entrepreneurs took an unorthodox career path to open Juices For Life, a health bar selling more than 50 unique blends of shakes and smoothies.
Rapper David Styles, known professionally as Styles P, launched Juices For Life in 2011, in the Bronx, alongside childhood friend and fellow rapper Jason “Jadakiss” Phillips (pictured above). “We were already partners in music,” says Styles, who began rapping with Phillips in ninth grade. “It just made sense to become partners in business.”
At the core of Juices For Life is Styles’ desire to help urban communities access the benefits of good nutrition. “We understand that communities that aren’t wealthy may lack the resources to treat their bodies right,” says Styles, recalling the liquor-store-lined streets of his old Yonkers neighborhood. “As my success in music started to give me more financial flexibility, I saw the difference it makes to have the option of whole food.”
Fun Facts About Juices For Life |
• There are four employees, including Styles, at the Yonkers location (the other locations support 4-6 employees each). • JFL is considering locations in New Rochelle and Brooklyn, with plans for more. • Styles’ favorite JFL concoctions are: • Kiss of Life (banana, pineapple, blueberry, strawberry), G5 (kale, spinach, banana, green apple), and Ghost (pear, strawberry, blueberry) • Key marketing/promotional outlets: - Partner Content -
Styles’ spot on Hot 97 Radio, Jadakiss on ESPN, The Wendy Williams Show, Social media |
Styles traces his juice awakening to blends at his friend Nyger Rollocks’ juice bar in Harlem, which he says helped him lose weight and better regulate his temperament. Rollocks and mutual friend Leo Galvez went on to become partners at Juices For Life, which gives patrons menus, so they can create their own juice blends at home. “At the end of the day, we’re trying to feed the community, teach the value of fruits and vegetables, and preach balance, peace, and love,” says Styles.
After a successful Bronx location, Styles knew it was time to come home, which yielded the Nepperhan Avenue location, opened in 2014. “Music teaches you to appreciate and give back to the people who support you,” he explains, adding: “Music and juice are both about a rapport with people. We’re a healthy bar, but also a place where you feel loved and listened to.”
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