After Losing Her Mom To Cancer, This Woman Quit Her Job And Opened A Juice Bar
Oftentimes it's life's wake-up calls that lead you to your purpose.
Losing a job, hitting financial hard times, or even encountering a health scare can unexpectedly lead you from a moment of tragedy to a lifetime of triumph.
For Jerri Evans, founder and owner of Turning Natural juice shops, it was her mother's diagnosis of breast cancer that lead her to a lifestyle that would not only impact her family, but the thousands of customers who filter into her stores daily.
I first learned about Jerri after she supplied an array of her signature juices at a Toyota Green Initiative VIP dinner during the Broccoli Festival in Washington, DC. After hearing a snippet of her story, I knew I wanted to learn more.
I caught up with Jerri via phone on an early Friday afternoon as she navigated from one of three stores in southeast Washington, DC to the other just fifteen minutes away. “The free time I do get is driving from store-to-store," she admitted to me, hinting at her hectic schedule that often accompanies being an entrepreneur. Not that she's complaining, though. Because when you're in a position of service the reward comes not with the amount of sleep you get, but in the amount of lives you change.
As the closest sister to her mom, Jerri's mother took note of the lack of improvements that came with watching her sister go through chemotherapy and other unsuccessful treatments. When she was diagnosed with her own bout of breast cancer, she chose another route to her healing. “She took a holistic and alternative approach to it mostly because she saw how things didn't work for my aunt, and how chemotherapy and all of the different treatments that they were shoving down people's throat to those who had cancer just really wasn't the best option."
Growing up in Southeast D.C. the idea of healthy eating was unprecedented. Though her mom made sure her and her brother always ate something green, she counteracted the “healthy" with the typical diet of a community flanked by liquor stores and carry-out shops—chicken with mambo sauce, honey buns and fruit snacks from the corner store, and hot sausages and pickles from the neighborhood candy lady.
While there are many stories of cancer patients never being made aware of alternative options for treatment, the doctors at the Cancer Treatment Center of America in Chicago did well to inform Jerri's mother of how much her diet was contributing to her declining health. Foods filled with added sugar, processed foods such as lunchmeat, and genetically modified organisms (GMO) such as corn and soy products all played a role in the development of cancerous cells. "I will never forget her doctor asked her, 'Do you want to survive? You have to want this more than what I could do for you.' And of course if you ask any cancer patient the answer is yes."
After her mom returned from the Cancer Treatment Center she decided to no longer feed the cancer, but to starve it altogether. “She realized that if she was going to beat cancer it was solely going to be up to her and the things she consistently did, and she became very aggressive with the transition."
Jerri came home one day to find her fruit snacks and honey buns tossed out, and shopping trips to Costco and Safeway soon replaced by ones to Whole Foods. “We're like whoa, lady, we don't have cancer, why do we have to eat this? But ultimately she was just teaching us that it's a lifestyle. It's not about what you have to change; it's about making that change now.
"It's not about what you have to change; it's about making that change now."
For nine-and-a-half years Jerri's mother successfully fought against cancer by replacing the standard American diet with one filled with organic fruits, vegetables, whole foods, and juices, which she often shared with family and friends who would come by the house. But in 2010 she lost that battle, and Jerri's world came to a halt.
At the time she was working in Atlanta at Lockheed Martin where she oversaw the building of weapons for F-22 fighter jets. Shortly after the news of her mother's transition, she quit her job. "I did absolutely nothing for about two years; I just traveled. I bought any and everything that I could. I had a closet full of unhappy because I just wanted to feel something again, and my mom and I were extremely close. All of my friends were like well what's next, what are you going to do? And I just didn't know, and I didn't want to do anything. I just wanted to be unhappy because that was just the safer place for me and the most normal thing.
“I just wanted to be unhappy because that was just the safer place for me and the most normal thing."
It took her mom appearing to her in a dream to pull Jerri out of her slump. “She was standing in my door while I was in my bed and she was like, 'why are you so broken?' And I'm looking at her like really, you're really asking me this? And she said, 'you're obligated to continue creating.'"
Jerri wasn't sure what her next steps were, but she knew she had to get back to her hometown of D.C. Once she relocated she realized that though she wasn't overly passionate about juicing, she had an obligation and love for helping people. She continued what her mother started years ago, which allowed her to fulfill both the part of her that wanted her mother's legacy to live on while inspiring others to live healthily.
With just $300 and a newly purchased juicer from her cousin, Jerri launched Turning Natural out of her kitchen. At first she started with just doing juice cleanses, which she offered to friends and family. But word spread of her healing beverages and soon people were looking for individual juices that they could consume outside of a cleanse. “Now people want individual juices, and I was not about to deliver individual juices because it just didn't make sense. And so I said okay, now we may need to look into getting a space."
Jerri, admittedly, was nervous about opening her first juice bar in what she calls a food desert. The USDA defines "food deserts" as areas in inner cities or rural areas were low-income residents have less access to affordable healthful foods. Though she knew the healing power of her juices, she wasn't sure if a community that was used to Popeye's and corner stores would be willing to shell out $6 or more on her healthy drinks. She considered opening the shop in a more health-friendly area, like Georgetown, but decided that her own people should have the opportunity to live a better lifestyle just as much anybody else. "I felt convicted. How dare I take something that my community not only needs but also deserves to another community that it's normal? Let's bring that normalcy in our own space."
Today, Turning Natural is successfully feeding and empowering the community with healthy alternatives. Walk into any one of her three shops and you'll see knowledgeable staff members educating customers on their menu items that feature fun and relatable names such as the Green Latifah and Swizz Beatz, as well as a full salad bar, and vegan and vegetarian food items.
For cancer patients, she offers juices for free.
"You just see the life come back into them. They feel hopeful again. They feel like they're aren't many plans out there for people with cancer other than just conventional medicine and so when we do the juicing they come back and they say my energy is much better, I don't feel as fatigued, and even though I'm still not eating, I feel nutritionally balanced because I'm getting all of the nutrients that I need in this juice. Those stories are very, very encouraging and it makes those difficult days a little bit easier."
Jerri hopes to open more stores in the DMV area and entrust stores to dedicated staff that's committed to her vision to build upon her mom's legacy. While she never imagined that she would own juice bars, it's possibly the very thing that's saved her life just as much as others.
“It makes me very emotional that people trust me with their health and that people believe in the vision, they believe in my mom's story. And I'm extremely grateful for that."
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Kiah McBride writes technical content by day and uses storytelling to pen real and raw personal development pieces on her blog Write On Kiah. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter at @writeonkiah.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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It’s almost that time when the girlies are gonna be hopping in the chair to get the most popular style of the warmer seasons: goddess braids. Goddess braids are not just a hairstyle; they're a statement of elegance, power, and divine beauty. Whether you've recently adorned yourself with these stunning braids or are considering them, one thing remains certain: maintaining them is key to preserving their splendor. In this guide, we'll delve into the art of maintaining goddess braids, ensuring they remain flawless for longer periods.
Let’s start with some pro tips from Breanna Knights, a Brooklyn-based stylist with over a decade of experience in the beauty and fashion industry, specializing in goddess braids. She takes pride in maintaining the beauty and longevity of her clients' goddess braids, focusing on ensuring their scalp and curls remain healthy and hydrated.
Knights’ expertise extends to understanding the tension level, hydration needs, and proper cleansing techniques for goddess braids.
Hydration Is Key:
Moisture is essential for maintaining the integrity of your goddess braids. Use a lightweight leave-in conditioner or moisturizing spray to hydrate your scalp and braids. Pay attention to the ends of the braids, as they tend to be the driest part. Avoid heavy products that can weigh down the braids and cause buildup.
“To maintain neatness and longevity for goddess braid styles, I recommend treating the goddess hair just as you would your natural curls," Knights tells us. "This consists of putting up your hair at night in a bonnet. I also encourage using mousse or a bottle of water mixed with conditioner to make the curls bounce back. These two options depend on if the curls are a synthetic blend, or if it’s 100% human hair."
When it comes to keeping the goddess curls refreshed and hydrated, Knights’ favorite mousse brands include:
Bumble and bumble's Bb Curl Mousse
Bumble and bumble
Bumble and bumble's Bb Curl Mousse is a lightweight mousse that enhances curls with a blend of oils and butters, providing long-lasting volume, and bounce without stiffness.
The Vigorol Mousse Olive Oil
Amazon
The Vigorol Mousse Olive Oil is a fave amongst the girlies. Reviewers say, “Product works well taming frizzy curls as well smoothing natural hair, human hair, and synthetic crochet or individual braided hair. Adds shine without looking or feeling greasy.”
Knights also recommends using Creme of Nature Argan Oil Intensive Conditioning Treatment mixed with water in a spray bottle. “These products are sure to bring curls back to life," she adds.
If you’re looking for particular techniques or tricks to alleviate tension or discomfort often associated with wearing goddess braids, Knights shares that knotless goddess braids are usually done with less tension at the scalp, rather than traditional braids. “I highly suggest gauging tightness throughout your braiding session with your stylist. Should your braids end up too tight, one of my favorite go-to's is the Bumble and bumble’s Hairdresser's Invisible Oil. It provides a cool sensation on the scalp, without over saturating the scalp with oil,” Knights says.
The stylist also suggests a spray bottle with water to relieve tension. Additionally, less styling in the first few days of installing the braids to avoid scalp irritation.
Gentle Cleansing:
One topic that can be confusing when committing to goddess braids is the washing process. Should I wash my braids? How often should I wash them? We had all the questions, and Knights came with the tea. “Everyone’s wash [day] routine is different. To each client’s discernment, by weeks 3-4, if your scalp is itchy or shows signs of dandruff, it would be safe to wash your braids.
"I highly recommend paying more attention to the scalp rather than the braids itself. Keeping the braids up in a bun while saturating the scalp will keep the curls from matting and tangling during the wash process. After washing the scalp I recommend reapplying mousse and tying the hair down with a scarf to help tame any frizz that may occur after washing.”
Protect Your Crown:
One of the biggest keys to the longevity of goddess braids is having a braid bonnet and shower cap to ensure that the braids are dry. Invest in a satin or silk bonnet or scarf to protect your goddess braids while you sleep. Cotton pillowcases can cause friction, leading to frizz and flyaways. Additionally, tying your braids with a silk scarf can help preserve their shape and prevent them from unraveling.
“Combing through the loose curls with your fingers and having a routine to ensure that the hair isn't matting or entangling into one another can help with longevity as well," Knights shares. "The same way you’d care for your curls after a successful wash day would also promote the longevity for any 'goddess' style!”
Courtesy
Regular Touch-ups:
As your natural hair grows, your goddess braids may begin to loosen or develop new growth around the edges. Schedule regular touch-up appointments with your hairstylist to re-braid the edges and ensure a seamless look. Avoid leaving braids in for too long, as this can cause tension on the scalp and lead to breakage.
Minimize Manipulation:
While it's tempting to constantly touch and style your goddess braids, excessive manipulation can lead to frizz and premature loosening. Limit the use of styling tools and refrain from pulling or tugging on the braids. Embrace the natural beauty of your braids and allow them to flourish with minimal interference.
Nourish from Within:
Maintaining healthy hair starts from within. Ensure you're consuming a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and hydration to promote hair growth and vitality. Incorporate foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and plenty of water into your daily routine for optimal hair health.
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