Meet Juhara “Judy” Kirby, founder of Judy Makes Juices, a business that offers cold-pressed juices that are 100% natural fruits and vegetables with no additives. We had the opportunity to speak with Judy about her what inspired her to start her juice business and what she enjoys most about entrepreneurship.

What inspired you to start your juice business?

In 2015, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and I began doing research on non-traditional methods of treatment and stumbled upon juicing. One of the doctors I spoke to at the time about it said that the average American wouldn’t do it but I wanted to help my mother in any way to become a healthier version of her self.

Can you tell us about the journey from the initial idea to the establishment of your business?

I did a juice cleanse with my husband and shortly after, I started juicing for myself and posting recipes to Instagram. A friend of mine reached out asking if I could put together a juice menu for her and I posted that to Instagram as well and the business grew from there. After two years of selling juices, I decided to purchase my first food truck and in 2023, I left my teaching career to pursue my business full-time.

How do you come up with new juice flavors and recipes?

I am usually inspired by the seasons and what people are looking for. I browse online, in Facebook groups to see what others are offering. During the Spring we offer an Allergy Juice Package that includes Mother Leaf Tea that helps with allergies and lungs and during the holidays, we offer a holiday juice package that includes apple cider and vegan eggnog. During the winter and the holidays, you think of being inside and immune systems can start to decline, so I like to come up with recipes that boost immune systems.

What’s your process for developing a new juice?

I talk to other people in the same field and get their feedback. I’ll start at home and if my family likes it then I will bring it to the markets where I sell my juices. If people buy it and come back for more, I keep the product on the menu.

What challenges have you faced in running your juice business?

Not always being in spaces where people are familiar with juicing. Because people may not know my brand, I make sure to focus on building customer repour.

Another challenge is learning what the food truck world looks like and getting accustomed to the rules and regulations. 

What are your goals for the future of the company?

I see Judy Makes Juices being a wellness retreat space. A place you can come to enjoy all things wellness, yoga, a spa, a juice bar and be able to take a walk or a hike. A space for people to come and let loose, relax and reset.

What do you enjoy most about entrepreneurship?

I enjoy having my own schedule. Also, because I naturally have a giver’s heart, I appreciate when people find joy in my products, and I hear about how the juices have impacted them in some way. 

I once had a customer who was diagnosed with terminal cancer. He would purchase my juices, and his wife would tell me about how his numbers were improving and looking better. Although he did pass away, it was good to know that my products did have an impact while he was alive.