Angie Lacey, owner if Clean Juice in Nocatee, first learned about the business at a franchise convention. Having an interest in health and wellness, she was attracted to the juice bar concept and to the organic products that Clean Juice sells.
Her franchise opened in 2020, a tough time for businesses due to the pandemic. Despite challenges posed by that and the supply chain problems occurring around that time, she persevered, believing in her products and her contribution.
“I knew that there was a passion that I could bring to my community in a meaningful way,” she said.
Now, years later, her trust in the business model has been validated. Clean Juice continues to be a popular spot for her health-conscious customers.
It helps that she has the support of her children.
“I try to include them however I can in the business,” she said.
One daughter worked there for three years, finally becoming an assistant manager before going off to college with leadership traits she acquired from the experience. A younger daughter looks forward to the day when she, too, can work alongside her mother.
Lacey sets an example not just for her daughters, but also for other women who would like to run their own businesses. Events, such as her annual Holiday Market and Galentine’s event, offer women with small businesses an opportunity to showcase their own products.
“It kind of gives them the opportunity to let the community see who they are and grow their businesses,” Lacey said. “It’s a way to kind of give back.”
The market is a community favorite. Co-hosted by another woman in business, Nikki-Lyn Holm of The Coastal Home Group, it will be held noon to 3 p.m. Dec. 7 at Clean Juice. There will be lots of fun, local vendors, holiday shopping and tasty treats. RSVP at jessicahuffman.myflodesk.com/christmasmarket.
For those women who would like to succeed in business, Lacey has some helpful advice.
“Follow your passion,” she said. “Believe in your product or whatever it is that you’re looking to start. Take that first step. Take that scary risk. Find some support. Reach out to somebody who’s already kind of doing it.”
