ILLUSTRATION BY CHRIS DANGER
We recently talked to Mansa Malik of Matunda Juicery, about his entrepreneurial beginnings, his business philosophy, and the future of juicing.
How did you get started?
My journey with Matunda Juicery & Co. began in Avondale, volunteering in weekly community share meals at Gabriel’s Place Community Center. Partnering with Gabriel’s Place’s executive chef and local activists, we made slow-pressed juices and vegan foods freely for the community and followed a farm-to-table model, sourcing fresh ingredients from the garden and local vendors. It was an incredibly rewarding experience, and our efforts were well received. As time went on, my neighborhood friends and supporters began encouraging me to transition from a volunteer-based operation to a fully-fledged business. It was their investment of faith and belief that gave birth to Matunda.
Where does the name Matunda come from and why did you choose it?
Matunda derives from the Swahili term “Matunda ya Kwanzaa” which means “the first harvest of fruits.” Matunda is a nod to Kwanzaa and my African American heritage, as we find it extremely important to add representation and culture into the health and wellness industry. People seeing themselves as the image of what healthy is adds to the life change of people becoming healthy in my opinion.
I saw somewhere that you’re looking into launching a juice trailer soon. How’s that going?
Our trailer is still in its remodeling stages. So far, it’s been a labor of love, so we’ve self-invested into the trailer’s new axle system and demo ourselves but actively looked towards grants, investors, and contractional help! Our goal is summer 2024.
What’s the idea behind the trailer?
The trailer is a 1963 Shasta retro camper we’ve named Jumiya, which in Swahili means “community.” The trailer is named Community because we’re excited to be able to go out to them versus waiting in the store for them to come. The idea was to take an old trailer and sustain the integrity of craftsmanship from the ’60s by repurposing it to add a unique aesthetic that would surely stand out. To create a minimum environmental footprint, the trailer will operate by electric as opposed to a gas-fueled “food truck.”
Do you think it’s more beneficial to be mobile rather than have a brick-and-mortar location?
I wouldn’t say mobile is better or worse than having a brick and mortar. They both present pros and cons that every entrepreneur should consider. For me, I’ve had a brick and mortar for almost the last four years, opening a month before the COVID outbreak. To us, this is a form of expansion.
Do you have any new flavors out soon?
What makes Matunda so cool is that we collaborate on our flavors. We’ve done this for breast cancer awareness events, coffee shops, local artists, and travel agencies. This winter, we’re teaming up with another health and wellness company to create a new flavor. It’s still under wraps so I can’t tell you the flavor details yet but it’s blue and delicious! Stay tuned for that.
What’s your best-selling flavor overall and why?
Hands down it would have to be our pineapple juice named “Diced Pineapple.” This flavor is inspired by a Rick Ross rap song featuring Drake and Wale. Three artists, three ingredients: pineapple, orange, and mint. This combination is so good it’s hard to keep up with the demand at times. Everyone just loves pineapples.
What’s your philosophy when it comes to the juice business?
My philosophy regarding the juice business is to make it less of just a business and more of a societal necessity. The more the better. If dozens of fast-food chains can exist just doors apart then so can smoothie shops and juice bars. The more juice bars in a neighborhood are a sign of a healthier community. When that day comes, we should all look at each other and be proud to leave those results as a legacy for the generations behind us. I surely will.
Matunda Juicery’s products are available at Pause Cincy (2908Short Vine St., Corryville). Follow @matundajuiceryco on Instagram for more info.A
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