Blackwood, NJ Kashana Yara Waples, a proud Camden native, has turned her passion for juicing, health and wellness into a thriving business as the founder of Juice Capital, a holistic juicing company based in Blackwood, New Jersey. Inspired by her entrepreneurial grandmother, Gretchen Waples, a trailblazing mortician and business owner, Kashana embraced the values of hard work and determination from an early age. With an MBA in Health Administration and a journey shaped by resilience, she has not only authored So You Think You Can Juice? but also pioneered tasty and unique juice blends that promote holistic health and wellness. Known as the “Juiceologist,” Kashana’s mission extends beyond her store to community events and education, making her a beloved figure in both her hometown and the wellness industry.
In an exclusive interview with the nation’s premier faith-based and professional newspaper for winners, Anointed News Journal, Waples shares how her entrepreneurial passion was cultivated.
Collins II:
Who is Kashana Yara Waples?
Waples:
I am the granddaughter of Gretchen Waples, who owned a funeral home in Camden, Burlington, and Gloucester for over 50 years. I was born and raised in Camden, New Jersey. I am also a juiceologist, the author of “So You Think You Can Juice?”, and the owner of Juice Capital, located in Blackwood, New Jersey. I love God and I am also a member of the NAACP.
Collins II:
Being from Camden, let’s start with that. Could you tell us about growing up in Camden and how it helped shape who you are today?
Waples:
I went to Forest Hill, Hatch Middle School, and Camden High. I was shy, especially in the beginning. Growing up in the Parkside area, my mom was strict—no house parties, and I had to be home before the streetlights came on. I had rules and regulations to follow.
I always tell this story: When I got my first menstrual cycle in seventh grade, my mom told me, “Don’t bring any babies into this house.” I had my first child at 28 because I respected what she said. My mom made me work for everything. I had three jobs in the 11th grade to buy my own car. Camden High was like a fashion show, and my mom wasn’t going to buy beyond what I needed; if there was a $30 shirt I wanted to look cute at school, I had to go out and work for it. My mom wasn’t poor, she worked at the post office, but she wanted to instill certain principles into me.
Additionally, seeing my grandmother, Gretchen Waples, also influenced me. After her husband passed away in 1960, she built her own home and ran multiple businesses, like a funeral home and a bus company. She was a true entrepreneur, and her drive also shaped who I am. I used to watch her work all the time. Her legacy inspired me.
Collins II:
So, you saw your grandmother as a strong businesswoman?
Waples:
Absolutely. Watching her created a drive in me.
Collins II:
You’re a businesswoman yourself, running Juice Capital in Blackwood, New Jersey. What inspired you to get into juicing and holistic health?
Waples:
I earned my MBA in Health Administration in 2010, thinking I’d land a corporate job making $100,000 a year, but that didn’t happen. I started off designing business cards and doing pro bono work for my cousin, Deso Shelton who owns Camden Repertory Theater. Eventually, I opened two sex offender group homes.
Juicing came later. My grandmother on my mom’s side taught me how to juice when I was in third grade, and my dad juiced occasionally too. In 2016, my friends and I did a juice fast. One of my friends, who had IBS, saw her symptoms vanish after a 30-day juice fast. She shared her story on social media, and that’s when things took off for me.
Juicing became my sanctuary. I’d be in my kitchen listening to God’s word and gospel music. I’d experimented with different produce combinations and discovered that juices could last longer than people think—beet juice lasts 14 days, greens five days, all without preservatives. For a year, I did everything myself: shopping, juicing, cleaning. They were very long days, but it wasn’t work; it was a joy.
Collins II:
What can people expect when they visit your store?
Waples:
We rotate our juices every four months. Popular ones like the Lifesaver and Red Delicious stay, but I’m always creating new flavors. For instance, I’ve made sweet potato pie juice and pumpkin pie juice during the holidays.
Our customer service is exceptional. My staff has to be as welcoming and giving as I am. The atmosphere is café-style with TVs and seating—inviting and comfortable. I love coffee shops, so I was looking for that kind of vibe.
Collins II:
I’ve been there, and the Lifesaver was great! The staff is very welcoming. What advice would you give to new entrepreneurs?
Waples:
Save your money. COVID-19 was a blessing for me because I could juice at home and save. Don’t rush into getting an LLC without a solid plan—it comes with responsibilities like sales tax. Build your clientele first.
Educate yourself. I attended a nine-week business program three years into having my brick-and-mortar store. I learned so much, even things I might’ve forgotten from my MBA program. Stay informed, connect with others in your industry, and never stop learning.
Collins II:
Do people call you “the Juice Lady”?
Waples:
I prefer “juiceologist,” but I’m okay with “Juice Lady” too because it shows people are noticing me and pinpointing what I do.
Collins II:
I’ve noticed you’re involved in community events. Can you talk about that?
Waples:
I took advice from a friend, Nyemah Gillespie, as we were walking the Ben Franklin Bridge, she was saying “people have to get out there and get into the community.” I grabbed that advice and I added that strategy to my business plan. This strategy helped tremendously because early on in my business, I had slow months and realized I needed to connect with people. I started attending every event, sometimes for free, to build connections and awareness for Juice Capital. Now, I’m often invited to events, and some even pay me to be there. Being visible is crucial for any business.
Collins II:
What’s next for you and Juice Capital?
Waples:
I want a juice truck, parked right in front of City Hall. I’d also like to open three or four more locations and write a children’s book about juicing.
Collins II:
In a final word, what would you like to say to the readers of the Anointed News Journal?
Waples:
Keep reading! It’s so beneficial for the community. Reading connects us and inspires us—it’s the best way to learn and grow. The Anointed News Journal does a great job highlighting people in the community, I’ve learned so much from the newspaper, and I’ve seen a lot of people I know personally in it.
Collins II:
That’s one of our taglines: “You’ll see yourself or someone you know in the Anointed News Journal.”
Kashana Yara Waples exemplifies resilience, creativity, and a commitment to community through her journey as an entrepreneur and founder of Juice Capital. From pioneering unique juice blends to sharing her knowledge at local events, she continues to inspire others to prioritize health and holistic wellness. With dreams of expanding her business and writing a children’s book about juicing, Kashana’s impact is poised to grow, leaving a lasting legacy of innovation and community empowerment.
By Christopher Collins II
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