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Friends Who Juice: Jessica Buchanan Gives ‘Whole 30’ A Whole New Meaning.

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So, for reals, Bees: What’s the longest you’ve cleansed? Beecause chances are it’s not as long as Jessica Buchanan, a Las Vegas native who in December 2017 decided to turn a very do-able five-dayer drinking nothing but TJS into a confidence-boosting month. And with WHealthy™ results that left her with better-than-her-already-beeautiful skin and a mindset that she can do almost anything, we think we’ll see Jessica back next year for a cleanse that’s even longer…as long as she can eat pho when she’s done.  

Meet Jessica Buchanan

Ms. Jessica Buchanan, Cleanse Master

All About Jessica

I’ve lived in Las Vegas since… foreeeeevver. Seriously, I was born and raised here. Aside from the occasional period of living elsewhere here and there, this is where I’m from and where my family resides. It’s home.

I can remember when I decided I wanted to start my adult life here. It was the year…2005. I had just graduated high school. I was informed that I was supposedly an adult.

…and what appealed to me about living in Vegas was…nothing at that time. Not surprisingly, like many who have lived in the same place their whole life, I wanted to move away and see other cities and countries. I did at some point live in several places, but this was always home. When I was younger I didn’t see the appeal of living here, but as I grew older, having family and close friends here became a great benefit of coming home… and the great food and endless hours of entertainment didn’t hurt, either.

In my experience, the biggest misconception about living in Vegas is…that living here is so different from living in other places. When I travel, people like to ask me what its like to live here… probably the same as anywhere else. I don’t do my grocery shopping in a casino or live in a hotel; though does that make for funny conversation.

The thing I secretly (or not-so-secretly) love most about living here is…massages on Spring Mountain at 12 a.m…or the food. That’s a tough one.

If I had to pick a daily mantra or a quote I try to live by, it would be…“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

A favorite Vegas spot that never gets old is…just about any pho restaurant with friends.

If I had to pick a theme song for my life it would be…Manama by the Muppets.

A person who inspires me every day is…actually three people: all three of my sisters.

…and the way they inspire me is…by finding a balance in life. They always have time for family even while pursuing their own goals.

Something people would be surprised to know about me is…that I hate peas.

About Jessica and Health in Las Vegas

In my opinion, the biggest change in Las Vegas’ healthy-living scene in the last few years has been…a lot of raw, vegetarian and vegan restaurants have become both prevalent and popular.

No matter how busy I get at work, this is what I do to make sure I eat well during the week: Have greens in the refrigerator and make sure not to eat out too often.

The fruit(s) or vegetable(s) you’ll always find in my kitchen are…bananas, blueberries, mangos (when in season), spinach, tomato, and avocados.

My don’t-even-THINK-about-judging-me-guilty-pleasure food is…pho!

The health habit that gets me teased the most is…sleeping. I do my best to make sure I get enough sleep. Especially these days as my sleep schedule is so scattered. I’m like a kola bear some days and get by on two hours of sleep others.

(#JustSayin)

Jessica On Juice and her Massive, Massive Cleanse

The first time I had cold-pressed juice was…December 30, 2017 (or maybe the 31st).

The person who introduced me to cold-pressed juice was…My best friend Jill Pham. She had done juicing before and raved about The Juice Standard.

The first time I drank green juice, I thought it was…pretty tasty.

The reason I started drinking cold-pressed juice was because…I knew without a doubt that doing an all-green juice cleanse was going to contain all sorts of healthy benefits. I had never done one before and I just wanted to try it.

And the reason I kept drinking cold-pressed juice was because…I wanted to reset my palate to be more inclined toward green vegetables. I already enjoyed them, but I felt that cleaning out my gut would help with cravings as well as help create better eating habits.

In February, I finished a 30-day juice cleanse. The reason I wanted to do the cleanse was because…of all the aforementioned reasons. I started with a five-day juice cleanse at the end of December and into the New Year. During those five days I found my skin was clearer, my mood was better and I enjoyed the regularity it gave me in making sure I ate throughout the day. After feeling the benefits of five days and speaking to two friends that have also done 30 or more, I felt ready to tackle 30 days myself.

Before I did my cleanse the longest I’d ever done a juice cleanse was… five days.

This is what I drank on my cleanse:

First 15 days:

  • Bee WHealthy™
  • Bee Energized
  • Bee WHealthy™
  • Bee On Point
  • Bee Vibrant
  • 1/2 Bee Happy and 1/2 Bee Excellent

Second 15 days:

  • Bee Alkaline
  • Bee Resilient
  • Bee WHealthy™
  • Bee Resilient
  • Bee Vibrant
  • Bee Happy

True or false: “Cleansing made me hangry.” (Wink) False. I just missed savory foods.

True or false: “When you watch television on a cleanse, you realize just how many commercials there are for food and restaurants.” False. Driving around does make you realize how many places there are to eat between your points A and B, though.

True or false: “I thought about chewing food no fewer than 30 times a day.” False. I know others that thought about it a lot during their own experiences, however, that was not my own personal struggle.

The number of days it took for me to start seeing and feeling a difference in my body was …. three.

My daytime consumption schedule—when I chose to drink my juice—looked like this: It varied day to day, but I tried to drink a juice every two hours.

When I stopped my cleanse, I decided that this is how I’m going to incorporate cold-pressed juice into my daily lifestyle moving forward: I really enjoyed doing the cleanse and maybe next year I’ll do another 30 days maybe even bump it to 45 days. On a more regular basis however, I might do a 3-6 day cleanse every month or every other month, if I can.

The most profound and happy difference in my life that’s resulted from doing my cleanse is this: Knowing I can do it. Aside from the many health benefits I felt from juicing, just having the psychological wherewithal to know I can do it was a confidence booster.

Please answer Yes or No: “I love juice so much I make it at home on the reg.” No; however, I do blend fruits and vegetables. Cold pressing looks like a lot of work.

The reason I like TJS’s cold-pressed juice is because… 1. Bee Happy is my favorite! 2) They offered so much support and advice when I decided to do 30 days with them. They were front and center on this journey with me, answering any questions and rooting me on every time I saw them to pick up my juice.

My advice to a newbee juicer is…not to be daunted by how long you might be juicing. It gets so much easier when you’ve done it for a few days since it becomes part of your regular day.

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Friends Who Juice: LeAndria Holliday

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Before you bees even ask, no, we did NOT feature LeAndria Holliday in December beecause her name is crazy coincidental with the reason for the season. But it’s a nice bonus.

Instead, we featured her beecuase TJS District Manager Amber Cariker knows this beeautiful beauty for her daily visits to The Rose; her stellar smile and attitude; annnnd all those daily visits to The Rose…as in, Holliday buys juice and nut milk from TJS on the reg.

Committed to a healthy diet that gives her the proverbial juice to fuel her brainy work as a credit consultant with Financial Education Services, Holliday is as passionate about steering people down a healthy financial path as she is getting folks on board with cold-pressed you-know-what.

Wholehearted, positive, and decidedly hooked on buying not making juice (#nojudgmentgirl), bees like Holliday give TJS all the feels about pressing the best stuff we can at this festive—daresay holliday—time of year and all year ’round.

Meet LeAndria.

All About LeAndria

I’ve lived in Las Vegas since…I was born. 😉

I can remember when I decided I wanted to start my adult life here. It was the year…1990: When I was born. (Haha!)

In my experience, the biggest misconception about living in Las Vegas is… that the only entertainment is on the Las Vegas Strip. There is fun in a lot of local areas, as well.

The thing I secretly (or not-so-secretly) love most about living here is… that there are actually so many things to do locally in Las Vegas besides going to the Strip. (Shhh: Don’t tell the tourists!)

If I had to pick a daily mantra or a quote I try to live by, it would be…“All progress takes place outside of your comfort zone.” I feel this is important simply because without taking the first step you have no idea how things will turn out.

A favorite Vegas spot that never gets old to me is… The Juice Standard. (Did you have to ask?)

If I had to pick a theme song for my life it would be… Eminem’s Phenomenal. Whether I’m going to the gym or no matter what mood I’m, in this song makes me feel INVINCIBLE.

As a grown up, I work with numbers; but when I was a little girl, when I grew up I wanted to be…a talk show host.

People who inspire me every day are…Les Brown and Tony Robbins.

…and the way they inspire me is this: Their drive and motivation are out of this world! [So is the] way they can confidently speak and move an entire room with their words.

Something people would be surprised to know about me is…I’m all about progression and working. I sometimes forget to have fun.

My favorite way to volunteer or to give back to my community is…feeding the homeless at shelters here in Las Vegas.

About LeAndria’s Work

When people ask me about the kind of work I do, this is what I tell them: I help and consult others with fixing their credit reports.

LeAndria Holliday credits juice for giving her the energy and health to do the work she loves. (Credit. Heh. See what we did there? We drink juice, too.)

What prompted me to go into finance was… I felt credit is something everybody needs, and so many are still misinformed on how it works, how to make it better and how to maintain it. Through this job I am able to help and inspire others.

My first business mentor was…James Hsu.

…and this is what I learned from him: He taught me how to learn who I am; [choose] what I wanted to do; and become a successful entrepreneur!

The most surprising thing I’ve learned about myself through my work is… I absolutely love meeting new people! And I talk a lot so the fact that I could be a chatterbox and still help other makes me thrive!

…and, the thing I’m most proud of is… I have a job where I can travel and see new people and places all the time.

True or false: If you’re bad at math, you won’t be good with a budget. FALSE. Anyone can stick to a budget if they really want to. Just need a little discipline and something that motivates to stick with it.

The best financial advice I received as a young woman was…invest in something…but don’t put all your eggs in one basket.

The advice I’d give my younger work self is…to RELAX. Be anxious for nothing.

My advice to someone who feels like they’re inherently bad with money is this: “Fail to plan. Plan to fail.” Look and see where your money is going. Draw up a realistic budget you’re comfortable with and you’ll see that you’ll be ahead of your money in no time.

The new years’ words of encouragement I’d give someone who is looking to get their financial house in order in 2018 are these: It’s never too late to start! No matter how bad you think your situation is, it’s never too late to start over and turn your life around.

About LeAndria and Health in Las Vegas

In my opinion, the biggest change in Las Vegas’ healthy-living scene in the last few years has been…Juice! I feel more people now are looking for healthy alternative outside of the Dr’s office. Juice taste great and its also an prevention method to get your daily nutrition in.

No matter how busy I get at work, this is what I do to make sure I eat well during the week: I’m always conscious about what I’m eating. I usually Plan ahead or meal prep.

The fruit(s) or vegetable(s) you’ll always find in my kitchen are…avocado, PINEAPPLE and lemon.

My don’t-even-think-about-judging-me-guilty-pleasure food is…a Honey Natado, exxxxtra honey please. There was a time where I was drinking this every day! Whew. Luckily, The Juice Standard is a judge-free zone.

The health habit that gets me teased the most is…drinking juice! But I love it. And I am always advocating the goodness it brings to your health. Some people just see it as salad in a bottle but it’s so much more than that.

LeAndria on Juice

The person who introduced me to cold-pressed juice was…The Juice Standard. In the beginning, when the store first opened, I got a BEE MAGNIFICENT every day and didn’t even look at the juices. I only cared about what was sweet…until one day I tried a BEE ON POINT. And I said, “Hey I can do this! This is YUM!” And from then on I would still get the nut milk but also a juice to start my day.

The first time I drank green juice, I thought it was…great! It shocked me because, naturally, you’re like: “If it’s healthy it doesn’t taste so good.” But I was definitely in for a surprise.

The reason I drink cold-pressed juice today is because…it’s adding more value to my life and it taste great.

This is how I incorporate cold-pressed juice into my lifestyle: Except for when I’m traveling, I literally go to The Juice Standard every day. (Yes: Every day.) I feel the company does the hard part for you and it’s already bottled up and ready to drink.

Yes or No: “I love juice so much I make it at home.” NOOOOOO! (LOL) I tried making it a couple times at home but it was a disaster. I found carrot purée everywhere in my kitchen.

True or false: “Making juice at home is a royal pain in the tail.” False. But it definitely requires time and patience sent from the Juice Gods. 😉

The reason I like TJS’s cold-pressed juice is because…they are very dense in nutrients. The company knows the perfect combo of fruits and veggies to make it taste AMAZING.

My advice to a newbee juicer is…don’t give up. Your palate is most likely used to high carbs and processed food. Once your palate is re-set, cold-pressed juice tastes like a dream!

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Friends Who Juice: Carrie Stamps

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Meet Carrie Stamps.

It’s hard to cry that summer’s gone since the season brought The Juice Standard a gift that’ll keep on giving for a long, long time.

Carrie Stamps joined TJS as a seamless addition to the leadership team by sharing her education, insight, intuition, and creativity as the company’s new creative director. Tasked with maintaining the handiwork of her predecessor while injecting the brand’s visual presence with her own sense of fun, if there’s something we’re learning about Stamps is that her can-do attitude is rooted in balance.

She comes by it naturally: Schooled in architecture and raised amid some good ol’ sing-songy Southern gentility, this bold little lady is as deft at identifying the facets of what makes something beautiful as she is talking about them. (See? #Balance.) Like her work with TJS, her graphic design consultancy, Scaled Design Studio, (named for something that sounds #balanced), Stamps gives visual voice to her clients’ presence of choice. And amid the happy madness of her work, she willingly dedicates 4 percent of her every day to the betterment of her bestness (…and, maybe because she’s #HookedOnStroopwafels).

((#BalanceRulesHerDay)

So now, whenever you see something about the brand that makes your wings go aflutter, you can know whose handiwork it is. We’re so proud to have this kind spirit bee a part of our team.

Meet Carrie Stamps.

ALL ABOUT CARRIE

I’ve lived in Las Vegas since… 11.11.11. Almost 6 years! And eleven just happens to be my favorite number.

Before I was a Vegas gal, I grew up in… Music City USA: Nashville, Tennessee!

Stamps and her beloved furbuddy, Meatball.

The biggest lifestyle difference between my growing up in Nashville and living in Las Vegas is… the pace of life. There’s an ease about the South. I have grown to appreciate the high energy and faster pace (hustle) of Vegas, but it was definitely an adjustment!

In my experience, the biggest misconception people have about my living in Las Vegas is… I don’t live in a hotel, I don’t go to nightclubs nightly and I don’t gamble (often)!

The thing I secretly (or not-so-secretly) love most about living here is… the sunsets! The colors and patterns are truly spectacular.

If I had to pick a daily mantra or a quote I try to live by, it would be… The Golden Rule: “Treat others how you want to be treated.” If everyone embraced kindness and respect a little more, we could make this world a more beautiful place.

A favorite Vegas spot that never gets old is… Ohh, geez. Just one?! Red Rock Canyon, Chandelier Bar (for guests) or my backyard.

If I had to pick a theme song for my life it would be… Girl on Fire by Alicia Keys. It’s about finding your own inner freedom and strength and channeling it in a way you’ve never tried before. It’s about claiming your power, living your passion and shining your light.

From Stamps’ trip to Tel Aviv.

This is how I like to spend my free time: Exploring! Local or foreign, I love experiencing new cultures and getting (semi) lost in unknown places. This spring I visited Israel for the first time…WOW! Next week, I’m headed to Europe for my first SOLO adventure…EEK! When I’m home, I volunteer quite a bit of my time with the Junior League of Las Vegas. Whether we are packing school lunches or Thanksgiving meals for needy families, tending vegetable gardens at local schools, supporting LV’s homeless youth population or training our members with new skill sets, all of it feeds the soul.

Any advice on how others can help give back to the community? Volunteer your time! There are so many wonderful non-profit organizations here in the community that need your help. Most of them rely on volunteers. Three Square always offers food packing events. HELP of Southern Nevada just opened the new Shannon West Homeless Youth Center and are always looking for enriching training opportunities or activities for the youth.

Something important I’d want folks to know about my friends and family is… they mean the world to me. Vegas didn’t feel like home until I had my tribe. I’m so thankful each of them are in my life and I’m ever so grateful for their laughs, advice, inspiration, support and encouragement. I only hope I do the same for them.

CARRIE ON WORK

Fun is something Stamps reminds herself to enjoy erryday. We should, too.

I work for The Juice Standard. My title is Creative Director and when people ask me what I do, this is what I say: the FuN stuff!

What appealed to me about working with TJS was… the ability to creatively spread the WHealth™ of knowledge and health benefits of juicing.

It’s only been a few months but (so far) the most exciting part about my TJS job is… getting to work with unBEElievable women. Each of them are extraordinary in their respective fields, and there is a massive amount of love, respect and kindness between the leadership team. I believe company culture starts at the top and filters throughout. I think that’s why TJS makes such great products.

Believe it or not, TJS isn’t my only gig. I also do this: I’ve owned Scaled Design Studio since 2013.

What inspired me to go into this field was… the ability to empower people to live their truth, make their dreams reality and start their own businesses. Ever since I was little, I’ve always loved to design and create. My background is architecture, and believe me, there is something pretty special about designing a building and seeing how individuals live in/interact with the spaces you created. However, I found graphic design to be much more fulfilling. Now, I have the opportunity to create identities, branding and websites for people and their passions/businesses. In the digital world, I help shape the public faces for these ventures, and it’s extremely rewarding to see them thrive.

Best thing I’ve heard a customer say about TJS juice is… that it’s “life-changing.” Some of our customers’ health journeys are truly inspiring. You can read about many of them here on thehumblebee.com.

The advice I’d give my younger work self is… don’t hesitate. I thought I had to do the school and get the experience BEFORE I followed my dreams of starting my own company. There isn’t a rule book or a specific path you have to follow. If you feel passionately about something, DO IT. Don’t think twice.

As my own #girlboss, one worky thing I try to remind myself daily is… have fun. Take risks. Set goals. Make time for play. And work your ass off.

CARRIE ON HEALTH IN LAS VEGAS

Stamps, gettin’ her peace on in Hawaii.

In my opinion, the biggest change in Las Vegas’ healthy-living scene in the last few years has been… finally, more healthy options!

No matter how busy I get at work, this is what I do to make sure I eat well during the week: Exercise! It keeps my cravings in check. I exercise at least one hour a day (only 4% of your day), so I like switching up the workouts to keep it interesting.

The fruit(s) or vegetable(s) you’ll always find in my kitchen are… AVOCADOS, apples, berries, carrots, kale, spinach, lemons, tomatoes, garlic, fresh ginger, and fresh turmeric.

My don’t-even-think-about-judging-me-guilty-pleasure food is… manchego cheese or stroopwafels direct from Amsterdam. Just not together! Gross.

(Thanks bee to you, Wikipedia, for reminding us what these bad boys look like. Yumma.)

CARRIE ON JUICE

What introduced me to cold-pressed juice was… the documentary Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead (2010).

The first time I drank green juice, I thought it tasted like… grass.

The reason I started drinking cold-pressed juice was because… I noticed a significant difference in my energy levels, immune system and complexion.

The reason I kept drinking cold-pressed juice was because… I knew the health benefits and FINALLY found some great recipes that don’t taste like a lawnmower. Besides: I think your tastebuds adjust and now I LOVE the taste of green juice. The greener the taste, the better!

True or False: “Making juice at home is a royal pain in the tail.” If I said False, I’d be lying. That’s why I grab 6-packs from TJS!

True or False: “A ginormous perk of my job is free juice.”  Wait, we get free juice?!?!

[Ed. note: Somebody get this girl some juice.]

The reason I like TJS’s cold-pressed juice is… because, the flavors! Honey, our bees know what they’re doing. My personal favorites: Bee WHealthy™, Bee Chill, Bee Vibrant, and Bee Excellent.

My advice to a newbee juicer is… try at least six to start. Everyone has different taste, so you’ll find one (or more) that you love. I promise.

Friends Who Juice: Malik Hansbrough

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The numero uno compliment we hear from fanbees (after folks shine on our recipes, natch) is about our customer service…and if there’s a worker bee beehind the counter who takes his making-people-happy skillz cray serious, it’s this guy.

A Las Vegas native who chose to make the city his forever home (and yes, there’s a goodly lot), Malik Hansbrough has brought more than his youth and vibrancy to his post at The Juice Standard. Working both sides of the counter both making product and serving it, Hansbrough is a head-down hard worker… but this youngest of six sibs and longtime church volunteer really shines when his mission is working with customers…leading them (as he poetically puts it), “on a journey of delicious and organic fuel for the body.”

And the former green-juice face-maker now proselytizes more than just the morals he was raised with: Seeing juice as a path toward total wellness has helped Hansbrough change his old wicked dining ways. A  jokester who doesn’t hide the things that make him happy (Walmart’s really your fave place, Dude?), we here at TJS are grateful to have such a mindful, wholehearted bee in our corner to preach the good word of good health…which we all know is available to anyone and erryone, one Singleton at a time.

Praise bee to Malik. Meet him.

All About Malik

I’ve lived in Las Vegas since… July 7, 1993, because I was born here.

I can remember when I decided I wanted to start my adult life here. It was…the year 2011, directly after I finished high school

…and what appealed to me about living in Vegas was…the fact that this place is my home, and home is where the heart is. I could never see myself living anywhere else but good old Vegas.

In my experience, the biggest misconception about living in Las Vegas is…that we only have the Strip to offer. Somehow, tourists have the idea that all the citizens of Las Vegas live in one of the many hotels on the Strip.

The thing I secretly (or not-so-secretly) love most about living here is...the size of this place: It is very small, which is great on gas: Nothing is out of reach since you don’t have to drive more than 30 minutes to get anywhere in the city.

If I had to pick a daily mantra or a quote I try to live by, it would be...“Fear God and keep his commands.”

A favorite Vegas spot that never gets old is…Walmart. It has everything I could ever want in life and more.

If I had to pick a theme song for my life it would be…the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers theme song, without a moment’s hesitation.

Malik and his wife, heading toward some quality time with family. Sabbath is sacred to the Hansbroughs, and in today’s busy lifecycle, it’s an admirable time-out tradition they protect so they can focus on themselves, their family and their spirits. (Naturally they *must* drink juice on Sabbath, too, right? Say we’re right, Malik!)

A person who inspires me every day is…my wife. She is my best friend and she inspires me to be a better a version of myself each and every day.

The way she inspires me is…by not letting me make excuses. She holds me to my word on everything which has molded me into the person I am today.

Something people would be surprised to know about me is…I keep the Sabbath day every single week.

This is how I like to spend my free time: Preaching God’s word to any and all who give me the opportunity. I also like to play basketball with my brothers, and spend quality time with my immediate family and my wife.

The worst hack-job pronunciation of my name I’ve ever heard is…“Moo-Lake.” (I know, it’s terrible right?)

Malik On Work

I work for The Juice Standard. When people ask me what I do, this is how I explain my job: My job is to introduce people to the unknown side of eating healthy and living a healthy lifestyle. I take them on a journey of delicious organic and beautiful fuel for the body.

What appealed to me about working for TJS was...that I could be a vessel through which the extremely important knowledge of how to treat your body could be conveyed, and that I’d be able to create bonds with others through nutrition.

Since working for TJS, the most surprising thing I’ve learned about myself doing the job that I do is…how terrible my eating habits were. It was truly embarrassing.

The most exciting part about my job is…seeing people walk away happily educated and newly motivated to start a new journey in life…after experiencing just a few tastes of our product.

Best thing I’ve heard a customer say about TJS juice is…“You guys are lifesavers.”

Most awesome thing I’ve witnessed on the back-of-house staff side of working at TJS is…seeing 10 to 15 smoothies be made with love (and the same time) and presented to our guests quickly and efficiently.

When I’m not working at TJS there are other creative endeavors I love dabbling in, like…singing, writing and drawing.

The advice I’d give my younger work self is…to be the hardest worker in your establishment at all times, no matter what the circumstance.

Malik On Health In LV

Ever the volunteer, Malik (far right) is pictured with his church brothers James and Ronnie at a cleanup for Las Vegas’ City Hall Community Cleanup in 2015.

In my opinion, the biggest change in Las Vegas’ healthy-living scene in the last few years has been…the presence of organic juicing. Everyone, all of a sudden, now has taken a big interest in the juice life.

No matter how busy I get at work, this is what I do to make sure I eat well during the week: Prep my meals at home, and only eat what comes from my own living space. This is a great way for me to avoid eating fast food and sugary snacks to suppress my hunger.

The fruit(s) or vegetable(s) you’ll always find in my kitchen are...bananas, asparagus and broccoli.

My don’t-even-think-about-judging-me-guilty-pleasure food is…macaroni and cheese, straight from Mom’s kitchen.

The health habit that gets me teased the most is…exercising.

Malik On Juice

The person who introduced me to cold-pressed juice was…my best friend James Dixon.

The first time I drank green juice, I thought it was…mortifying. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before.

The reason I started drinking cold-pressed juice was because…I wanted my body to perform to the best of its ability.

The reason I kept drinking cold-pressed juice was because…I saw the results in a shockingly short amount of time and I started to find cold-pressed juice delicious.

True or False: “Making juice at home is a royal pain in the tail.” True

True or False: “A ginormous perk of my job is free juice.” True

The reason I like TJS’s cold-pressed juice is…because I know exactly what’s in it, as well as all of the health benefits. There is no fine print. We are up front about it all and promote it proudly.

My advice to a newbee juicer is…make sure to properly cleanse your body first. It’s important to get as much of the bad stuff out of there as possible and then begin the process of putting healthy juice into your body.

Friends Who Juice: Amber Cariker

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Meet Amber Cariker.

When retail is in your soul and you’ve worked for some of the spendiest names in spendom, where do you take your career? For Amber Cariker, The Juice Standard’s district manager, the answer wasn’t up, but in.

After years of mighty success helming stores of high-end brands, Cariker claims that life felt on the half-full side. After committing to some soulful switcheroos, fate led her straight to the hiring table across TJS co-founders Jamie Stephenson and Marcella Williams…and so far it’s been a match made in juicy heaven as Cariker has used her boundless energy and business acumen to help TJS deepen its public outreach into the hearts (and bellies) of Las Vegas’ health enthusiasts.

A pint-size pixie with a bionic heart, Cariker casts sunshine on everyone from the folks who walk into our stores to our blessed bees that buzz beehind the counters. Bonus? She’s never met a green juice she didn’t like. Do we have Cariker’s sweet momma to thank for her palate? Survey says she’d slurp something she didn’t like if it meant selling on beehalf the company she loves…and boy, if that doesn’t spell #ItTakesAVillage, we don’t know what does.

So…meet Amber Cariker. And while you’re at it, next time you see her at a store, thank her. Most likely she made getting your order a little easier, in ways you’ll never know. (We may not, either….)

ALL ABOUT AMBER

I’ve lived in Las Vegas…off and on since I was little. I formerly moved here when I was 8. Since then I have lived in California, Texas and Oregon. I most recently moved back from Portland in March 2012. (Vegas has a way of pulling you back in. Plus my Momma is here.)

I can remember when I decided I wanted to start my adult life here. It was the year… 2014, I was sick of living a toxic lifestyle, and I wanted a job that matched how I wanted to live my life, not how I was living it. I always seem to associate a lot of my happiness with what I am doing for work since I am a work-a-holic. (Literally.) During my early 20’s, I was sort of lost—partying and living free-spiritedly—and I decided I wanted to learn more about nutrition, plants, flowers, the desert, wood, conversations, the present, and mindfulness.

What appealed to me about living in Vegas was…my Momma lived here, and my Pops lives near Joshua Tree, Calif. It felt right to be close to home, and when I started to appreciate the outer beauty of Vegas away from the nightlife and partying, I found a new way of partying. What intrigued me was the forest, Cold Creek, Nev., where the wild horses roam, off the path trails in Red Rock.

In my experience, the biggest misconception about living in Las Vegas is…that everyone who lives here maintains 24/7 availability. Even though the city runs 24 hours, it is important to find your core values and un-plug every once in a while. The other misconception? That everyone in Vegas is superficial. Some of my closest friends, who I would call my “tribe” or “village,” are from Vegas. We can pick up wherever we left off, even if months go by.

The thing I secretly (or not-so-secretly) love most about living here is…the heat. The desert.

People who know me well know that I’m super close to my sister. Her name is…Stephanie. I love her with all my heart. But the thing that drives me nuts about her is… she lives so far away, in Rosario, Argentina.

(…and the thing she’d say about me that drives her bonkers is… I never make time to visit!)

If I had to pick a daily mantra or a quote I try to live by, it would be… “Bringing sunshine to people’s lives”

A favorite Vegas spot that never gets old is… Cold Creek, Nev. If you go up early enough in the morning, or as the sun is setting, you usually can catch the wild horses walking along the desert.

If I had to pick a theme song for my life it would be… Tycho by Spectre.

A person who inspires me every day is… my sister, Stephanie.

…and the way she inspires me is: She runs her own business in South America. She is committed to inspiring people to take part in their culture, and she hosts things like: book clubs, “bar-lingual” (a hopping around of bars), and walking or bike tours in her city of Rosario. She has two young babies—both are bi-lingual and play soccer—and she teaches English, does yoga, and plays guitar. She’s just amazing.

Something people would be surprised to know about me is… I collect dead things. (Hahahahaha! The whole company laughed when we introduced a new employee and they were waiting for me to say that and I didn’t!) I am a geek for natural history…like, when you were a little kid in a museum. I love taxidermy, bones, insects, wood grains, plants, and cacti.

I don’t have a ton of free time but when I do, this is how I like to spend it: Hiking, gardening and cooking.

AMBER ON WORK

I work for The Juice Standard as the company’s district manager. When people ask me what I do, this is how I explain my job: Usually, I get asked if I am the owner  (I think this is because I am a Chatty Cathy and love to talk all things TJS), so I usually say: “NO I am not the owner…but I wish I was because this is a pretty amazing company!”  Right now, I assist in being whatever role the company needs me to be in: hiring, development, networking, eventing, and being an awesome support system for everyone on our team.

What appealed to me about working for TJS was…the company’s transparency, ethical practices, and its fresh, organic product – product that’s really organic, not just partially.

The other factor? Jamie and Marcella. I fell in love with them during our first meeting. How they speak, listening to their ideas and needs, hearing their passion, seeing their investment in people that are already on their teams….They painted this beautiful picture that expanded the Las Vegas community and its culture.

When it comes to managing or working in retail, this isn’t my first rodeo: I got my first job at a store when I was 15 years old, when I supported my sister where she lived in Avila Beach. She managed a cute little coffee shop called The Steaming Bean and Tea Leaf, and it was a place where they served yerba mate (my favorite thing in life); made fresh sandwiches (think fresh-baked croissants with feta, sunflower sprouts, cashews, cucumber, and cream cheese). Seriously? I want one right now.

After that I worked for Aveda for close to 8 years in Texas, Oregon and Nevada. Then I went on to work for companies like Lush Handmade Cosmetics and Ted Baker.

One of the things about working for big brands that I loved was… that 4 weeks of vacation…unpaid or paid. (Ha: No s#@t!)  I learned a lot about structure and problem solving without becoming frantic. I learned a lot about tools, and how to use them with your teams to be more successful.

Something about working for big brands that I loathed was…how larger companies lose sight of their bottom line: the people. Most of us can all agree we have had leaders who didn’t care about us as people. What’s worse is when large corporations have district leaders and executives who are snotty, entitled or pretentious. They never know who you are or what you look like, and your usual contact with them comprises their telling you that you didn’t perform well enough, or that you could have done better…and there is no checking for clarity or development beyond that.

Best perk or discount I ever had thanks to one of my jobs was…Aveda: 74 percent off plant- and flower-based beauty product…are you kidding me? (Die-hard Aveda girl over here…)

Since working for TJS, the most surprising thing I’ve learned about myself doing the job that I do is…not necessarily surprising, but more like an aha moment: I was told long ago that I wasn’t a very present person. I am one of those people who seems like they’re in dreamland or daydreaming (or, talking up a storm), and since I have worked for TJS, being around Jamie, Marcella, and our team, has really taught me the importance of conversation, communication and present listening.

The most exciting part about my job is…meeting new people and sharing our story! Jamie and Marcella’s story.

Best thing I’ve heard a customer say about TJS juice is…that it saved their life. Andrea Millsap, whom I believe you interviewed in last month’s newsletter… she was told she couldn’t get pregnant because of her Lupus and she did!

Most awesome thing I’ve witnessed on the back-of-house staff side of working at TJS is…everyone singing and dancing to Tupac. Everyone is always joking and talking while they work. Very hard and consistent workers in our kitchens and on our teams….

True or False: “The most challenging part about my job is deciding whether to valet or self-park at The Cosmopolitan when I go visit The Buzz…because like butter and bacon, valet makes everything better.” True…hahaha! But I have never valet’d

The advice I’d give my younger work self is…Take that harsh constructive criticism and look at it as a challenge. Don’t become defeated. Don’t give up. And don’t ever let anyone tell you that you talk too much or have too much energy, because it’s usually what lands you a job in the future.

AMBER ON HEALTH IN LAS VEGAS

In my opinion, the biggest change in Las Vegas’ healthy-living scene in the last few years has been…not only are we now seeing new healthy options bounce onto the scene, but we are seeing local, smaller run businesses trying to bring culture into the city.

No matter how busy I get at work, this is what I do to make sure I eat well during the week:  I think about meals and what the leftover options look like. I literally steam artichokes four times a week and eat them with a little bit of soy sauce, lime juice, garlic powder, and salt. It’s so delicious.

The fruit(s) or vegetable(s) you’ll always find in my kitchen are… Valencia oranges, limes and lemons (citrus fruits are my favorite). Love berries, too. Always making agua frescas in my Vitamix.

My don’t-even-think-about-judging-me-guilty-pleasure food is… nachos with freshly sliced jalepeños but with real cheese!

The health habit that gets me teased the most is… I swear your hair grows like a miracle when you drench it in olive oil straight from the kitchen cabinet. I apply, then shampoo and condition about three times per week.

True or False: “Thanks to Facebook we hear you recently made cashew cream for the first time and that it.kicked.ass.” Hahahaha! TRUE. I have taught myself to make so many things with cashews since working with TJS.

AMBER ON JUICE

The person who introduced me to cold-pressed juice was… my Momma. Her very first job was in Yucca Valley, Calif., where she worked at Sue’s Health foods, and she got that job in order to buy herself a Champion Juicer which still sits on our counter to this day.

The first time I drank green juice, I thought it was… amazing. I never struggled drinking juice. I knew how good it was for you without the research.

The reason I started drinking cold-pressed juice was because… to get my nutrients. (Hello, 3.5 pounds per bottle of greens?)

The reason I kept drinking cold-pressed juice was because… it made me feel more alive. More centered, more focused, less stressed. It made me feel motivated. And it helped me sleep through my nights, eliminated my acne and helped my hair grow!

True or False: “Making juice at home is a royal pain in the tail.”  True: I never make it at home. But, I also would never buy it from anywhere that uses high-pressure processing (HPP) now that I know the difference between fresh and processed juice. I want my juice made fresh today, please…not 15 days ago and then packaged and delivered under the notion it is fresh.

True or False: “A ginormous perk of my job is free juice.” Huge bonus. I literally make sure I get my greens every day!

The reason I like TJS’s cold-pressed juice is because… it’s fresh; truly 100 percent organic; and it has a mission that is committed to integrity and transparency.

My advice to a newbee juicer is…take a deep breath and take small bite-size chunks out of all the knowledge you’re about to absorb. I usually tell them give it 6 months until they feel like a pro!

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Friends Who Juice: Andrea Millsap

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Stress can do horrendous things to the body. We know this is true thanks to seemingly constant pop-culture articles touting the import of good sleep and nutrition to help keep stress at bay, but beyond the casual headache or stomach upset, the effects of anxiety during high-stress times can actually be fatal. 

In The Link Between Religion and Health by Harold G. Koenig and Harvey J. Cohen, there’s an entire chapter devoted to the diseases we can bring upon ourselves resulting from environmental and situational stress we put on our immune systems and what we can do about them. And what we learn is that diagnoses like Lupus and other auto-immune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, Grave’s disease, chronic fatigue syndrome) can be attacked from a variety of angles: medication, meditation, kundalini yoga, building an alkaline environment in the body with anti-inflam foods, drinking cold-pressed juice.

For the purpose of this feature, it’s that last method we’re most interested in (natch), as we’re honored to share the tale of Andrea Millsap, a woman who in fact used cold-pressed juice—The Juice Standard’s cold-pressed juice, to be exact— to battle the Lupus she developed after some achingly, life-altering family events. Battle…and win.

If you’ve ever wondered whether TJS’ juices and nutmilks really are all that, read this dynamic account of Andrea Millsap and see just how far she’s come. We guarantee it’s been a long way, Baby. 

All About Andrea

I was born and raised… here in Las Vegas, Nevada. I am a one of the rare natives: I attended private school at St.Francis De Sales and then went on to Bishop Gorman. (Go GAELS!) I attended University here, as well. I received my undergraduate degree from UNLV.

This is when I knew that Las Vegas would be my forever home: I have travelled both in and out of the county but always knew Vegas was home…and not because I was born here. I love Vegas because it is a 24-hour town (…not that I utilize that anymore!). I like having the option to go to the grocery store or anywhere else in the middle of the night if I want. I decided after college to reside in Vegas.

My daily mantra is…I’ve had this up on my wall since my teenage years:

Quote by Fannie Brice, American comedian

Favorite Vegas spot that never gets old is…Peppermill.

People who inspire me daily are…my parents. They are my world. My dad was my best friend and taught me life lessons that have made me who I am. My mom is literally my mirror to life. Love them! My father passed away 3 years ago this July 10. he is were my “juice journey” began.

Something people would be surprised to learn about me: I have eight children AND I still find the time to work a full-time job and do the things I love to do.

About Andrea’s Work

When people ask me what I do as my job, this is how I explain it:  I am a pharmaceutical representative, and I help to educate and provide medication to local providers for their patients.

Worst spelling of Pfizer: Fizar.

In my personal opinion about the pharmaceutical industry on the whole, I believe it gets a bad rap because…of the cost of medication. People truly don’t understand how much money it costs to bring a medication to market…and that there is a cost associated with the medication once it’s approved to market the medication.

Also, people are misguided about who makes the rules on meds and why the cost and lack of availability are truly so high. If people researched this information and how it works, they would be truly upset. Individuals also don’t realize how much money and medication is provided through patient-assistance programs to make sure patients have access to their medications.

What I’ve learned about myself in this career is this: This position has made me stronger, and I’ve learned that your health is your responsibility.

The most surprising thing I’ve learned or the thing that has been re-affirmed for me is…that being told NO is so motivating to me. I thrive in challenging environments.

The advice I’d give my younger work self is…Don’t ever quit or let other people decide your path for you.

Andrea On Health

The biggest change I’ve witnessed in the Las Vegas world of healthy living is…the rise of juice companies, restaurants that provide clean food and the education about genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

The way I eat clean during my busy workweek is this: I work from my car, so I make sure I juice…with juice from the Standard, of course!

The fruits and veggies you will always find in my kitchen are…apples, spinach and kale.

My fave guilty-pleasure food? Ughhhhhh: Pizza from Metro.

The health habit that gets me teased the most is…the bounty of herbs and vitamin supplements that I use daily from Dr. Sebi. The Juice Standard along with Dr. Sebi not only changed my life but saved it!

Andrea On Juice

We understand that there were some radical things that happened in your life that brought you to The Juice Standard. We’d love you to share your story….About 2 years ago I discovered cold-pressed juice. After my dad passed away, my immune system failed. The sheer shock and loss destroyed not only my soul but my body. For months, I wasn’t sure what was wrong; but I began to feel my body shutting down. I went to the doctor and was later diagnosed with Lupus.

Andrea and her father.

In my quest to get better and take back my life, I began researching Lupus and things that enhance the quality of life in patients. The most important thing I kept coming across was diet. I then began researching clean eating and all the elders talked most about juicing and herbal supplements. And I began drinking cold-pressed juice after trying every medicine under the sun. I was not getting better.

Some symptoms of lupus are…excruciating joint and muscle pain. It’s a pain so intense, I can’t get out of bed at times, or up and down the stairs. There is extreme fatigue from doing nothing. And, skin rashes from the sun, and just in general.

The hardest way Lupus has affected my life is…it’s lowered my energy level, which steals time and events from me. At times, the decreased energy level doesn’t allow me to do all the things in one day that I would like to. And at one point, Lupus affected my job. I wasn’t able to work for months.

The one thing I wish people knew about Lupus is…that the pain is real. Although the death incident rate has improved, patients die young—40 years of age, and sometimes younger. The primary cause of death with Lupus is organ failure…kidneys, typically. Lupus is not always understood by individulas that don’t have it because it’s not something they can see like a broken bone.

The first time I drank green juice I thought…“Ohhhhh nooo: Not me, too! I don’t want people to think I’m drinking it because it’s a new trend and all the cool kids are doing it!”

I kept drinking cold-pressed because…it changed my life. My blood work was better, I had more energy, my symptoms were going away. I felt alive again because I was putting living food in my body.

Most shocking difference in my Lupus treatment before juice and after juice was…I was able to stop taking all medication.

True or False: “It was hard looking my Pfizer colleagues and clients in the eye and telling them that juice was helping me more than their stinkin’ meds.”  True. True.

Andrea and her husband, Lannie.

As of this writing, I’m currently on maternity leave. Here’s how I incorporated juice into my life: Prior to being pregnant I tried to have two juices a day with my supplements and appropriate foods. While pregnant, helped with my energy and the small Lupus flares I’ve had during pregnancy.

True or False: “As a new mother, I think cold-pressed juice is helping me keep up my energy.” Yes: True.

My thoughts about The Juice Standard? It’s is the gold standard for cold-pressed juice! You can taste and see the difference. I know it has helped and has continued to change my life.

My advice to a newbee juicer is…work with the team at The Juice Standard to find what flavors work for you. Tell them your situation and allow them to customize a plan that works for you. Don’t quit!

Friends Who Juice: JJ Sherrill

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With stadiums of fans gearing up for Major League Baseball’s opening day that’s now only hours away, this April’s Friends Who Juice profilee is getting us into the swing of the season by sharing how he—a former MLB player himself—transitioned from the big leagues to helping teens tap into their potential on and off the field using their mind before they ever grab their glove.

James “JJ” Sherrill is the founder of F.O.M Training Academy (short for Frame of Mind), the holistic arm of a cutting-edge baseball training facility in Sacramento, Calif., called Rip It Davis, which features ProBatter Virtual Pitching Simulators that help young players hone mad bat skills. The first baseball charter school in the country that does awesome things like churn out the current holder of the nation’s best high school batting average, what makes the facility so elite is Sherrill’s molding today’s newbee players into tomorrow’s mindful sluggers using visualization and breathing techniques that any yogi would cherish. And coupled with his deep belief in WHealthy™ eating and juicing being an important part of every smart athlete’s arsenal, Sherrill is the kind of whole-student coach that parents dream of.

During his 15 years in baseball, Sherrill was a Tony Gwynn mentee and played last for the Cleveland Indians. Ask him about his true accomplishments, though, and he’ll tell you it’s helping his students achieve mind-over-matter mastery and beelieve in themselves through positive affirmations.

Now, we’re not into mind-games but that’s a strategy we could, er, throw ourselves into.

How’d that scene go in Ferris Bueller?  Time to play ball with JJ Sherrill. 

https://youtu.be/9EdkdaPW2Kg

All About JJ

When people ask me where I’m from, I tell them…“Seaside California” (Monterey Peninsula) but home for me, now, is…Sacramento.

When I was a little boy, I dreamed of being…a professional baseball player for Major League Baseball. I also wanted to play football in the NFL.

What surprised me most about growing up was realizing that for my life’s work, I’d end up…being a powerful influence and mentor/leader to the students and adults I work with on a daily basis.

It has also been a great plus to turn my method of helping students, players, athletes, and adults learn to prepare mentally for everything from baseball games to life using my FOM Method (which stands for “Frame Of Mind”). By using breathing techniques, positive visualization, postive “I Am” affirmations, and repetitive binearal beats, my method helps people to master their minds and feelings in various situations. I’m proud to now be turning FOM into a successful brand by the same name.

Las time I was in Las Vegas it was to…attend the Magic Fashion Show with the purpose of and focus on building business relationships with manufactuers for the FOM brand.

JJ Sherrill with his little inspiration, Jaron Julius.

When I go to Vegas, favorite spots are …The Juice Standard and Holstein’s.

If I had to pick a theme song for my life it would be…One Man Can Change The World by
Big Sean.

A person who inspires me every day is…my 3-and-a-half-year-old-son Jaron Julius James Sherrill. And, I draw insipration from within myself.
…and in case you were wondering, the JJ stands for…James Julius.

About JJ’s Work

When people ask me what I do for a living, this is what I say I do on a day-to-day basis: I am a father first, a mentor, a life skills coach, a baseball and basketball coach, and an educational facilitator for a charter school. I’m also a business man; a believer; and a self-investor in the care and health of the mind, body, and soul. I’m a person who takes the time to give back with the knowledge I have gained through my personal and professional experiences. I utilize this wisdom to allow people to see by leading from example.

The age range of the kids I coach is…3 and up.

In decidedly atypical warm-up sessions, Sherrill’s FOM students practice pre-game visualization where they see themselves swinging for the rafters and fielding like champs.

I work for a very unique sports-related school. This is how it’s unique: We are a charter school out in Elverta, Calif., that has partnered with three different programs to bring our students a variety of options. The first partnership we developed was with the Jerry Manuel Foundation, through which we our able to bring a wealth of knowledge about the game of baseball to kids who might not have the opportunity otherwise. All of our coaches have at one point or another played on a professional level.

Our second sports-related program is our softball program, which has partnered with the California Comments. The heart of these programs has its basis in “Jackie Robinson’s 9 Values.

Our third magnet is called Alpha Garden Arts, which is a farm-to-fork program that introduces students to aspects of agricultural science.

Our high school curriculum is a blended model of online course and direct instruction. We are a small school with a ratio of one adult to every four students. We see ourselves as family, and it’s truly a pleasure for me working with our students. Our situation and setting allow me to build personal relationships with all our students. They are a source of motivation for me. When I see positive changes in them, it challenges me to continue to be and stay positive and productive in what I do so that I may lead by example by my actions, words and selfless deeds.

In 5 years, my “daffy desire” is to…take my FOM brand and my mental focus training method and develop it into a successful business that can touch the lives of others.

Sherrill aspires to his FOM method and logo becoming as eponymous as that Nike swoosh. (Don’t know ’bout you but we here at TJS hope he just does it.)

Friends Who Juice: Charlotte Evans

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For folks who grew up in Las Vegas (or who at least moved to the Valley around 1992), Charlotte Evans was a trusted name, face and voice that played a part in many of our everyday lives. As an anchor on the Las Vegas CBS affiliate KLAS, for nearly 20 years we invited her into our homes to deliver the news of the day, trusting her well-honed storytelling skills to report truth and fact with a healthy dose of heart. Even amid the blur of a growing 24-hour news cycle and always-on networks like CNN and MSNBC, Las Vegans turned to Evans for a dose of daily local love. And as you’ll read below, the reciprocity of fanboy and fangirl love (looking at you, TJS co-founder Jamie Stephenson!) was something that always warmed her.

Today, Evans is still telling stories…now, from the other side of the anchor desk. Writing for publications like the trade pub Vegas Legal Magazine, she’s sought for the proverbial tough interview that requires the deft voice of someone who can wax poetic…but do it with some spunk. Recent profilees include local icons like land developer and former DragonRidge Country Club owner Rich MacDonald, and Las Vegas City Attorney Brad Jerbic, 

And, lo, she juices.

(What is it that we like to say? “Lucky us?” Yes. Lucky us.)

Meet Charlotte Evans.

All About Charlotte

I’ve lived in Las Vegas since… March of 1992. I was hired by KLAS to help launch Nevada’s first ever, hour-long morning newscast called Eyewitness News This Morning. The other local networks quickly followed suit, and the morning ratings battle was on! The live morning newscast quickly expanded to a three-hour-long marathon, packed with live crews reporting from across the valley. In the 1990s, the local news stations had more staff and resources at their disposal (like helicopters) to provide an owerwhelming live presence. In my opinion, it was the heyday of the local news.

I can remember when I decided I wanted to start (and keep) my adult life here. It was the year… 1994. I got married in Las Vegas and there didn’t seem any pressing reason to leave.

…and what appealed to me about living in Vegas was…the fantastic weather and the  beautiful year round recreational opportunities!

In my experience, the biggest misconception about living in Las Vegas is…that Las Vegas is all about the Strip. Many locals never go near the Strip, or gamble, or go to strip clubs.  Per capita, Las Vegas has one of the most faith-based populations in the country.

The thing I secretly (or not-so-secretly) love most about living here is…the excitement and the culture, especially now that The Smith Center is open.

If I had to pick a daily mantra or a quote I try to live by, it would be...don’t feed negative energy. Abandon it, and focus your sights on the people and activities around you that bring you the greatest joy.

A favorite Vegas spot of mine that never gets old is…the Peppermill lounge. Peggy who runs it is an “old school” Las Vegan and a class act.

If I had to pick a theme song for my life it would be…too early to call, I hope! I do like the Diana Ross song, I’m Coming Out and played it often when I hosted a radio show.

Charlotte’s mum.

A person who inspires me every day is…my mother. She is one of the most guileless, forgiving and giving people I have ever known. I wish I’d appreciated that more when I was younger. Lately she’s been comforting folks on their deathbed without giving much thought to whether she’s had any sleep, food or rest herself.

…and the way she inspires me is…see above 🙂

Something people would be surprised to know about me is…I was a contestant on Win Ben Stein’s Money. I didn’t win, unfortunately, but it was fun meeting former Las Vegan Jimmy Kimmel.

About Charlotte’s Work

I first started working in Las Vegas in the year…1992.

True or False: I get a lot of those, “Hey…don’t I know you from somewhere?” looks. Yes. Much moreso recently, for some reason.

I know I get those looks because in my former work life, before I was doing what I do today, this was my job: Television News Anchor for almost 18 years at KLAS-TV, the CBS affiliate in Las Vegas.

Want to hear a little about the work that I did and how it influenced my life? Here’s some background: I’ve been gifted through my career with meeting world leaders, local politicians, international celebrities and businesspeople that ordinarily I would never have had the chance to meet. When these high-profile people show up at a TV studio at 5:30 in the morning to be interviewed, it’s quickly apparent that they are human, too, and they are frequently overwhelmed, stressed, tired, and wracked with worry like the rest of us.

The story I worked on that has stuck with me the longest is… I had the privilege of helping a local terminally ill boy who was a fan of mine meet his biggest hero, Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler. We never did a story on the meeting, because that wasn’t the point. I made some private phone calls, and Steven Tyler being the sort of person he is rolled out the red carpet for this boy and his family and even hosted them backstage at his concert. This beautiful boy has since passed on, but I hope some day I am reconnected with him (or his family) in some fashion.

The best perk about my former job was…being welcomed anywhere with smiles from total strangers.

The thing from my former work that taught me the most about myself was…losing my job. No matter how awesome any position is, jobs change over time. I need to be less resistant to change and more willing to take risks that may lead to something elsewhere that’s even better. Stagnation is not good.

Today, when people ask me where I work and what I do, I tell them…I’m a writer for Vegas Legal Magazine.

In 5 years, my “daffy desire” is to be doing…some sort of motivational work with people who are suffering or struggling in life. I’d like to spread as much positive energy as I can and help people who’ve found themselves stuck. I’ve been there.

The most surprising thing I’ve learned about myself in my post-television life is...that my carreer is not who I am. It is a tiny fraction of me.

Charlotte, with daughter Maddie.

…and, the thing I’m most proud of is…yet to come, I hope! My daughter is the most  obvious answer, but really she’s a gift in my life. I can’t take credit for how kind or awesome she is. She’s just naturally “good people.”

Today, my favorite way to give back to my community is…highlighting the good work that others are doing and lending a hand to their causes.  I’ve been asked to assist with the Police Unity Tour coming up soon and I’m really looking forward to it!

The advice I’d give my younger work self is…don’t spend too long working at any one place. The security you think it gives you is false. The same can be said of some relationships. Don’t confuse how things “could be one day” with “how they really are.”

The advice I wish someone had given my younger self is… slow down and the answers you need will come. So will the right people.

Charlotte On Health In Vegas

In my opinion, the biggest difference in Las Vegas’ healthy-living scene between when I first moved here and now is…well, it’s night and day! The publication Las Vegas Perspective most likely has numbers to support that. There are so many people coming here to live and work in the health and wellness industries and their enthusiasm is palpable. The valley is growing in a way that is inspiring.

No matter how busy I get at work, this is what I do to make sure I eat well during the week: I try to keep emergency healthy snacks and bottled alkaline water in my car because I never know where the day will take me. I make lists of what I need and try not to grocery shop when I’m hungry.

The fruit(s) or vegetable(s) you’ll always find in my kitchen are…strawberries, bananas, mangos, apples, pineapples and/or watermelon. We power through them. In my crisper you’ll find vegetables that I bought with good intentions, but allowed to rot.

My total guilty pleasure food I’ll never-forever give up is…bacon.  

The total guilty-pleasure habit that gets me made fun of the most is…it’s hard to say today, but I’m sure my daughter could tell you.  I’ve managed to break a lot of my unhealthy habits.  I just need to put healthy ones in their place.

Charlotte On Juice

True or False: I’m a total juicing newbee and hadn’t done a full juice fast until February. True

True or False: Juicing at home is a pain in the tail…which is why I tried TJS’s. Very true

The person who introduced me to cold-pressed juice was…my daughter’s father. He is very good about keeping physically fit.

The first time I drank green juice, I thought it was…much better than I expected!

On a scale of 1-10, this is how likely I am to incorporate cold-pressed juice in my life: 10.

The reason I believe I should drink cold-pressed juice is because…I started to crave it in a way that makes me think my body was missing nutrients that I was able to get from juice.

The reason I like TJS’s cold-pressed juice is because…it tastes awesome!  It’s a guilt-free beverage that can rival ice cream for it’s taste and sensory perks. I trust how they make it.

The funniest thing that happened to me while I was on my juice fast was…my trips to the restroom doubled.

My advice to a newbee juicer is…find a friend to do the cleanse with you so you can share your experience.

 

Friends Who Juice: Shannon McBeath

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Want two words to sum up Shannon McBeath, owner of Las Vegas’s new The Ride Premium Indoor Cycling studio (and not-so-closet fan of TJS nut milks?) “Smart” and with “heart” come to mind (…with a side of great arms, a strong Mommy Gene, admiration for her husband, and a near-insatiable bent toward giving of all kinds). Yeah, we know that’s more than a couple accolades, but while McBeath’s driven by her pretty head and kind ticker, the other wholehearted things about her fall into place…making her the picture of well-roundedness.

Schooled  in the fine art of hospitality (and it is an art, dontchaknow), for nearly three decades as a Las Vegan, McBeath has balanced family and health while maintaining a rewarding career she’s now stepping back into. And she’s doing it in a way that honors her crazy commitment to her WHealth™ and wellness, and her dedication to helping others achieve their own goals. That she loves The Juice Standard juice is just a bonus.

Shannon On Shannon

I’ve lived in Las Vegas since…1989.

I can remember when I decided I wanted to start my adult life here. It was…1986. Growing up in Dallas, Texas,  I decided I wanted to follow in my father’s footsteps and pursue a career in the hotel industry. I attended SMU for my first 2 years of college, always with the intention of transferring to University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) to complete my bachelor’s degree in hotel administration.

 …and what appealed to me about living in Vegas was…one of the best hotel schools in the country!

In my experience, the biggest misconception about living in Las Vegas is…People that aren’t familiar think there is no life outside of the strip. I am insulted while traveling with people’s negative reaction when I mention I live in Las Vegas. I often find myself defending our wonderful community of over 2 million residents!

The thing I secretly (or not-so-secretly) love most about living here is…the weather (minus summer) ☺

If I had to pick a daily mantra or a quote I try to live by, it would be…Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.

A favorite Vegas spot that never gets old is…The Cosmopolitan!

If I had to pick a theme song for my life it would be…Happy by Pharrell Williams.

A person who inspires me every day is…my husband (The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas CEO Bill McBeath).

…and the way they inspire me is…he’s the most balanced and intelligent person I know.

Something people would be surprised to know about me is…I used to teach Catechism.

Shannon On Work

In my work world this past year...my partners and I founded The Ride Premium Indoor Cycling Studio, but before that I spent 21 years as a stay at home mom and philanthropist.

Let me tell you a little about my background: After earning a degree in hotel administration from UNLV in 1991, I was hired into the Management Associate’s Program at The Mirage. After an extensive 18 months of training in every department, I was offered a position as Leisure Sales Manager.  After spending 5 years in the hotel industry, I decided to take on the most rewarding job there is…stay-home mom to two amazing daughters.

What prompted me to open The Ride was…a desire to bring quality upscale boutique fitness to Las Vegas (and to keep busy as a soon-to-be empty nester!).

Multiple choice: 

  • A) “I am a kickass bike rider”
  • B) “Training wheels are my friend.”

…A!

My first business mentor was…my father.

…and this is what I learned from him: Do what you love and it will never be work.

The most surprising thing I’ve learned about being my own boss is…being my own boss!

…and, the thing I’m most proud of is…never giving up on my dreams!

The advice I’d give my younger work self is…you can do anything you set your mind to!

Philanthropy and volunteering are a huge part of my life. Here’s why: For the last 21 years, I have volunteered in various capacities for numerous charitable causes in the community. I have served on the Foundation Board for Opportunity Village for the past 7 years including the executive and nominating committees.  Also, I opened the Las Vegas chapter of Shoes That Fit and operated it for 5 years, providing new shoes for needy school children.

The most life changing and rewarding volunteer work I have ever done was…going to Guatemala last year on a mission trip to build a house for a homeless family.

My favorite way to give back to my community is…supporting as many causes as possible with my time and/or financial support. I’m excited to launch The Ride Cares this year: we will be supporting various causes in the community by hosting charity rides throughout the year.

My favorite Las Vegas charities are…Opportunity Village, Stillpoint, Make A Wish,  Three Square, Communities in Schools, and Keep Memory Alive.

My advice to someone who feels they don’t have time to donate but they want to do something is…the smallest contribution of time or money can make a huge difference in someone’s life.

Shannon On Health

In my opinion, the biggest change in Las Vegas’ healthy-living scene in the last few years has been…healthier choices for groceries and dining. (But still not enough!)

No matter how busy I get at work, this is what I do to make sure I eat well during the week: Make a healthy shake every morning and cook healthy Paleo dinners as much as possible. Also, I highly recommend Sun Basket organic food delivery.

The fruit(s) or vegetable(s) you’ll always find in my kitchen are…apples, bananas, mangoes, kale, spinach, and peppers.

My don’t-even-think-about-judging-me-guilty-pleasure food is…red wine (it’s a grape right?).

The health habit that gets me teased the most is…my religious 6-day-a-week workout regimen.

The new years’ words of encouragement I’d give someone who is looking to get into cycling (or any other health regimen) are these: Never let intimidation prevent you from trying something new. Get into a routine and stick with it…you WILL see results! Just remember: DIET is 80 percent!

Shannon On Juice

The person who introduced me to cold-pressed juice was…my 21-year-old daughter!

The first time I drank green juice, I thought it was…interesting!

The reason I drink cold-pressed juice today is…for its energy and vitality.

Yes or No: “I love juice so much I make it at home.” YES

True or false: “Making juice at home is a royal pain in the tail.” FALSE

The reason I like TJS’s cold-pressed juice is because…it is so delicious! LOVE the cold-pressed cocktails at The Cosmopolitan….

The funniest thing that ever happened to me while drinking juice OR when one of us was doing a juice fast, was… I have done TJS’s 3- day cleanse twice. I’m not sure there is anything funny about going three days without eating, but all I can say is the nut milks got me through it! (BTW…I highly recommend the cleanses and felt great after!)
My advice to a newbee juicer is…try nutmilks first and you will be hooked!

Friends Who Juice: Wicked Creative’s Lauren Cahlan

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Look at her. Seriously: Just look at.those.photos. Now go back and look at ’em again and realize that Mrs. Lauren Cahlan is every bit golden on the inside as her flaxen hair reveals, with plenty of smarts to support her sexy, and humor to balance it all beeautifully.

As she describes in this first-person narrative that ran in the Las Vegas Review-Journal this summer, growing up in Oklahoma at the heels of her pageant-winning mother, Little Lauren aspired to follow in mum’s heels. It was a dream realized, earned and appreciated in 2016, when she was crowned Mrs. Nevada-America…but this bee’s so much more than what you see. A wholehearted marriage, passion for her job and a strong sense of giving back fill up Cahlan as she works as a senior account executive for one of Vegas’ busiest public relations firms.

Beauty, brawn and brains…and, a juicer? Checkeroo. Meet Lauren Cahlan.

Lauren Cahlan, Mrs. Nevada-America 2016

A LITTLE ABOUT LAUREN

I’ve lived in Las Vegas since… June of 1997

I can remember when I decided I wanted to start and keep my adult life here. It was the year…2012—I had just graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno.

          …and what appealed to me about living in Vegas was…the abundance of job opportunities and low cost of living.

In my experience, the biggest misconception about living in Las Vegas is…that everything revolves around the Strip. There’s much more to living here than just hotels and gambling; however, we’re blessed to have some of the world’s best dining, entertainment and shopping—so I would consider it a perk!

The thing I secretly (or not-so-secretly) love most about living here is… so many restaurants! I’m a self-proclaimed foodie who LOVES to dine out!

If I had to pick a daily mantra or a quote I try to live by, it would be…

You can never be overdressed or overeducated.—Oscar Wilde

A favorite Vegas spot that never gets old is…Marche Bacchus: Love the brunch and ambiance!

If I had to pick a theme song(s) for my life it would be…Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield.

A person who inspires me every day is…my husband, Shaun.

…and the way he inspires me is…I have a bad habit of procrastinating at times. He is one to set his mind to something and will get going right away until a task is finished. His self-discipline and motivation are inspiring to me. Plus, he’s easy on the eyes. Lucky me!

Something people would be surprised to know about me is…I’m a direct descendent of the second signer of the Declaration of Independence, Josiah Bartlett.

ABOUT LAUREN’S WORK

Let me tell you a little about my background: I graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with a degree in journalism with an emphasis on public relations and advertising, and a minor in political science. Upon graduation, I started at Wicked Creative public relations as an account coordinator and worked my way through the ranks. I’m now a Senior Account Executive overseeing 20 or so clients and a team of six people. I work with an array of dining, entertainment, fitness, and nightlife clients. No two days are ever the same here at the office!

Because of the nature of public relations, my days can vary a ton. When people ask me what a typical day might look like, this is what I say: HA! That is an understatement! A day could range between two extremes…one being sedentary at my desk answering emails and leading conference calls, and the other could be getting a call that I’m needed on camera to film an episode of Wahlburgers with Mark Wahlberg himself. (Yup…that really happened.)

My first mentor was… Jennie Miller

           …and this is what I learned from her: Jennie was my first supervisor at Wicked. The lessons I learned from her are countless—and I still think about ways to channel her guidance when handling a situation.

In my opinion, the most unusual thing about working in PR here in Las Vegas as opposed to other U.S. cities is…it’s definitely a 24-hour town. I could be staffing a 5 a.m. news segment with a client, or we could be handling a 1 a.m. celebrity red carpet. Hopefully not on the same day, of course.

          …and the most awesome thing about doing this work, here, is… Because Las Vegas is a global epicenter of world-class dining, entertainment, shopping, and gaming, as PR people we are exposed to some of the coolest clients around. Doing PR in a place like my hometown of Oklahoma City, for example, would have been great…but it wouldn’t have been the same experience that I’ve had here.

The thing I love most about my job—what really gets me up in the morning—is…the thrill of a great placement. There’s nothing like the feeling of seeing hard work come to fruition!

Ever wonder why we’re called “Wicked Creative?” Here’s the scoop: When Wicked’s president and founder, Stephanie Wilson, set out to start her own business, her former business partner was from Boston—hence the “wicked” reference. And, we pride ourselves on creativity…so Wicked Creative is the perfect fit!

Best perk about my job and/or the coolest thing that’s happened to me because of it is…That’s “perks,” with an “s”: Stephanie is a true believer in a positive work/life balance, so we are gifted with ample time off to decompress and unwind. Plus, I’ve been given quite a few opportunities to travel for (super cool) work events to places like New Orleans, New York City, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.

One of the coolest experiences I’ve had was working with Terry Bradshaw to promote his show My Life in Four Quarters, which premiered at The Mirage in 2013. To plug the show, I helped arrange an L.A. media tour, which included a stop at The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, among other outlets. Hanging out with Terry and Jay (who donned his signature all-denim look) was unforgettable!

True or false: People in PR consider themselves part of “the industry” in Las Vegas: True…and false. We work closely with the industry crowd, but we aren’t there to experience the day-to-day.

In my opinion, the biggest misconception of non-industry people about people who work in the industry is…that industry people just party all the time. It’s tough work out there!

Today, my favorite way to give back to my community is…I’m actually the reigning Mrs. Nevada-America, so I’ve had the opportunity to work with a ton of amazing causes like Special Olympics, Best Buddies, The Shade Tree, and more. One of my favorite experiences was organizing a book drive for Spread the Word Nevada earlier this year to help promote childrens’ literacy. At Wicked, we often donate PR services pro-bono for local charities, so it is wonderful to give back in that way.

Watching her mum Jill Barnhart win the Mrs. Oklahoma-America title in 1993 was one of many moments where Cahlan knew she wanted to compete. In her interview with the Review-Journal, Cahlan remembers: “[My mother] toted me around to appearances, and I watched her give back to our community. She was, and is, my greatest role model.”

The advice I’d give my younger work-self is…Don’t sweat the small stuff, and ask for help! I started at Wicked at a very young age, just fresh out of college. Because of that, I often felt like I had something to prove, and asking for help was a sign of weakness. Through the years, and with the support of my supervisors, I’ve learned that asking for help is imperative, and encouraged!

A 5- or 10-year aspiration of mine is… In 5 years, I’d love to start a family with my husband, Shaun. He’s incredibly supportive of my career and would be an amazing support system when it comes to balancing a career with a family.

The thing I’m most proud of that I’ve accomplished at Wicked Creative is… We worked on a celebrity event/grand opening that was the most challenging—and in the end, most rewarding—experience of my career. There were a ton of moving parts and extra hours spent, but it was all worth it. We ultimately won a PRSA “Award of Excellence” for our work on the project.

LAUREN ON HEALTH + JUICE

No matter how busy I get at work, this is what I do to make sure I eat well during the week: Meal prep! Don’t get me wrong, I don’t always have a ton of time to spend all day cooking for the week ahead. When that is the situation, I make sure I’m armed with Trader Joe’s salads that I can easily grab and go when in a hurry. I also like to individually package my snacks and fruits/veggies so that I can avoid hanger at all costs.

The fruit(s) or vegetable(s) you’ll always find in my kitchen are…broccoli, berries, bananas, sweet potatoes, and apples!

The health habit that gets me made fun of the most is… my incessant FitBit obsession. I do walks around our office building at least three times per day so I can stay competitive in weekly challenges with friends. Every step counts. Even if it’s to the office candy bowl for leftover Halloween goodies (…whoops).

Yes or No: I love juice so much I make it at home. NOPE: that’s why I need The Juice Standard in my life.

True or false: Making juice at home is a royal pain in the tail. So true!

The person who introduced me to cold-pressed juice was… Stephanie Wilson— she was a fan of The Juice Standard from the start. She got our whole office hooked!

The first time I drank green juice, I thought it was…interesting. It definitely grew on me, but not going to lie—it took a bit of time!

The reason I drink cold-pressed juice is because…the health benefits are undeniable, and for busy bees on the go, there’s no easier way to get the nutrition our bodies need.

The reason I like TJS’s cold-pressed juice is because…it’s so tasty, and ALL organic, all of the time! I go for a Bee WHealthy™ when I need a quick hit of nutrition. If I’m feeling indulgent, I order a Bee Magnificent. Still healthy, but…Oh. My. Gosh. Soooo. Good.

True or False: My liver is for cleansing so I don’t believe in no stinkin’ fasting: False—I’m personally a fan of doing a one- or two-day cleanse every so often. I like to hit the “reset” button—especially during the holiday season.

The longest juice fast or cleanse I’ve ever done is…3 days. I know, that’s beginner status. : )

This is how I incorporate cold-pressed juice into my lifestyle: I like to replace a meal very so often with an ice-cold, organic juice. It’s so easy to do and definitely more tasty than trying to quickly eat a stale granola bar in the morning. Plus, I like to think a green juice will help off-set a glass of chardonnay after work. Juice now—wine later.

The funniest thing that ever happened to me while drinking juice OR when I in fact was embarking on a juice fast, was… As you may know, the color of beets aise quite…vibrant. While enjoying a Bee On Point at home, my inquisitive kitten Remington started chewing on my straw when I wasn’t paying attention. He was so smitten with the flavor (rightfully so) that he decided to pull the straw right out of the juice, leaving a trail of beet-colored drops in his path on our very light-colored tile. Lesson? Don’t leave your juice unattended around curious furry friends.

My advice to a newbee juicer would be… start slow. I didn’t love green juice when I was a newbee, so I started with the fruity flavors and nut milks. After a while, I gave Bee WHealthy™ a try and I’ve never looked back!

Friends Who Juice: Jen Chase

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TJS’s Content Director Jen Chase had a come-to-juicing moment long before working for TJS was a twinkle in her eye. From childhood, she’d been a keen observer of food’s preparation, history and its way of connecting people during happy and sad times. But after being a food and lifestyle writer/editor for brands like MasterCard™ and Vegas Rated and working as a behind-the-scenes culinary director on America’s longest-running cooking show—occasionally developing recipes and appearing on camera with Ciao Italia™ ‘s Mary Ann Esposito—her first 12-day juice cleanse revealed an even deeper reverence for food via the raw foods movement, and beelieving that food truly heals from the inside out. Physically. And sometimes emotionally. 

Jump to 2012, when a serendipitous Las Vegas meeting of the minds brought together Chase and TJS co-founders Jamie Stephenson and Marcella Williams, who were looking for someone to put words to the ideas of their burgeoning company. Today, from company ads and signage to its sacred Philosophee and brand standards, she’s a voice behind TJS Facebook posts, the e-newsie, the blog, and website.

jecALL ABOUT JEN

My first visit to Vegas was…a vacation in 2002, just before I entered grad school in Boston.

Then, I lived in Vegas…from 2012-2015.

Now, my connection to the city is…that while catering to writing clients in Boston and Nevada, I live in Massachusetts but I return to Vegas quarterly to meet with clients I love. Like my wholehearted Team Bees at TJS.

In my experience, the biggest misconception about living in Las Vegas is…that there’s a lack of nature. From Red Rock to the stunning floral displays at Wynn and Encore, there’s beauty at every turn. Sometimes you just have to search it out.

Thing I liked most about living here was…I used to live at The Martin about 600 steps from Vdara and The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas…which effectively made The Chandelier Bar my “local” bar (#Lucky). My greatest juicy sadness is that I moved not long before the TJS location opened at TCOLV. (#LuckyNotLucky)

My ideal Vegas night out is…either some of the city’s great pizza (there’s a ton of vareity); a walk to enjoy live entertainment and crafty cocktails; walking inside properties or Downtown to partake in the lights, sights, sounds, and cocktails; or staying in with my pup, Eli, …watching TV, reading or writing with him and a Manhattan. (When I’m here, I still love the Strip’s electricity. And cocktails, clearly.)

The daily mantra or quote I try to live by each day is… “Never regret your choices, because at one point they were exactly what you wanted.” Helps me not to second-guess my heart and head. So hard.

My favorite inspirational quote is… “There’s a difference between giving up and knowing when you’ve had enough.” A new and profound one for me. So comforting.

If I had to pick a song lyric as a theme in my life it would be… “And in the end/the love you take/is equal to the love you make.” (The Beatles)

Fruits and vegetables you’ll always find in my kitchen are…lemons, frozen blueberries and garlic. And then more lemons.

Advice I’d go back and give to my younger self is…It’s something I heard (TJS co-founder) Marcella Williams say years ago that I’ve gotten great comfort from: “It all works out in the end. If it hasn’t worked out yet, that means it hasn’t ended.” (Sorry if I hacked that, Marce.) Knowing that so many circumstances are beyond our control would’ve been an awesome thing to master a little sooner. I’m still trying to let go. Have even more faith.

jec-and-cooking

Chase, age 4, rolling dough to “help.”

JEN ON WORK

When someone asks what I do every day, I tell them…it’s usually all words, all the time, for one client or another. In addition to my work at TJS I have a small consultancy (Button Soup Consulting) where I craft and edit content for food and lifestyle clients. I’ve edited a cookbook; I’m writing descriptions for the launch of new online eyeglasses reseller; I’m the managing editor for two Vegas-based quarterlies; and I’m helping a dear friend and Italian chef in Boston, Marisa Iocco, to promote the food memoir I edited for her as well as start a new chapter of her culinary career.

Favorite thing about writing/editing for others? Feeling deep pride when someone trusts me to give them the proverbial “perfect words” for a situation they need to navigate…and having them thank me for helping them give voice to their heart or head. This happens both personally and professionally, and I feel honored to be invited into people’s heart processes…from crafting a tagline to editing a resume or helping someone write a hard-to-word email.

Worse thing about writing/editing for others? I rarely write for myself any more. My blog is metaphorically unkempt. My photography is back-burnered. (…What’s lower than a simmer? Off?) I often feel like a producer, not a creative…a human doing, not a human beeing. That’s hard. But I also know I’m in control of that. So.

My first little-girl memory of loving food and seeing its capacity to make people happy was…watching my father close his eyes when he bit into bites he loved. Food completely overtook him, and he’d describe the flavors he tasted in such detail. Now, my greatest joy is giving joy through something I’ve cooked, baked, mixed in a shaker, or written. Food, drink and words are my artistic expressions and how I show love and respect.

What I love MOST about being a #GirlBoss is…working with writers who are eager to hone their craft. I thrive off enthusiasm, engagement and positivity. If I feel like I can help someone do something they love, it fills me up. That honestly goes for anything.

jec-and-eli

Chase and her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Eli. Typing. Apparently with some wine.

Best business advice I’ve received? My wise former husband used to tease me and say: “You know, no one’s gonna wake up one morning and say, ‘Hey: I haven’t heard from Jen Chase in a while. What’s she doing? I should hire her….’” Point: You have to self promote. No one’s going to advocate for you like you.

 

JEN ON JUICE

The person who introduced me to cold-pressed juice was…my best soul-sister friend, Nic, in 2008. She decided to do a juice cleanse and since we were living together, we juiced together. Like so many other things she’s gifted me, her suggestion changed my life and health in so many ways.

The reason I drink cold-pressed juice is because…it makes me feel like I’m being so very good to my digestive system (which sometimes needs a little TLC). Juicing is gentle and mindful. Two of my favorite words.

Yes or No: I love juice so much I make my own. Yes. It’s a pain in the ass but I live too far from my fave Boston-based cold-pressed juicery to buy regularly. (But when I’m in Vegas, my first Day 1 stop is always TJS for a Singleton Six-Pack.)

I incorporate cold-pressed juice into my lifestyle by…trying to green-juice juice two full days (or at least through dinner) twice a week.

My favorite TJS flavor is…Bee Alkaline. And, Bee True To You. Greener=better.

What resonates with me most about TJS is…the integrity with which Jamie and Marcella run the company, and the integrity of my partner-in-crime, Mallory (TJS’s creative director)…how seriously and artistically she executes her mission of making the brand look beautiful for Jamie and Marcella. And I feel like no matter who you talk to in the company, there’s a passion for educating customers about using juice and food to heal and soothe. We all take our roles so seriously. For me, I want to do my best because I believe in what Jamie and Marcella have built.

silly-team-bees

Here’s Team Bees being “serious.” Front row (l-r): Jamie Stephenson and Marcella William. Back row (l-r): Jen Chase and Mallory Dawn.

My advice to a newbee juicer is…embrace the green. My dad used to live by, “Variety is the spice of life,” and so do I. Try any juice once (especially all veggie, no-sugar added juice), and then figure out what you like (or tolerate!). When it comes to juice, your digestion will benefit from every sip. And I really beelieve your WHealth™ and well being will, too.

Friends Who Juice: Inga Popkova

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Inga Popkova is a woman’s woman: smart, sweet, sexy, and with enough childlike whimsy mixed with big-girl charm to make pretty much anyone want to be her friend. Like TJS. That’s why we’re happy to shine a light on what this FOTJS (that’s “Friend Of TJS”) does to make the world a little prettier, one dress at a time. More on that below….

Popkova’s juice-loving self made her way to California in 2004 from her hometown and birthplace in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. After earning a degree in international business from University of Nevada, Las Vegas, her passion for travel and new cultures led her to call London, Alicante (in Spain) and New York City, home. And it was in each of those cities that her life experience (combined with time spent growing up in her mother’s clothing factory) nudged her to choose a career in fashion.

In April 2016, Popkova collaborated with her idol—her mother Larisa—to bring the clothing line that had existed in their family for 25 years here to the United States. Aptly named, Larisa, it allows the younger Popkova to honor the elder one while bringing feminine fashion to the masses.

For all Popkova does, this month we honor the wholehearted way she shares her fashion vision, and we’re grateful for the patronage and juicy love she’s shown TJS every sip of the way.

ALL ABOUT INGA

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I’ve lived in Vegas since…2007.

What brought me to Las Vegas was…UNLV. What kept me here has been…school and friends.

In my experience, the biggest misconception about living in Las Vegas is…thinking that the Strip is all we have. There is so much more here. (…Yet the thing I love most about living here is…) that Vegas has been changing! Life is Beautiful, new cool local spots, Downtown Project, etc….Vegas has a cool-culture feel now. It’s not all about gambling and nightclubs anymore.

A favorite Vegas spot that never gets old is… TJS (wink).

My ideal night out is…a lounge with good music and “fermented grape juice.”

With so many crazy nights, my favorite night-in plan is…homemade dinner and a movie.

The mantra or quote I try to live by each day is…“Everything happens for a reason, so just do it.”

My favorite inspirational quote is…“You can never be overdressed or overeducated.” (Oscar Wilde)

If I had to pick a song lyric as the theme for my life it would be… “Live your life/be free/you know you can have it all.” (Erick Morillo)

Advice I’d go back and give to my younger self is…Spend as much time as possible with your loved ones. Travel, take risks, and push yourself to learn something new every day!

 

INGA ON WORK

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A little background about Larisa, my brand…In my mind, “Larisa” is in fact inside every female…from the littlest to eldest. As most women know, we’re called to wear so many hats throughout a day—mother, friend, worker, lover—that from moment to moment we can can be girls-next-door, socialites and then powerhouses. But let’s face it: With our daily hard work, contributions and commitments…we don’t always wake feeling goddessy! Sometimes, beauty and grace need a little push.

Enter Larisa…a luxury girls’ and women’s brand dedicated to inspiring every female to feel powerful (and beautiful!) from childhood to womanhood, and every day in between.

My fashion icon is…my Mom.

My very first little-girl memory of being intrigued by fashion, makeup, modeling, and looking pretty, was…making “clothes” by picking up pieces of waste fabric off the floor at my mom’s factory and “selling” them all to my dad. (Hey: I was born a business woman! )

So far, the most surprising thing about running my own company is…there are too many surprises every single day to count!

The thing I love most about being a #GirlBoss is…that I am my own boss, which comes with discipline, self motivation, and hard work.

The best piece of business advice I’ve ever received is… “You can’t do it all by yourself.”

The thing I’d tell other designers considering starting their own line is…It won’t be easy, but to share with the world what you are passionate about is priceless!12724701_1167011043330070_844120622_n

 

INGA ON HEALTH+JUICE 


 

The fruits and vegetables you’ll always find in my kitchen are…cucumbers and bananas.

In my opinion, the biggest change in Vegas’ healthy-living scene since the time I moved here is…that there is finally a “healthy scene” now. I used to love going to LA and NYC and have so many healthy options. Vegas is finally getting there.

The person who introduced me to cold-pressed juice was…Jamie Stephenson [TJS co-founder and CEO].

Yes or No: I love juice so much I make my own. No. I like the convenience of someone else (TJS) making it for me.

True or false: Making juice at home is a royal pain in the tail. TRUE! Juicing=5 minutes. Cleaning=2 hours.

The first time I drank green juice, I thought it was…Missing sugar.

The reason I drink TJS’s cold-pressed juice is because…it makes me feel good, and I am all about the balance. Juice now, Champagne later.

This is how I incorporate cold-pressed juice into my lifestyle: Have to have my TJS shot flight at least once a week. That’s my obsession.

My favorite TJS flavor is…Bee WHealthy™.

The thing I like best about TJS juice is…EVERYTHING! Organic. Delicious. Local. Friendly. The company knows its stuff! The ambience in there is so amazing, I go to work there sometimes. A Bee Invincible, a shot flight and a juice (Bee WHealthy™, usually) and all of a sudden the work day becomes tastier and healthier.

In my opinion, the thing that resonates with me most about how TJS runs its company is…People there truly care. The company is there to help, to educate and to make the change!

My advice to a newbee juicer is…Go to TJS, try a few samples, pick your favorite (my first one had a lot of fruits) and then build yourself up to a green one. Remember…it’s all about the balance. And I am not going lie: I would rather drink my daily dose of greens than eat it.

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