DRINK
FRUIT infused
From left to right: Designed For Joy co-founders Kristen Sydow and Cary Heise
Juiced nourishes the community with smoothies and old-word health remedies by COURTNEY NAPIER photography by JOSHUA STEADMAN
J
uiced Juice Bar is a whole vibe: neo-soul music, bright-yet-homey decor, a gentle scent of lavender. The chalkboard menu hanging over the counter boasts tempting descriptions of smoothies and beverages, like Ginger Glow (made with fresh ginger root, green apple and mango) and Berry Boost (blueberries, strawberries and cranberries). This health enthusiast’s wonderland on Rock Quarry Road was designed both as a store and gathering space, with a book corner and booth covered in comfy pillows, and a learning nook for the youngest customers. Juiced is the brainchild of Malaika Kashaka, a vibrant 50-year-old and native 38 | WALTER
of Queens, New York. The serial entrepreneur has worked in modeling, retail management and as a salon owner. And it was in this latest role, at BLC Gallery Salon and Spa, that the idea for a smoothie shop started to take shape. As Kashaka worked, she’d speak with clients about their health concerns, offering nutrition advice and traditional remedies. Her suggestions were rooted in her childhood: Kashaka’s parents were part of the Black Consciousness Movement of the 1960s and ’70s, admirers of Afrocentric scholars like Dr. Henrik Clarke and herbalist Queen Afua. One of the movement's principles is that food is medicine. “I grew up around people who
ate well,” says Kashaka. “They understood the importance of predominantly eating foods that grow from the ground.” But to take the leap from offering advice to offering the goods took a little push. Last fall, longtime friend Kim Coles—the actress best known for Living Single—was in town for a visit. “You’re selfish for delaying the opening of your smoothie shop!” Coles said to Kashaka, “You have things that are going to be healing people.” That friendly admonition propelled her to take the leap. Juiced opened in November with little fanfare. “I was just trying to offer natural smoothies and cold-pressed juice to my clients,” Kashaka says. But as salon-goers
