( ENSPIRE Health and Wellness ) Leslie Danford Creates Vitaminis Juice Shots
ENSPIRE Contributor: Gabrielle Maya
Leslie Danford is changing the way we view our health. Our gut and immunity health deserve more care and awareness. Her solution is these amazing juice shots, which give you a boost and help your body. Danford is the founder and CEO of Vitaminis, a clean-label functional food and beverage brand launched in 2020. Although she is not a foodie, her passion for nutrition and her formal business training brought the idea to fruition. Her experience includes working in beverage and consumer products at large corporations. She earned her MBA from Harvard University and her BA from the University of Chicago. Vitaminis is taking it further for our overall health and offers nutritional juice shots with no added sugars or intense flavors.
There are two kinds of juice shots as of now. The Immune Support juice shots have Zinc (as 4 avocados) and Magnesium(as 5 cups of Spinach). The Gut Health juice shots have Fiber (as 1 cup of Broccoli) and Probiotics (as 2 cups of Yogurt). These juices require refrigeration and are easier to swallow and digest than pills and gummies. Vitaminis juice shots are non-GMO, 100% vegan, and allergen-friendly. With only 2.5 ounces, it can be portable, added as a pick-me-up for your lunch, or even mixed in a smoothie.
Leslie Danford will share her passion for nutrition, Vitaminis juice shots, her formal business training and how it helps Vitaminis, her recipe book, and more!
When did you begin your passion for nutrition, where does it stem from, and how do you apply it to your life and now your business, Vitaminis?
Ever since I was little, I’ve been into starting things up. There’s this story my mom loves telling about when I was seven. I wrote a book about a princess and borrowed money from her to make copies. Then, I sold them outside the drugstore in our town. My knack for business started early on.
However, what pushed me to start a company was my getting laid off during the pandemic. While in the corporate world, I began jotting down notes about potential companies or ideas I felt were worth exploring. Although I maintained a list of these ideas on my computer, I didn’t actively pursue them once I faced a layoff.
I became passionate about healthy eating while raising my kids. As a parent, I constantly searched for the best nutritional options for them, delving into the wellness world. This exploration led me to a profound realization—the impact of proper nutrition on overall well-being is immense.
Motivated by my commitment to fostering healthier lifestyles, I founded Vitaminis, a food and beverage brand. Our mission is to positively impact the health, wellness, and nutrition of a diverse audience. Through thoughtful and nutritious products, we aim to make a meaningful contribution to the well-being of individuals and families alike.
Your juice shots are known not to have any overpowering flavors. What types of flavors have you concocted that make them the healthiest juices?
Our juice shots boast a blend of natural ingredients, including orange juice, blueberry juice, and banana puree. This thoughtfully crafted combination aims to offer a refreshing and nourishing beverage. The inherent sweetness of the fruits creates a harmonious flavor profile that is very accessible for all ages. This makes our juice shots not only delicious but also a health-conscious choice, providing a diverse range of nutrients in every sip.
What do you feel makes your product stand out from other kinds of juices and healthy consumer products?
Discussing what sets Vitaminis apart from traditional food and beverages, I would mention three things:
- Vitaminis stands out by having no added sugar or mystery ingredients. Many supplements available today come in forms like pills or gummy vitamins, which often include additives like magnesium stearate for easier manufacturing or to hold them together. Vitaminis takes a different approach, avoiding such additives.
- Additionally, Vitaminis do not require refrigeration like fresh pressed juice shots, which often expire quickly. This means you can conveniently store our products in your pantry, pop them in your lunch box, or get your supply via an eCommerce subscription, offering flexibility to fit your busy lifestyle.
- Furthermore, Vitaminis sets itself apart by steering clear of intense flavors like ginger, turmeric, and pepper, commonly found in other leading juice shots. Unlike liquid vitamins in large bottles or powdered drink mixes that need preparation before consumption, our product doesn’t demand mixing or preparation.
We tried to make Vitaminis exceptionally convenient and easy to enjoy, standing out amidst the variety of options available in the market today.
How has your formal business training benefited in creating Vitaminis?
My business education, especially my MBA from Harvard University and BA from the University of Chicago, has been a big help in creating Vitaminis. It taught me to think strategically and understand how businesses work in different situations.
When things didn’t go well, my business training gave me the tools to analyze problems, learn from mistakes, and keep moving forward. It taught me to see challenges as chances to get better and helped me figure out smart ways to run Vitaminis.
Also, it helped me communicate and work well with different people, from suppliers to retailers. I learned how to make good decisions that fit Vitaminis’ goals and the changing market.
In short, my business education has been crucial for Vitaminis, giving me knowledge and practical skills to lead and grow a business in the wellness industry. That said, there is a lot about starting a company from scratch that my formal business training did not teach me! It’s been a journey putting the various pieces together along the way.
Let’s talk about your Vitaminis Recipe book. What can viewers look forward to when reading it, and how can they purchase it?
The Vitaminis Recipe Book is a fantastic resource available to everyone at absolutely no cost! Simply provide your email, and you’ll instantly get access to this e-book packed with 20+ delicious and healthy recipes suitable for both adults and children to add nutrition and deliciousness to your daily routine.
I noticed there is a Vitaminis Blog, what type of content is posted there, and what do you hope is the outcome of the content published?
Our Vitaminis blog is a dynamic platform for sharing health, wellness, nutrition, and lifestyle content. You’ll find insightful articles, practical tips, and engaging stories to inspire and guide our readers on their journey toward a healthier and happier life. We cover topics ranging from the benefits of specific nutrients to easy-to-follow wellness routines and stories of personal transformations.
Our blog aims to provide valuable and accessible information that empowers individuals to make informed choices about their well-being. We aspire to create a supportive community where people can find inspiration, learn practical strategies for healthier living, and discover the positive impact of incorporating good nutrition into their daily routines. Ultimately, we hope our content encourages a positive shift in lifestyle habits, fostering a community committed to well-rounded health and vitality.
By collaborating with MDs and other professionals, we ensure that our content meets the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, making the blog a trustworthy resource for those seeking a well-rounded approach to health and vitality.
Why did your key focus stem from gut health and immunity health? Will there be future juices that will focus on other areas of health?
My key focus on gut health and immunity stems from the understanding that a healthy gut plays a crucial role in overall well-being. The gut is intricately linked to the immune system, and maintaining a balanced and nourished gut can positively impact immune function. I believe in the holistic approach to health, recognizing that a robust immune system starts with a well-supported gut.
As we delve into new product developments we remain committed to this holistic perspective and to the fact that gut health is valuable for overall health.
We are now working on a new product – Daily Greens! This green fruit juice from dark leafy greens is a delightful addition to our lineup, packed with essential vitamins like A, E, D, and folate. Like our existing products, Daily Greens is free from added sugar and mysterious ingredients, ensuring a delicious and wholesome experience. Stay tuned for the upcoming launch!
If you want to start taking care of your immune system and gut health, try these juices. Follow Leslie Danford’s LinkedIn and Instagram to be up to date with new products. You can find out more information by visiting the Vitaminis website. To purchase your favorite juices, you can go on Amazon as well. Sign up now to get 20% off your first order.
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