By Ms Jheri Worldwide
Staff Writer
This week The Carolinian spotlights Malaika Kashaka and Juiced!, a local oasis of holistic health with two locations in Southeast Raleigh.
As a journalist for The Carolinian, it is always a pleasure to speak with citizens with vision who execute relentlessly. The visionary behind Juiced!, Malaika Kashaka continues to make a significant impact on community health in Southeast Raleigh. What started as a concept from a "failed business" has blossomed into two thriving locations over six years, driven by a passion for healthy smoothies and a commitment to holistic well-being.
Malaika, shared that the core mission of Juiced! is to fill a crucial void in the community. Their smoothies are a testament to their dedication to health: no dairy, no added sugar, just pure, wholesome ingredients. "Our body is not made to have chemicals injected into it," she emphasized, highlighting the belief that nature provides everything we need for healing and regeneration. This philosophy became even more prominent after COVID-19, as the business saw an increase in ailments linked to compromised immune systems. She continued, that the food we consume directly impacts our ability to thrive. "Our body naturally is geared to regenerate, to heal itself. What happens is the food that we put into our bodies, the toxic foods, that's what makes things difficult for us." This conviction led the team at Juiced! to bring beneficial herbs and natural ingredients to this side of town, acting as a catalyst for healthier living. Despite the inherent obstacles of running a small business, particularly in marketing and advertising, the team remains steadfast in their mission.
The Southeast Raleigh community holds a special place in the heart of Juiced!. "We are very thankful to Southeast Raleigh with all our heart because they have been the basis of our clientele for six years," Malaika expressed. The diverse population of farmers, professionals, politicians, and teachers who frequent Juiced! are seen as vital conduits, "trickling this information about wellness down to the children." Their commitment to Southeast Raleigh is unwavering, with plans to expand within and around the immediate borders rather than leave the area.
While sourcing all ingredients locally can be a challenge due to economic factors and scale, Juiced! actively seeks out local partnerships. They recently connected with an herb farmer who provides them with peppermints, spearmint, and even scallions for custom-made smoothies tailored to specific client needs and ailments. Summer is also a bountiful season, with plenty of North Carolina-sourced watermelon making its way into their refreshing concoctions.
Beyond delicious and healthy drinks, the Hill Street location of Juiced! was intentionally designed as a space for conversation and community. They regularly host our local Urban Run Club and serve as a welcoming venue for small events, fostering an environment where individuals can share their personal testimonies about ailments, discuss medication results, and celebrate successes with herbal holistic remedies. From book signings to mental health lectures, concerts, comedy shows, bridal showers, birthday gatherings, business meetings, and classes, Juiced! has hosted a wide variety of events over the past few years. For those interested in utilizing the space, Juiced! is listed on peerspace.com, but the owner and her son are also highly accessible, and encourage you to stop by to discuss potential collaborations.
A longtime Raleigh resident hailing from New York, Malaika Kashaka brought with her a rich history of community engagement and event organizing, a passion that dates back to her college days. She recounted growing up surrounded by influential figures like Queen Afua, Dr. Ben Jochannan, and Dr. John Watusi Branch, who dedicated their lives to community upliftment.
A particularly profound memory was organizing the first Black History Month event at Polytech University in Brooklyn, New York in 1990 as part of the National Society of Black Engineers. Despite the small Black and Hispanic student population, Malaika successfully brought Dr. John Henry Clark to speak, an experience that left an indelible mark. She also fondly recalled being part of the first large African festivals in Queens in 1988, working with Dr. Floyd Flake at Allen AME Church to create a groundbreaking community event featuring drummers and singers. This spirit of fostering cultural understanding and community empowerment continues to this day. She acknowledged the "brilliant people here who have given their life to helping the Black community," mentioning Dr. Lester and his wife Dr. Karen's 30 years of Kwanzaa events at the Cary Arts Center, and the impactful work of the Hayti Heritage Center in Durham, NC.
Ultimately, Juiced! aims to be more than just a juice bar. It's envisioned as a positive, family-friendly atmosphere where conscious and supportive people can gather to nourish all aspects of their well-being – mental, physical, and emotional. "Everything is all on a cellular level," she affirmed, underscoring their commitment to starting with foundational health through good nutrition.
