"Growing Up and Doing Business With..." is a series of interviews with successful entrepreneurs. It's about revealing the unseen to better understand how a person was shaped and influenced.
I'm launching the Q&A with Amanda Chantal Bacon. Amanda embodies the Angeleno ethos of wellness despite her upbringing in New York City. She is the owner of Moon Juice, a shop that sells cold pressed juices, alchemical wellness tonics, and wild-crafted raw snacks. Her first shop opened in Venice Beach two years ago, and has since sprouted two additional locations -- in Silver Lake and Downtown LA. A girl after my own heart (she loves print!), the 31-year-old mum of 3-year-old son Rohan shares her insights with me.
What kind of kid were you growing up?
I think I was a little serious, definitely adventurous, and independent.
What did you want to be? (profession)
I wanted to write, I wanted to travel, I wanted to have a hotel, I wanted to to be an Ayurvedic doctor.
Who were/are the major influences in your life?
My mom and Alice Waters have been; I idolized Joan Didion and Jane Goodall.
Tell me about Moon Juice and why you started the brand.
Moon Juice has really become a beacon for a lifestyle movement. We have moved way beyond the juice -- our offerings range from the full moon pantry, moon tonics and dusts, a whole world of sprouted and raw organic foods called cosmic provisions, an apothecary, and of course our moon juices and moon milks that are certified organic and truly unpasteurized. We have three locations currently, free delivery around Los Angeles, a partnership with the Ace Hotel (downtown LA), and two books coming out... I started and keep going with this brand because it really is my dream come true, its an exact expression of what I wanted to become more of and what I'd like to see more of in the world.
What were the most challenging aspects of going into business?
I have a very go, go, fearless attitude when it come to leaping and decision making, but I found out I was pregnant with my child the day I signed the lease on our first location. That was the biggest roller coaster of my life. I don't know why I'm using a past tense. I'm an independent business owner and a single mom. It's a daily challenge and triumph.
Who is/are your mentor/s? How have they helped you?
Suzanne Goin (the revered LA-based chef) was a very valuable mentor; giving me huge lessons ranging from teasing out the subtle flavors of an heirloom tomato to extremely accurate time management and delegations skills.
What qualities do you most admire in people?
I admire the ability to know your microscopic truth and live that fully.
What skill do you wish you possessed?
I wish I would naturally rise with the dawn and get a couple hours of work done before breakfast. That's skill!
What has been your greatest work achievement?
I just landed a two-book deal with the incredible editor Pam Krauss, who has developed the writing careers of heroes like Alice Waters, Mark Bittman, and Martha Stewart.
That's amazing! Congratulations! With all that's going on, how do you find balance in your life?
I don't actually harp on the balance thing anymore. Thinking about striking a balance became more stressful and unbalanced than just riding the wave of each day... I enjoy working as much as I do, and when my heart asks me to do otherwise I find a way to be fully present and freely enjoy that experience. I also like thinking of myself as an infinite being and not holding my day or week to the little balance chart. Maybe I got a lot of sleep in my last lifetime?
Where do you see yourself in 20 years?
I see myself advocating for health, happiness, and beauty in the same way just with a bigger platform.
Comment on:
Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, or Instagram?
It's all about Instagram. I take all our photos, write all the copy, and answer all our friends at our moonjuiceshop account... with the help of my rockstar assistant to organize the social media madness.
Book or Kindle/Tablet?
I've never even gone there with the Kindle thing. I absolutely love books and the whole tactile world that goes along them.
Favorite fictional character?
The Little Prince
Thank you Amanda.
