Dedicated to creating a healthy and delicious way to eat smart food Jennifer is the boss babe behind Wild & Raw Superfood and Juice Bar. If you are an avid YYC Cyle “spinner” you can find Jennifer right next door to their Kensington location. Stop in for a smoothie bowl, pressed juice or pint of kombucha on tap – this gal has got you covered!
Jennifer – Wild & Raw Superfood + Juice Bar
WHAT DO YOU MAKE/SELL? TELL US ABOUT YO’ SELF.
I make magic potions. In respect to what I make and offer through an extension of myself at Wild & Raw, we offer delicious hand-crafted and freshly made juices, smoothies, elixirs (hot herbal creations), raw treats, superfoods, local artisan products, draft kombucha and trending drinks like Bulletproof Coffee, Medicinal Mushroom Tea and Bone Broth. Everything is mostly raw, vegan-friendly, gluten-free, organic, progressive and alternative. Before I started crafting all the above, raw chocolate was my gateway into this whole world. I also enjoy crafting tea and herb blends, body products, jewelry, music, meditations, stories and other artsy or tasty creations …
HOW LONG HAVE YOU HAD YOUR BUSINESS?
Wild & Raw was incorporated and launched, originally, within two months of its conception back in 2012 with one of my best friends and then business partner – Ashley Erick. We were operating on a small scale and just for 6 months before parting ways to explore new frontiers. I then came back to the idea of opening Wild & Raw with my family in July of 2014, while I was 7 months pregnant and it has been gaining momentum ever since.
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED?
You would probably get a different perspective if you asked my first business partner, or a different answer from me, depending on the weather … so let’s just say, in a nutshell, Wild & Raw was born when I saw an opportunity, in an under utilized space with under estimated potential and had an alchemical reaction that was part overwhelming urge, fearless impulse and timing.
WHO OR WHAT INSPIRES YOUR WORK?
The list is continually expanding. I am in awe of some of the amazing magical women I have had the privilege of colliding with since opening Wild & Raw. I am truly inspired by; Jenna Galloway of Little Hippies, Laura Incognito of Little Tucker, Kori Leigh Hayden of Free Spirit Collective, Sally Powis-Campbell of Wholistic Health YYC, Kael Klassen and last but not least, my roommate Nikki Brule of Yummi Yogis. These women don’t directly inspire my work, however, I am inspired by these women, because they shine a bright light that helps me to feel like I am apart of something and I can do this, I am not alone. Especially the single momma entrepreneurs, hustling it everyday!
WHAT DO YOU DREAM FOR YOUR BUSINESS IN THE FUTURE?
I am constantly dreaming for expansion, blooming and growth of my business. I have many seeds I wish to plant, just finding the opportune time to plant them is the challenge! I want to collaborate more with some of the fascinating women and their businesses in the community. I would love to have more locations and an expanded model of Wild & Raw. I have dreams to expand our line of offerings … I can’t quite share the secrets of my heart yet, but they will be visible soon!
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM AND WHY?
Instagram. I am a very visual person. I wish I was better at posting more “instagram-esque” posts, but I am working on it.
HOW DO YOU PICK YOURSELF UP WHEN THINGS GO WRONG?
I am a bit of an introvert, so I prefer to process things on my own. Finding a creative outlet is helpful for me or some form of exercise. I also love, if my schedule allows me, hitting the road towards the mountains. Usually a potent dose of fresh air, spring water, meditative driving and time with nature provides me with the space and answers I need. I also have some wise women mentors that I can count on for guidance, coaching and support.
WHAT’S ONE THING NO ONE KNOWS ABOUT YOU? GIVE US AN INTERESTING FACT!
I have two! My dream job is still to be a National Geographic photographer and get paid to travel the world, telling people’s stories through my photo’s. I went to 2 schools for photography/arts and photojournalism, traveled to Asia 6 times for the purpose of photography and ended up choosing a completely different path.
& I am a hopeless romantic. I think I have written more love letters than I have had boyfriends. I am just in love with the idea and feeling of love. I channel a lot of that passion, love and commitment into my business.
IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SUPER POWER WHAT WOULD IT BE?
If I could develop my own superpower, it would be an interface and platform to manifest a lot of my vision and creativity that goes on inside of my head. I usually fall asleep with a great beat, image or song in my head, but feel I lack the skills and tools to create them through my body. How cool would it be to just plug your mind’s song into a usb and have it show up on a computer.
WHAT ARE YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES? (Please include links)
Instagram – @WildAndRaw
Twitter – @WildAndRawYYC
Facebook – @WildAndRawCalgary
WHERE CAN WE FIND YOUR STUFF?
Right now, either online or in-store at Wild & Raw.