Meet Jeremy Stratford!
The Organic Juice Man
The story on how one teacher plans to change his community, one juice at a time.
Who is Jeremy Stradford?
Jeremy Stradford is a guy that’s always seeking truth and finding the good in people. My current interests are health, wellness, and community agriculture.
What made you get into juicing?
Lifestyle changes and acquired knowledge of alternative medicine. My uncle passed away from cancer five years ago. Before he passed, he was diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer. Towards the end of his diagnosis, the doctors started him on a juicing regimen that included goat milk as well. The cancer had taken its course, and he died, but perhaps, had he started to “juice” earlier, his condition may have improved. Juicing is just one aspect of healthy living; one must eat properly as well. I also enjoy cooking from a vital aspect; the balance of one’s diet is nearly equal to their state of disease.
Tell us about your agricultural goals.
Given the current economic status, when we look at agriculture from a historical perspective Black people were exploited via free slave labor. Today, Blacks are few and far in between in the industry we made billions in. With food deserts in the area, I would like to bring together Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), which is where the community sponsors the grower (equipment, capital, or upkeep), and at the end of the crop yield, the produce will be divided into lots for weekly distribution.
What’s next for the business?
All of my projects involve education, health, and wellness with an underlying theme of economic development. I want to tie all three together by creating jobs and fresh food in my community.
Any advice for young entrepreneurs?
It’s no question that education is key. Some people will question me on this, some won’t. Kids have to make a decision to choose education, a trade, or entrepreneurship. If you choose education, you will always have to build on top of it with further education. Constantly search for opportunities. Trades shouldn’t be frowned upon; both take discipline. Don’t look at formal academia as the end all, be all. A Bachelor’s degree doesn’t guarantee you anything. 10 years ago, maybe it did! So the big question is “Will I get a BS degree and be willing to continue to learn, or will I be willing to go and get my hands dirty?”
How can readers keep up with you?
Stradford1@yahoo.com
This interview is part of a larger project submitted by Justin Sims.
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