The small business community is second to none, working together to support one another through it all. In celebration of National Black Owned Business Month, NBCU and State Farm® have partnered to spotlight two incredible small business owners who were willing to share their journey, offer some advice, and provide motivation to the community.

Meet Jamar Luster, owner of Ripe Life Juice Co., and Leslie West, State Farm Agent. These two Rockford, Illinois small business owners have been supporting each other for the past few years, working together to better their community. Read more on how they turned their passions into a business and offer insight into how other small business owners can too.

When did you two know you were a good pair? How did you hit it off?

Leslie: I stopped in when Ripe Life first opened to introduce myself and drop off information on Small Business Insurance. Jamar called a few weeks later for a quote. The rest is history!

What drove you both to start your own respective small business?

Jamar: A lack of available healthy food options in the area.
Leslie: Life Event – we welcomed a new baby in September 2020. I returned to Agency to have more control of my schedule.

How do you measure success beyond sales?

Jamar: The number of minds changed about healthy food alternatives and lifestyle change.
Leslie: Creating a positive work environment where everyone feels included, appreciated, and part of a team.

What’s the best piece of advice you got when starting your business?

Jamar: Go for it! Do it now! There will never be a perfect time to start.
Leslie: Stay the course! Entrepreneurship is certainly challenging at times, but worth it in the end.

How have you each helped each other?

Jamar: We support each other’s businesses as often as we can.

What was your biggest challenge as a small business owner? How did you overcome it?

Jamar: Exposure/Marketing – overcome with consistency.
Leslie: Staffing – building consistency around recruiting activities.

What do you know now that you wish you knew when you started your business?

Jamar: Available funding opportunities for small businesses.

Do you have a personal motto? If so, what is it?

Jamar: Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can.

Anything you want others to know about your business? I.e. Social handle, specials, etc.

Jamar: @ripelifejuiceco – facebook, Instagram, Tiktok
Leslie: @lesliewestagency – facebook, Instagram

When did you know you wanted to go into this profession?

Leslie: It was a natural evolution for both of us.

What’s a funny story you both share?

Leslie: We had a great time working with the NBC team and hope Jamar’s dry skin doesn’t show up on camera. Thank you all!

 

The information in this article was obtained from various sources not associated with State Farm® (including State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates). While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. State Farm is not responsible for, and does not endorse or approve, either implicitly or explicitly, the content of any third party sites that might be hyperlinked from this page. The information is not intended to replace manuals, instructions or information provided by a manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional, or to affect coverage under any applicable insurance policy. These suggestions are not a complete list of every loss control measure. State Farm makes no guarantees of results from use of this information.