Laura Baldini & Ellen Fitzgerald of Mother Juice

We were able to catch up with co-founders and owners of Mother Juice Laura Baldini & Ellen Fitzgerald for our Influencer #LiveLeisurely Interview. These influencers are who we believe are true role models in which we aspire to create a global community platform with sharing their story of how they came into their role today.  

Tell us a little about yourself and how Mother Juice started?

Mother Juice started as a side hustle! Laura Baldini and I were both working full time in other industries (Laura was in real estate; I was in consulting) and we’d sell juices at farmers markets on the weekends. Fast forward 6 months and we were quitting our jobs and buying a food truck. One thing lead to another, next thing you and now we’ve got 3 little shops in Boston and Cambridge. We didn’t really plan for any of it, but listened to our intuition and were open to the possibilities that came our way. We try to enjoy every moment in what we do because we are truly fortunate to be able to make a living doing something we love. Our shops are a labor of love and you can see bits and pieces of our entire crew in each of them. – Ellen

We started with a cold pressed juice truck in 2012 raising funds via Kickstarter and eventually became brick and mortar in the fall of 2014. I love our name Mother Juice and our brand and what we stand for.  Peace, love and veggies.  We keep everything as local as possible working with all the local farmers when possible and keeping everything gluten free, organic, dairy free and vegan/ Vegetarian.  we try and keep things light and fun and happy:) – Laura

What advice can you give for starting your own business or turning your passion into a career?

Don’t view obstacles as problems. Think of them as opportunities. There will be plenty along the way but that’s keep chugging along and always remember why you are following your passion in the first place. And take a day off!! At least one a week! – Ellen

.           Just do it. Worst case you fail.....and you won’t -Laura

What drives/motivates/inspires you?

I am inspired by entrepreneurs. I love to hear the stories of how they got started and built their companies!! I am motivated by building a sense of community. I want our shop to be a place where customers become friends. We’ve shared a lot with each other over the years -- promotions, moves, weddings, break ups -- it’s those little moments that are the magic of life that make small businesses special! – Ellen

What are you most proud of/ biggest accomplishment?

I am always proud when we are able to give someone a raise. We ask a lot of our team and it feels so good when the company is able to reward them. - Ellen

I am most proud of the fact we opened 3 shops in under 3 years, won both the readers’ poll and Best of Boston this year and what a great leader Ellen is in terms of our team and day to day.- Laura

What was biggest challenge you have faced and how did you overcome it?

We grew a little too fast and were stretched thin when we opened our Newbury Street shop. We overcame it by leaning on each other – Ellen

Biggest challenge was opening our first store. We continue to learn a lot as we go.  We just do it and try and make it happen. Neither of us came into this with restaurant experience so it’s been different. -Laura

What is the best business advice you have received?

Don't grow too quick - Laura

Listen to your crew! They are the pulse of your business. – Ellen

What advice would you give an aspiring entrepreneur?

Take all the risks you can… You don't know if you don't try – Laura

You’ll never feel 100 percent ready! Just get started =) - Ellen

Be sure to visit Mother Juice in Kendall Square, Cambridge, Newbury Street, Boston in the Boston Public Market location! Thank you for the inspiration and sharing you are both truly role models.