Who is G ann?
The decision to name the store G Ann’s was deeply rooted in my desire to honor the legacy of my mother, Gillian, who passed away at the young age of 40. Though her nickname wasn't G Ann, it felt fitting to pay tribute to her in this way. Central to our brand identity is the depiction of a woman on our packaging, with her head held high, as if gazing up to the heavens. This imagery is a reflection of my mother's bold, fierce, and larger-than-life personality. I wanted our packaging to embody these qualities, along with the vibrant spirit of Miami, where my family originated. Every aspect of our branding, from the choice of font name to the colors and the names of our juices, has been carefully curated to convey our distinct identity and intentions.
Throughout my corporate career, I've lived in various states, and when I opened the store, people started asking about shipping, a service I hadn't initially incorporated into my business plan. Keeping it real, I didn’t have a business plan. However, my brother, residing in Miami, FL, encouraged me to explore shipping options. He became my first customer, regularly purchasing juices for shipping, which enabled me to refine the shipping process. This organic growth strategy quickly expanded our reach across the Southeast, connecting us with hundreds of customers in a short time. Within months, we secured our first retail partnership, a relationship with a fitness location (JJ Body Werk) and gained momentum in the greater Atlanta area.
-
Mission
We are on a mission to make juicing accessible, enjoyable, and sustainable for people of all backgrounds by offering fresh, fruit-forward juices, convenient service, and impactful wellness education.
-
Values
1. Integrity- We operate with honesty and transparency in everything we do. Our customers trust us to provide them with the highest-quality products, and we never compromise on our commitment to excellence.
2. Customer Centric Approach- Our customers are at the heart of our business. We listen to their needs, support their wellness goals, and strive to exceed their expectations at every turn.
3. Empowerment- We believe in empowering our customers to take control of their health. Through education, quality products, and personalized support, we help them confidently make decisions about their wellness.
4. Dependability- We are a reliable partner in our customers’ wellness journey. They can count on us for consistent quality, service, and dedication to their health.
5. Wellness Advocacy- We are on a mission to advocate for wellness through accessible, nutritious products. We believe that by embracing juicing as part of a balanced lifestyle, we can help our community reduce malnutrition and illness and live healthier lives.
-
Vision
To be the leading wellness brand that transforms how people approach their health by offering not only the best cold-pressed juices but also empowering experiences and resources that foster long-term, sustainable wellness. We envision a world where informed, confident choices around nutrition help eliminate preventable illness and support vibrant living for all.
2023 glow-up
In the fall of 2023, I had the honor of being chosen as one of few businesses to join The Village Microfund's retail fellowship program. Their backing of G Ann’s marked a pivotal shift from merely selling juices to crafting a comprehensive wellness brand. As part of the program, we participated in a pitch competition, where G Ann’s emerged victorious, securing vital funding to aid in our startup expenses. With this financial boost, we were able to enlist the expertise of several Black women and minority-owned businesses to enhance our relaunch and elevate the overall customer experience.
See how I transitioned from saying “I” to “We?” Because now it’s about the team.
With a renewed sense of purpose, vision, and values, we have crystallized our understanding of our customers and how best to meet their wellness needs. As we expand our team, we are committed to broadening our range of offerings, driven by the belief that this is just the start of our journey. Excitement fills the air as we embark on this next phase of growth, fueled by our unwavering dedication to empowering others on their wellness journeys.
With a renewed sense of purpose, vision, and values, we have crystallized our understanding of our customers and how best to meet their wellness needs. As we expand our team, we are committed to broadening our range of offerings, driven by the belief that this is just the start of our journey. Excitement fills the air as we embark on this next phase of growth, fueled by our unwavering dedication to empowering others on their wellness journeys.