Life & Work with Kayla Hall

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Hall. They and their team shared their story with us below:

At the age of 30, in February 2023, Kayla Hall-Ransom embarked on a remarkable journey that would not only transform her life but also the health and well-being of an entire community. It all began with a deeply personal revelation – a health journey that led her to rediscover the power of nutrition and fresh, natural ingredients. As Kayla’s health improved, she couldn’t help but share her newfound wisdom with those closest to her. Starting with family and friends, she began to offer them fresh, homemade juices, meticulously crafted to boost health and vitality. The response was nothing short of remarkable.

Encouraged by the enthusiastic feedback and witnessing the positive impact her juices had on the people she cared about, Kayla’s small-scale juicing endeavor began to grow rapidly. Within a few weeks, she found herself juicing for nearly 30 individuals weekly. The word of her health-focused creations quickly spread, attracting not just praise but also the curiosity of those eager to experience the benefits of her delicious concoctions.

In a series of heartfelt conversations with family and friends, the idea emerged to transform Kayla’s juicing journey into something bigger, something that could benefit the entire community. The City Juicery was born from these discussions, and it wasn’t just a juicer; it was a testament to the power of personal passion and a commitment to wellness. Once the idea for the business was created, Kayla embarked on a journey of knowledge and growth. She connected with experienced business mentors like Carlos Partee and forged valuable partnerships with organizations such as Corner to Corner, Citizens Kitchen, The Nashville Black Market, Grow 2 Learn Co-Op, Pinnacle Financial Partners, PSV Store, and a widespread network of Community Farmers Markets.

These connections provided The City Juicery with invaluable insights, a deeper understanding of running a business, and a platform to gain exposure within the community. As Kayla launched The City Juicery, her mission became clear: to provide the community with access to fresh, locally sourced, and nutritionally rich juices that had already made a significant impact on her own life and the lives of those she cared about. The City Juicery wasn’t just a business; it was an extension of Kayla’s personal health journey, a way to share the gift of well-being and a symbol of community support.

Through her dedication and passion, Kayla took her path to wellness and turned it into a vibrant hub for health-conscious individuals, families, and wellness enthusiasts in Nashville and its surrounding areas. The City Juicery, born out of a deeply personal journey and nurtured by a community of supporters and mentors, became an embodiment of positive change, nourishing the community one juice at a time.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Launching and growing The City Juicery hasn’t been a straightforward path for me, especially considering my role as a single parent. It all began as a deeply personal journey rooted in my health transformation. The transition from personal juicing to establishing a full-scale business was a monumental task. I had to immerse myself in understanding permit requirements and legal complexities, which at times felt overwhelming.

The financial aspect added an extra layer of complexity. Being a single parent meant that there were times when I needed help but couldn’t readily afford it. This often left me in a precarious situation, trying to balance the dream of The City Juicery with the practicalities of daily life.

Many times, my daughter, Kailee, had to be dragged along to the juicery, where she patiently spent long hours, even attending events to help sell juice. Her presence was both a testament to my commitment to this journey and a reflection of the sacrifices made along the way.

In some cases, I was balancing multiple classes, showing up to events, and maintaining a household. There were instances when I found myself at the juicery as late as 3 a.m. after a grueling 6-hour farmers’ market, only to need to be in class by 8 a.m. This juggling act often pushed me to my limits, but it was a testament to my unwavering determination and commitment to The City Juicery.

Despite these formidable challenges, my unwavering dedication, the encouragement of friends and family, and the invaluable support from mentors, such as Carlos Partee, and organizations like Corner to Corner, played a pivotal role in my journey. They offered guidance, assistance, and a network of resources that proved essential in establishing The City Juicery. Today, it stands as a testament to my resilience and the remarkable support I received along the way, providing a vibrant hub for health-conscious individuals and the broader community.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I had a fulfilling and passionate 10-year career in education, working with students both in grade school and higher education. Armed with a degree in education, I was driven by a desire to inspire and empower the next generation. I cherished the moments when I could witness the spark of understanding in my students’ eyes, whether they were young learners just starting their educational journey or young adults pursuing higher studies. It was a rewarding path, and I felt privileged to be a part of their growth.

But as much as I loved my career in education, there came a turning point when I realized that my calling was leading me in a different direction. The idea of The City Juicery had taken root within me, and the passion for promoting wellness and providing accessible, nutritious options became too strong to ignore. So, with a mix of excitement and apprehension, I made the courageous decision to step away from my career in education and dive into the world of juicing and entrepreneurship.

One of the main focuses of The City Juicery is to educate the community so that everyone can make informed decisions and feel empowered about their health. This approach allows me to continue to stay connected to my passion, which is education in general. It’s a different classroom now, but the principles of teaching, inspiring, and empowering remain at the heart of what I do, as I work towards a healthier and more informed community, one juice at a time.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I enjoy trying different foods from classic comfort dishes to new and diverse flavors, including vegetarian and vegan options.

One exciting part of my job at The City Juicery is coming up with new recipes. It’s like a fun hobby where I get to be creative with everyday fruits and veggies. It’s interesting because, when I was growing up, my family didn’t encourage this kind of creativity in the kitchen. But now, I’ve turned my passion into something positive, adding special and imaginative touches to the juices and food we offer at The City Juicery.

Even though I’m known for my work in wellness and education, I’m just a regular person at heart. I love simple things like enjoying Nashville Hot Chicken, a local favorite and looking forward to family meals during the holidays. These familiar tastes bring me comfort and happiness.

I’m always active, meeting people in the community and helping out wherever I can. But I’ve also learned to appreciate quiet time at home. It’s like my safe space, where I can rest and think. This peaceful time is essential for balancing my busy life.

Pricing:

• Green Detox 16 oz $11.00
• Cotton Candy Beet 16 oz $11.00
• Orange Krush 16 oz $11.00
• Ginger and Turmeric Shot $3.00

Contact Info:

• Website: thecityjuicerynash.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecityjuicery/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-City-Juicery/100089827286487/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVYCdluViso&t=4s
• Other: https://linktr.ee/thecityjuicery

Image Credits
Marvin Rutherford Jr. @marvin_I_photography