Today we’d like to introduce you to Dana Gardner.
Hi Dana, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Having worked in healthcare as a clinical and registered dietitian for nearly 15 years, I encountered so many patients and clients with conditions that were related to poor nutrition due to inaccessibility or decision-making based on misinformation.
Too many times patients were taking advice or supplements from those with no nutritional or medical background. I wanted to change that, I wanted people to have something from someone who not only came from a similar background but also understood the love of food.
So my first business idea was a mobile market that would go into underserved neighbors to help them make more informed decisions, hence the name Jax Fresh Mobile Market. But then COVID hit, and like so many other small businesses I had to pivot my business plan.
During the height of the pandemic, had many families, friends, and colleagues inquiring about what they could take to help boost their immunity and that is when I knew that I had to create something helpful for the community. Taking it back to nature and our roots, I created the herbal loose leaf tea line – “Essential-i-Tea”. The tea line met all of my company’s goals, 1) promote health 2) taste good and 3) no gimmicks!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Oh no, the road has not been smooth! Navigating the ins and outs of small businesses during a pandemic without being able to navigate networking face to face was a challenge. The biggest struggle was the ability to network with other business owners and being able to present my products to customers and other businesses to connect.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Jax Fresh Mobile Market’s goal is to provide innovative and honest products and education to the community. Without the first line of wellness herbal loose leaf teas, which were created to provide an all-natural alternative to supplements and traditional medicine. Our teas are a proactive health regimen.
What sets us apart from others is that our company is owned by a black registered dietitian with multiple degrees and an expansive experience who is as comfortable in the boardroom as she is in the corner grocery store educating the community about health and wellness.
I am most proud that I was able to open a business during an unprecedented pandemic and being able to make connections with other businesses. I am proud that within a year, I have been a part of multiple pop-ups, created custom blends for larger organizations, and had my teas in local cafes and stores.
What sets me apart, is that there are not many if any teas in Jacksonville created, blended, packaged, and distributed by a registered dietitian that looks like you, eat like, and wants the best for you.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I was always a child addicted to learning and books. I loved finding out the reason why behind things. I loved being able to recreate things with my own hands. I also was obsessed with cooking, food, science, and medicine. Mostly, I always loved to see people happy and healthy. I believe that is what lead me to my current career and business.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.jaxfreshmobilemarket.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/jax_fresh_mobile_market
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/jaxfreshmobilemarket
