Today we’d like to introduce you to Fathiyyah Doster.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Strength does not come from physical capacity, it comes from indomitable will. – Mahatmu Ghandi
After a long and tedious battle with HELLP syndrome in 2010, I learned the essence of this quote as it pertained to myself. At 37 weeks, my daughter Ayah was delivered through emergency Caesarian because my blood pressure skyrocketed to 210/150. This caused me to have two seizures, shutting down my liver, lungs, and kidneys. As a result of this, I endured a three and a half month hospital stay, dialysis for almost one year, tracheotomies and multiple surgeries, blood transfusions and physical therapy for six months due to the lost ability to walk, talk and eat. What I learned was that it wasn’t about my physical capabilities and how I could no longer move, it was all about my will and determination to survive and have great faith in what my higher power could do.
Nine years later, I continue to battle End-stage kidney failure. When I could easily give up and become discouraged, I remember that it is my indomitable will to live that keeps me in this fight, making others aware of this life-changing illness that affects mothers and babies everywhere. I am strong because of this battle and my will to survive will keep me motivated to continuously share my experience and devote my time to making others aware! This is exactly what fueled my business, JuiceDefined. A sheer desire to help others incorporate healthier options into their lifestyle in order to improve their quality of life.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Of course with any physical or medical limitations, there are obstacles. A lot of challenges I’ve experienced is just having the energy to keep pushing forward. It really has taken me to continuously recenter myself and take breaks when needed so that I don’t overwhelm and overexert myself on this journey. Building a business is a difficult task that requires emotional and mental stamina. It takes constant focus and a really good support system.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the JuiceDefined story. Tell us more about the business.
Being the creator of JuiceDefined, I believe my main focus was creating an awareness around simple practices that people could incorporate in their daily lives. I mean, I’m a living testimony of what simple changes can do. Creating different juices and detoxes that people could easily access was important to me. When I first started JuiceDefined, it wasn’t everyday that you see cold pressed juices around the way. People just really wasn’t on that too heavy. I think I’ve branded myself and my company as exactly that; easily accessible healthier options. Whatever your ailments or issues are, we provide something to assist you in improving that. I’m proud of that.
Is there something we can do as a city to improve the outlook for businesses like yours?
I feel like we are in a time where businesses have the opportunity to flourish tremendously. Especially in Miami Gardens. There is room for so many things that we just don’t have. More city government support behind small businesses that are coming up would definitely be a good way to improve the outcomes for lots of small businesses. Lots of small businesses have the ability to really outdo a lot of the major businesses. And with the right type of support and funding, we can literally transform our communities.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.TheJuiceDefined.com
- Phone: 855-533-3463
- Email: info@thejuicedefined.com
- Instagram: @juicedefined
- Facebook: www.Facebook.com/JuiceDefined
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