Meet Amique James, MBA

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amique James, MBA.

Hi Amique, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Thank you for this interview today. So yes, #AmiquesGingaJuice is a hashtag and was created in 2018 for those who desire to build their immune systems while enjoying a refreshing drink. It all started with a passion for doing more for my family, being impactful in society, and not settling for mediocrity. I was also tired of working crazy 13 hour days for people who didn’t care about the well-being of me nor my family. Additionally, I wasn’t being paid my worth even after obtaining my Master’s degree in 2012. I’ve worked in corporate America as a manager ever since I graduated with my bachelors degree and it didn’t seem to get any better year after year even with a Master’s degree in business.

Nevertheless, as I was watching an episode of Shark Tank and seeing all these people who created simple things that manifested into something big, I began to think of ideas of my own. I have always desired to start a business (restaurant or hotel), but financially it was far from my reach.

Therefore, I had to start small with something that didn’t need much capital so I created #AmiquesGingaJuice. I never really enjoyed the carbonated ginger juices, also known as ginger beer in the stores, and wanted to make something that was healthy. I took pictures of some freshly cut ginger and lime and then created a label. My name is unique and I always wanted it branded so that’s where the name came from; Amique’s Ginga Juice. I started to market them at different restaurants and stores and was only consistently picked up by one location GIAS ORGANIC SHOP in East point. I marketed to friends, family, social media, and at church and was able to gain several regulars. I also did many different pop-up shops and networking events to get my business out there. Now fast forward to 2020 during a pandemic when business really started to pick up. Ginger and lime are great for building your immune system and helps with respiratory infections, so as I was completing one of many orders, I had a moment of complete gratitude and had to thank God because I realized that #AmiquesGingaJuice was created for a time such as this.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Wow, if only it was a smooth road, but it’s all apart of the climb to success, right? Of course, there has been many and will be many challenges on this journey. I say past and present challenges because I’m still learning and trying to grow my brand with many hiccups still within my path. To start, marketing at different restaurants and stores was challenging and at times cumbersome because owners wouldn’t be direct and kept telling me to call back. I also received more “it’s good, but we can’t pick up your drink at this time”, and some places needed the FDA goverment stamp of approval before they can sell the drinks in their establishment. Now obtaining FDA approval is pretty pricey so of course, hearing this was discouraging.

Nonetheless, you definitely have to be resolute to have a business because people’s opinions and lack of support initially is emotionally taxing.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
#AmiquesGingaJuice is a healthy, refreshing, and delicious ginger juice that was created to build your immune system. Ginger, lemon, and lime have a multitude of health benefits such as;

The best testimony I’ve had thus far was by a young woman who contracted Covid-19 and she received some #AmiquesGingaJuice and confirmed that it really helped fight the virus.

What matters most to you? Why?
To be honest, leaving a legacy for my kids. Likewise, what also matters to me the most is being impactful and creating a space to help others in any form in which I can, i.e., building immune systems. Life isn’t about our own selfish needs, but it’s more fulfilling when we can help each other in the simplest ways. Therefore, if I help one person or many persons build their immune systems, then I will feel like I’m truly on the right path of success.

Pricing:

• Regular Ginger & Lime $3 per btl
• Strong Ginger & Lime $4 per btl

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://amiquesgingajuice.company.site/
• Instagram: @ajdbiz & @1Stoosh
• Facebook: @ajdbiz https://www.facebook.com/ajdbiz.ajdbiz
• YouTube: https://youtu.be/ysfRzuW3Nns

Image Credits:
Yves Dognon