Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikki Eke
Hi Nikki, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey to founding Soóko Gardens began with a personal health challenge. After developing an autoimmune disorder that disrupted my 20-year career in management, visual merchandising, and training with major brands like Victoria’s Secret, Express, and Gap, I turned to herbal teas, juicing, and tinctures to improve my well-being. This health crisis was difficult, but it led me to reconnect with my Nigerian roots, recalling how my grandmother treated our ailments with a blend of Western medicine and local herbs. This exploration not only aided my recovery but also sparked a new passion for creating beverages that promote well-being.
What began as a personal health project quickly became popular among my friends and family, whose positive feedback encouraged me to launch Soóko Gardens. Initially, I sold my beverages at a local Nigerian bakery and grocery store. The real turning point came when I was asked to cater a friend’s 50th birthday party, which led me to add a mobile bar service to the business.
Throughout this journey, my family and friends have been my greatest support. My husband and three daughters has been a source of inspiration. In 2023, with their backing and a lot of hard work, I obtained a manufacturer’s license and began selling our beverages at local farmers’ markets in Duluth, Sugar Hill, Milton, Flowery Branch, Roswell, Snellville, and Serenbe. Today, Soóko Gardens is a thriving business known for its delicious, non-alcoholic beverages and unique mobile bar service, embodying our commitment to crafted wellness in every sip.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Has it been a smooth road? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My battle with an autoimmune disorder was physically and emotionally taxing, but it led me to discover the healing power of food. Starting the business from scratch, and obtaining a manufacturer’s license required a steep learning curve. Navigating regulatory landscapes, managing production logistics, and building brand recognition is a daunting tasks. Balancing funding, purchasing quality ingredients, and investing in equipment while managing personal health is delicate. Despite these struggles, the unwavering support from family, friends, and the community has been invaluable. Each hurdle taught me resilience and adaptability. Today, seeing Soóko Gardens thrive at farmers’ markets and receiving positive feedback makes every struggle worthwhile. Our journey has been challenging but incredibly rewarding, and I am grateful for every experience, and every customer that has brought us here.
As you know, we’re big fans of Sooko Garden Crafted Beverages. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
What do you do, what do you specialize in / what are you known for?
At Soóko Gardens, we craft delicious non-alcoholic beverages designed to support your well-being. Drawing from my personal health journey, our products feature high-quality, natural ingredients with proven benefits. We use adaptogens such as ginseng, lion’s mane mushrooms, and holy basil, known for their stress-relief and balance-promoting properties. Our herbal teas and tinctures are specifically crafted to boost immunity, enhance energy, and improve mental clarity. By prioritizing these health-enhancing ingredients, we ensure that each beverage not only tastes exceptional but also supports your wellness.
Our offerings include Bliss, a refined non-alcoholic wine; Boost, an invigorating energy drink; and the refreshing Pineapple Ginger Cool. We also provide mixers for DIY mocktails or cocktails and detox teas like Lemon Ginger and Hibiscus. Our mobile bar service, staffed by certified bartenders, ensures that every guest at your event can enjoy our unique creations.
What sets you apart from others?
What sets Soóko Gardens apart is our unwavering commitment to health and wellness without sacrificing taste. We prioritize creating beverages that are both delicious and visually appealing, leveraging my background in visual merchandising. Our drinks are crafted with natural ingredients and adaptogens to promote overall well-being.
Our mobile bar service is a unique extension of this philosophy. We cater to both non-drinkers and drinkers, with certified bartenders who can craft a variety of beverages. This means everyone at an event can enjoy our healthy, flavorful drinks. This inclusive, health-focused approach is what truly sets Soóko Gardens apart and allows me to share my passion for wellness with the community.
What are you most proud of brand-wise?
I am incredibly proud of how Soóko Gardens has grown from a personal health journey into a thriving business. The name Soóko, which loosely translates to “fierce warrior” in Yoruba, reflects the strength and resilience that define our brand. Some of our juices have evolved into mocktails to cater to the non-alcoholic movement, showcasing our ability to innovate and meet diverse customer needs. Our dedication and passion are evident in the healthy, tasty beverages we provide. Obtaining our manufacturer’s license in 2023 and expanding our reach to various farmers’ markets have been significant milestones.
What do you want our readers to know about your brand, offerings, services, etc.?
We invite everyone to visit us at local farmers’ markets and experience the unique, flavorful offerings of Soóko Gardens, or shop or book events on our website.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I’ve found invaluable support through networking and mentorship. Immersing myself in relevant communities on Facebook has been key. My journey with Soóko Gardens has been profoundly shaped by a remarkable group of women who have provided both practical advice and emotional backing. A close family friend with a successful wellness business and a former colleague with expertise in marketing and branding have been particularly instrumental. Their guidance, openness about their own experiences, and encouragement have taught me resilience and perseverance, bolstering my confidence and reminding me that challenges are opportunities for growth. I am deeply grateful for their support, which has been crucial in building Soóko Gardens and shaping who I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sookogardens.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/sookogardens
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/sookogardens
Image Credits
Bailey Ramsey, Scooby Smith, Charlton Inije
