Today we’d like to introduce you to Joyce Latson.
Joyce, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’m not your average 30-year-old business woman! I was born and raised in Montgomery, AL and it’s where I and Juice’d Out Creations currently reside. It all honestly started right in the middle of my bedroom. I was pondering on what to get my Dad for Father’s Day in 2017. I got online and looked at shirts and I said to myself, “I can make this.” There was no need to buy anything overpriced when I could just try it out myself and I did just that! Of course, a couple of dummy courses got me the start that I needed and I took that and made it my own. It took me about nine months of practice to realize that I wanted to make this official and start a business. As I started Juice’d Out Creations on May 3, 2018, it was only right to include my nickname in the process. My nickname since middle school has been Juicy and into high school turned into Juice. So, it wasn’t too hard to come up with a name that would fit my personality and to give my clients something to smile at when thinking of my brand. As word got out that I created shirts, the demand became more frequent and so did my equipment. My equipment was literally falling out of my room so I had to get more space and that’s when I moved Juice’d Out into my “she-shed.” From monogramming and making t-shirts, I started making tutus and from there personalized tumblers. Drawing and designing things here and there was something that I had fun doing on the side, but it was never anything that I thought would take me this far. Crafting is something that came naturally, but I also have a passion for people and seeing them happy. So, my question to myself was, why not do something that I love doing and turn it into something bigger?
Has it been a smooth road?
It definitely has not been an easy or smooth road. If you would’ve told me just three years ago, that I would have my own business, I wouldn’t believe it. I love to craft and at the point that this all started, I was kind of “stuck” and not knowing where life would take me or even which way to go. Working an 8 to 5, Monday through Friday is a challenge within itself. I majored in Information Systems so my profession has nothing to do with crafting. So, putting on a different couple of hats isn’t always easy. Just as writers have “writer’s block” there is truth to the term “creative block.” Juice’d Out is a one woman band and as demand gets higher, so does the challenges mentally, physically, and emotionally. Blood, sweat, and tears have gone into this business, but it’s what makes my business what it is. Some days a shirt won’t come out as intended. Some days the sewing machine has had enough and won’t thread like it’s supposed to. There are even days the computer just won’t connect to the internet like it should. It really does get to be a lot when it’s just you and everything does not run smoothly and you’re trying to get your product out in a timely fashion. I pride myself in superb customer service because I would want to be treated with the same courtesy, even though I know it doesn’t always work out that way. I constantly lose track of time and I can be up designing or making t-shirts until the wee hours of the morning. I don’t always have time for myself and it gets frustrating, but I honestly love what I do. There have been so many days that I’ve wanted to call it quits and just give it all up, but then I remember why I started in the first place.
Tell us more about the company.
Juice’d Out Creations, LLC is not just a brand, but it’s a movement. Juice’d Out produces more than just your average t-shirts. My company is here for all of your creative needs. Decals, t-shirts, monograms, cups, tutus, face masks, you name it! You want it, I’ll get it done! Juice’d Out is not just confined to Montgomery, AL. I ship all over the world. I’m most proud of the satisfaction that my customers have when they see their vision come to life. When they give me just an ounce of what they are looking for, they give me the reigns and let me take off with it. I love to see my customers happy. I am my own biggest critic and if I’m not satisfied with the product, it doesn’t sit well with me until it’s done right. I’m the face behind the brand so it’s all very personal for me. I take my time and pour my heart and soul into my business, because I’m passionate about the finished product and where it will take the Juice’d Out name. One satisfied customer can put your name in the ear of the next person and I believe the ripple effect will expand beyond anything you could ever imagine. I fell in love with what a pineapple stands for. It symbolizes to “always stand tall, be sweet on the inside, and to always wear your crown.” That’s what Juice’d Out Creations is all about. I strive to embody that within myself and my business and that’s why it’s a part of the brand.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
In the next five to ten years, I see a couple more crafty ventures being added to the Juice’d Out brand. Embroidery is something that I’ve been looking to get into and the list goes on. I also see a Juice’d Out storefront coming into the works. The world is ever-changing, so the needs and wants of the people are always shifting. Even with this pandemic going on, I never knew that I would be sewing together and customizing face mask. I don’t know what God has in store for me, but I just know to trust Him. The possibilities are honestly limitless and Juice’d Out WILL keep up!
Pricing:
- T-shirts start out at $15
- Tutus start at $30
- Monogramming starts at $5
- Personalized cups and tumblers start at $15
Contact Info:
- Phone: 3343998480
- Email: juicedout518@gmail.com
- Instagram: @JuicedOutCreations
- Facebook: Juice’d Out Creations
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