Slimming down with green juice

As a fitness instructor, he knew most overweight people are desperate to lose weight. That is how he decided to start making juice from green vegetables such as spinach to help them cut weight faster.

He started with one client whose work schedule was too hectic to allow him to be in the gym. This client shaped his target market which focuses on people without time to lose weight.
“I researched on green vegetables such as spinach, celery, mint, cucumber and tomatoes with the help of my wife. The results turned out to be good for weight loss,” Mr Osikei said.

His wife’s weight loss testimony inspired him to help others shed off some extra kilogrames.
Mr Osikei now helps people to lose weight using vegetable juice.
“My wife lost a few pounds in a couple of days and this inspired me to start up a juice business.”
Listening to feedback has also been helpful.
“The testimonies we have received from clients who have changed their closets in 21 days show us that it is working,” Mr Osikei says.

His motivation also stems from people offering some not so good options. “Some people are using unhealthy drugs and all sorts of herbal medicine in the name of fighting and controlling weight,” Mr Osikei shares.
Mr Osikei says the business was already established from home. So, the only cost incurred was paying rent which is about Shs200,000 a month.

He spent Shs20,000 on fruits and vegetables the first day. The juice blender cost Shs120,000 while a second hand fridge which stores the fruits and vegetables cost Shs800,000. Every two days, he buys fruits and vegetables from the market of about Shs20,000.

Asked if the vegetable juices turn in any profits, Mr Osikei said this depends on the quantity sold. This depends on what quantity a client is consuming a day where a litre costs Shs10,000.
“We advise clients to take this juice for 10 days. In 21 days, you can see results. If the client takes this juice for 10 days, that is Shs100,000 earned. For 21 days, we make Shs210,000,” he said.
Their major raw materials are fruits and vegetables from Mbale main market.

CHALLENGES
The main challenge he is facing is the durability of juice.
“It can’t stay fresh for more than 12 hours,” Mr Osikei says.
Cash flow can also be challenging especially when some people take juice on credit and take long to pay.
He is yet to register this business with the Uganda Registration Services Bureau in Mbale District as he pays taxes to the Mbale Municipal Council.