“You Can’t Put a Price on Health”
Meet Marissa Monteiro from GoodStuff Juices Mass
BuyBlack NB intern Olu Oyindamola sat down with Marissa Monteiro from GoodStuff Juices Mass to learn about her journey as a business owner.
Marissa opened her first location GoodStuff Juices in Brockton (a sister company to GoodStuff Juices in North Carolina), and recently opened a second location in New Bedford. We were grateful for the opportunity to learn more, and so excited for you to get to know Marissa.
You can visit GoodStuff Juices Mass at 486 Orchard Street, New Bedford, and check out the menu on Instagram.
When did you know you wanted to start your own company?
My whole life. Since I was a little kid. We used to have a corner store called Johnny Papa’s Variety Store in the south end near Bay Village, where I was born. It was because of his little corner store that I always wanted to have a store. He would give the kids free candy and chips; give families credit for milk and bread.
Photo source: GoodStuff Juices Mass Instagram
What was it like to open a second location?
It was amazing. It was even a better feeling because the second location is all mine. The first location is a shared space. Every day is like the first day. Every sale is so exciting and I treat everyone like it’s my first time seeing them. I’m really happy they came. They can spend their money anywhere and they choose to come to where I am. I appreciate it.
What is the hardest thing about being a business owner?
The hardest thing about being a business owner I would say is time. Especially being a mother. Juggling my time and using it wisely. We’re all around family-owned and family-run. Same here for my location. I really love my shop, I want to make sure everything runs -- windows cleaned, floors mopped. You can say I’m addicted to my store. It takes a lot of time.
What is the best thing about being a business owner?
Watching your idea come to life. Literally taking something and making it bigger and better. Getting the feedback -- good and bad. Some people love some flavors and some people don’t like some flavors. Because we’re family-owned, we’re able to react to our customer's feedback because we own it.
Photo source: GoodStuff Juices Mass Instagram
Do you have any recommendations or guidance for people who might want to start their own company?
First things first: Try to find a pre-business course. I took a class at Groundwork in New Bedford that program changed my life. It was a free 12-week program. I met quite a few other business owners that already had their business or were on their way. Lots of them have places in New Bedford now! Surround yourself with business-oriented people. Everything I know is from mentors. I asked and they said, “Yeah!”
As an entrepreneur, we’re maybe nervous or scared to ask for help. I still learn every day: the worst that can happen is someone says No. And that’s okay! And sometimes that will give you a fire. You want to figure it out even more. I figure everything
Who should visit GoodStuff Juices Mass?
Everyone! Literally -- our juices are for babies, kids, the elderly, and everyone in between. They’re especially good for anyone with a sickness or disease. And great for your mental health, too.
You can’t put a price on health.
We also have organic soap, sea moss leave-in hair conditioner. I try to have things you can’t really find anywhere else locally.
What's your favorite juice?
Photo source: GoodStuff Juices Mass Instagram
I want to say all of them! But I would say Summershine. It won first prize in a contest -- best boost and best overall taste. Every time you taste it, it reminds you of summer.