Today we’d like to introduce you to Elias Aguayo.
Elias, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Toward the end of 2016 as I was nearing approximately ten years as a Police Officer with the Los Angeles Police Department, my life circumstances changed and I approached a crossroads in my life. Having received my Bachelor’s in Business Finance, Real Estate, and Law and my Masters in Leadership and Management, I always remained curious about what my life would have been like if I had gone into the business field rather than law enforcement. Approaching that crossroad, an opportunity presented itself with a friend in opening a juice bar. Health and fitness have always been a staple in my life having been a soccer player since childhood and keeping a dedicated workout regimen.
We pursued the business opportunity and created Zodiac Juiceology and Apothecary in the downtown of my hometown of Covina. To say that we had a rough first year would be a severe understatement, unfortunately, requiring my partner to separate from Zodiac. Following an intense menu and branding overhaul, among other things, Zodiac slowly began to rise from the hole that it was buried in. Fast forward four years, I am now glad to say that Zodiac has gained an awesome and loyal customer base that has allowed it to become a staple in our small town along with having received requests and inquires nationally and internationally for our Zodiac Juices.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Not at all. It was an uphill battle since day one. I believe all the struggles stemmed from the fact that Zodiac rushed to open due to the circumstances of the business opportunity. That being the case, many of the aspects of the business were shotgunned rather than being developed as a well thought out plan. These effects were felt in every aspect of the business from supply chains to restaurant logistics to menu development to branding, etc., the list can go on and on. However, it was these very challenges that have allowed Zodiac to become what is it today. Not only in terms of learning how to manage a business as efficiently as possible but in allowing to it evolve and grow as dictated by our customers and the community.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Zodiac Juiceology and Apothecary – what should we know?
Zodiac was created in an effort to help people live a healthy and happy lifestyle at an affordable price. People always ask, “Why Zodiac?” To which I explain that it is common knowledge that every Zodiac sign has personality traits assigned to them. What is not as commonly known is that each Zodiac sign also has a specific diet plan assigned to them as well. Items you should or shouldn’t eat based on your astrological sign. Whether you are a believer or not, the important thing to remember is that when it comes to health and fitness you must know what works best for you and your body, that is the only way to truly reach a healthy and lifestyle that works for you. With that, we specialize in Fresh Cold Pressed Juices bottled in our signature 16 oz glass bottles, Smoothies, Smoothie Bowls, All Day Breakfast, Sandwiches, Salads, Wraps, Soups, Cold Brew & Hot Coffee, Kombucha, and Teas.
Our Juices are certainly our pride and joy. We currently have 14 Juices on the menu, 12 of them being the 12 Zodiac signs and the additional 2 being an Activated Charcoal Lemonade and a Pure Celery juice. We also have specialty seasonal juices throughout the year. The Zodiac juices were each created with different aspects of the signs personality as well as what is recommended for that sign to consume. The experience and the variety that Zodiac provides is what sets us apart from any other juice bar. It’s a way of making juice interesting and fun. I mean, who wouldn’t want to try their very own Zodiac sign juice?
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I owe my Wife more credit than I can explain, supporting me every step of the way and having the understanding during my life’s transition from one career to another and keeping my spirit up day in and day out. My son, who’s smile and laughter everyday motivates me to work smarter rather than just harder to allow me to spend as much time with my family as possible. My Mother and Father who have always given me the confidence to believe I can accomplish anything I set my mind to and their continuous support within the business’s operations. My Brother who has shown me that no dream is ever too big to obtain. My Cousin/Manager who has made Zodiac her second home and continues to assist me to elevating Zodiac to what we all know it can become. My customers, old and new, for providing me with the honest and unreserved constructive criticism which help me mold Zodiac into what they wanted and were looking for and allowing us to provide them the means for a healthier way of life.
Contact Info:
- Address: 239 N Citrus Ave, Covina, CA 91723
- Website: www.ZodiacFresh.com
- Phone: (626) 915-3355
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zodiacjuiceology/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zodiacjuiceology
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/zodiac-juiceology-and-apothecary-covina-3
Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
