Community Highlights: Meet Nyla Wissa of Juice Bitch

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nyla Wissa. 

Hi Nyla, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In 2016, I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. A very common hormonal disorder for women. Because there is no cure for it, if it’s not managed properly, women with PCOS are more likely to develop certain serious health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, and uterine cancer. 

After my diagnosis, I went to numerous doctors for advice and received the same solution, “go on birth control. It’s the only way to manage/regulate your symptoms.” And because I trusted these doctors, I did for a couple of years. I noticed not much was changing, though. If anything, it was becoming worse. I was gaining uncontrollable weight. I wasn’t actually getting my period. I was depressed and anxious all the time. 

Let’s be clear, ladies who are on the pill with or without PCOS: The bleeding you get when you’re on the pill is NOT the same as a menstrual period. It’s withdrawal bleeding which refers to the withdrawal of hormones from your body that come from the pill. 

As I started learning more about how bad the pill was, the more I gravitated toward learning about holistic approaches to managing and regulating my body. I eventually told my doctor I was no longer taking the pill. I was called “crazy.” Within two months, my cycle regulated, I lost weight, and my symptoms weren’t as bad. 

Eating fruits and vegetables has always been a priority for me, but it became bigger after being diagnosed. Sometimes I don’t have the time or the taste to sauté my kale, though. So, I started to explore juicing. Mixing fruits and vegetables together, learning about what tasted good together and what didn’t, and the health benefits of ginger, turmeric, celery, lemon, and every other thing I use to juice. It was no longer a need for my survival but a passion to thrive. 

Our healthcare system and food industry have a lot of work to do on accessibility. Structural racism and bias are killing Black and brown people. It makes you question who we can turn to when the people we’re supposed to trust are killing us. Juice Bitch was born because of it. To provide education for the next generation, resources and tasty recipes, health benefits, and affordable juices for everyone. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Juice Bitch is my first business, and I feel like I’m learning new things daily. The biggest challenge I’m facing (right now) is imposter syndrome. I’m huge on affirmations and words having power to manifest outcomes. Instead of cheapening myself and this business by thinking it’ll fail because I’m up against other larger juice businesses. I’m constantly reminding myself that because this comes from passion, dedication, and love, there’s no other outcome than evolution and success. 

It’s also taught me a lot about my organizational skills—especially the things I need to improve. It’s been a humbling road but having a community supporting and holding me accountable has been a massive part of my motivation. 

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Juice Bitch’s mission is to provide health and wellness accessibility to everyone through juices made with love. The goal is to create impactful change in our food industry by partnering with local Black and brown farmers, working with the LA School District to teach students recipes, and offering delicious juice recipes and wellness shots with pick-up and delivery options available. 

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I have yet to find a mentor during this process. What I have and what this process has reminded me of is the importance of community. My family and loved ones have poured so much into me, from creating the business logo to buying new juicers to attending a private tasting and providing feedback. I’ve been overwhelmed in the best way by the love and support I’ve received. So, while having a mentor is essential, having a support system is equally important. 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juicebitch_la/

Image Credits
Kamrin Lewis