Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneur is Alex Troll, co-founder of Vancouver’s beloved The Juicery Co. We caught up with her to find out the incredible inspiration behind the business and what advice she would share with other young professionals…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
My name is Alex Troll and I am the co-founder of The Juicery Co, which is a 100% organic, cold-pressed juice and nut mylk company! We have three locations situated in Lonsdale, Edgemont and Kitsilano.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
Two years ago my grandfather was diagnosed with terminal cancer. He decided not to move forward with chemo and instead used juicing to support his body through the challenge of living with cancer.
My mom and I made him juice every day, so we wanted it to be the highest quality possible – organic and served in glass. Our whole family started juicing along with him and quickly learned the benefits of adding more raw vegetables into our diets. As a family we decided to share our knowledge of juicing.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
My favourite part of my day is working with my staff and watching them grow. I love empowering them to take on more responsibility and make decisions. I also love chatting with our customers.
The most challenging part for me, and I think for every business owner, is doing a lot of things every day that I’m not good at. I’m constantly faced with things that I don’t know how to do or have just never done before. You really have to force yourself out of your comfort zone; you can’t be avoidant and you just have to do it. It’s a daily challenge but rewarding in its own way.
What is one sign that you’ve seen over the years to suggest that your work/life balance is off?
I now have to have my phone in another room while I’m sleeping. It became a problem! For a while I was sleeping with it under my pillow. The most important thing I’m learning is to check out from working and take time for myself; it’s precious and re-energizing. We can’t be connected all the time!
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I see myself on a farm with a family, dogs and a horse. Part of me has always wanted to live a simple, slow life, and the other part of me is a workaholic that wants to change the world. So who knows… I’m sure I will surprise myself.
What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges I continue to face is staying organized while managing our three locations. Although I’m naturally a disorganized person, I’m learning to delegate projects to our amazing team and to write things down as soon as they come to mind. I keep my notebook with me at all times.
What does success look like to you? Does Money = Happiness?
Success to me is not measured by how much money someone makes. Instead, I believe success is achieved by pursuing your passion while contributing to the community and making a positive impact that can help change the world.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
It was the first day I took off after we had three stores open. I slept in until noon and couldn’t believe there were three functioning stores out there while I was at home in bed! It feels so surreal to create something and then watch it thrive.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Nothing ever happens when it’s supposed to; you just have to roll with the punches and be open to change. You also can’t be afraid to fail. It will be hard and you will fail, but if you always worry about the worst-case scenario you will never take chances.
Where is your favourite place to wine/ dine in your city and why?
There are so many amazing places in Vancouver but Heirloom, Chambar and Acorn would be my top three for their cocktails and food.
When you’re not working how do you love to spend your “Me” time?
I love hiking the North Shore trails, spending time with friends and family, and hanging out with Biggie (my dog).
Where is your favourite place to travel? Why?
Maui, so I can lie on the beach, eat pineapples, read and listen to music.
If you weren’t doing what you’re doing, what would you be doing?
Probably planning events or trips. I like planning things for people and making sure they have a memorable experience.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
Community First Foundation. I love that they focus on local issues. They have kids helping other kids through feeder schools to make sure there aren’t kids going home on the weekend without healthy food. No child in Vancouver should be suffering from hunger and their goal is to help with that. They’re an inspirational group of ladies.
What to you is notable?
One quality I find notable is someone who is able to live authentically and stay true to themselves.
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