The health and wellness industry is booming, leading to an emergence of new boutique fitness studios, meditation classes, athleisure brands, wellness publications and healthy food and supplement companies. Amanda Chantal Bacon burst into the wellness industry early on and founded her company, Moon Juice, in 2011. The company describes Moon Juice as “a healing force, an etheric potion, a cosmic beacon for those seeking out beauty, wellness and longevity” and says that it helps people live a “holistic lifestyle.”
Moon Juice sells a range of adaptogen-based products that they say will “help expand your body’s capacity to handle mental, physical and emotional stress.” People practicing herbal medicine have used natural plants, herbs or plant extracts called adaptogens to help regulate the body for years. Although adaptogens aren’t new, Bacon has given them a rebrand and an Instagrammable aesthetic that is attractive to wellness-minded people and even Goop’s founder, Gwyneth Paltrow.
What inspired you to start Moon Juice? What was your career path?
I was sick as a child and Western Medicine offered no relief. When I was five, an Ayurvedic doctor in a health food store told me I needed to cut out sugar, wheat and dairy. Within 72 hours of making those adjustments to my diet, I felt like a completely different person. It changed my life.
As a young adult, I traveled the world, went to culinary school and eventually wound up in fine dining, working with amazing chefs. I was working in kitchens and, on the side, studying the power of raw plants and herbs to heal conditions I’d had since I was a teenager. Working in restaurants was an amazing experience, but I eventually felt a pull to bring the plants that had helped me so much to a larger audience, which is where Moon Juice comes in.
I started Moon Juice because I wanted to bring the power of plants to people. My job is being a manager, cheerleader, salesperson and marketer for the plants that have saved my life. We are truly committed to bringing health and happiness to people and the planet through plants.
What has been the biggest challenge and, on the flip side, the biggest reward of starting Moon Juice?
One of the biggest challenges has been having to give up time with my kid. The work is and was all-encompassing–especially in the beginning. When we opened our first store in Venice I was a single mom to an infant, and I was doing it all–managing the store, making the juice and interviewing and training employees. Now I’m lucky enough to be surrounded by an amazing, dedicated team which has lifted a little bit of the pressure off me, but I am still incredibly involved which takes me away from family, friends, life and normal human stuff. The biggest reward is getting to see how the products are changing people’s lives.
What advice do you have for other women who hope to start their own businesses?
Follow your passion. Take control of your education and your path.
What is your daily diet?
On weekdays, I try to leave 16 hours between eating my last meal and eating my next meal. It’s usually as simple as being done with dinner between 7 pm and 8 pm and not having breakfast or lunch until 11 am or noon. I avoid wheat, sugar and alcohol and instead fill my diet with adaptogens, plants, fermented vegetables and fats like almond butter, avocado and coconut. I love green juice and drink it throughout the day. In the evening, I like to unwind with a Beauty Dust Tonic and some dark chocolate.
Celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Emma Roberts and Shailene Woodley are fans of Moon Juice. What is the impact that celebrities and social media have had on Moon Juice’s success?
We have a product that actually works and there is a real need for it–that’s what draws people to Moon Juice. We have incredible customers with even more intriguing backgrounds. Social media and celebrity love can help in the moment, but if the products don’t live up to the hype, it doesn’t matter. We’ve never paid influencers and we are blessed with a loyal following of people that believe in the power of plants. Social media, and specifically Instagram, has always been important to me because I get to interact with people and hear their stories and, as a brand, we are able to illustrate our specific point of view.
What are the most important characteristics someone needs to have to be successful in your role?
Passion, drive and a complete belief in your mission. If you aren’t invested in your work on the deepest level, it won’t resonate with others. You have to have the confidence to say “no” to people that try to advise against what you know to be true. Fearlessly pave your own path.
What are three characteristics you look for when you’re hiring a new team member?
That they share the same mission and purpose of the brand. I look for someone that will really go the extra mile. It’s all about commitment. I want someone who’s really in it with me and will do whatever it takes–people who are there for the good, the bad and the ugly. I also look for someone with a point of view and who is confident in their own voice.
Gross: What’s the biggest lesson you learned at work and how did you learn it?
The reality and “secret” of success is relentless repetition and commitment. I’ve learned this by waking up every day and getting to work no matter how tired, bored, uninspired, scared, frustrated, sick, sad or discouraged I feel. All of these experiences are impermanent and, by continuing to show up, you will experience success.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
“Naturalness is the basis of effectiveness.” It is a Maharishi quote that I keep alive in my mind. If it’s not coming to me naturally on a deep level I don’t expect to be very effective.
What is your business advice for other young professional women?
Don’t do anything unless you’re fired up with passion about it. Life’s short, work towards something you deeply believe in and want to see more of in the world.
