From Backyard to Business
Marvin Mitchell, also known as ‘Juice Man’ (Japheth Savory Photo)
Marvin Mitchell, also known as ‘Juice Man’ (Japheth Savory Photo)

Phoenix Park’s natural juice entrepreneur

NATURE is all around us, and in Guyana, its presence can be felt and seen. As children, we have all had the blissful experience of picking a neighbour’s mangoes or visiting a fruit tree on our way home from school. Praised for its countless health benefits, Guyana’s fruits and vegetables have always been a part of our diet and way of life, with some rare and indigenous to the country.

One Phoenix Park man, however, has decided to take the opportunity to develop a business. Gathering a bold mix of fruits from across the region, Marvin Mitchell has developed his own brand of fruit juices. Inspired by the nutrients that could be gathered from nature, Marvin says his juice is a unique blend of everything natural and everything Guyanese.

Having been a part of the community since he was a child, Marvin had what most would call the ‘countryside’ upbringing. Phoenix Park, at the time, was a community overflowing with greenery and a variety of trees; today it is less so. As he stated, “My childhood in this community was good. I came here when I was very small, and I never left. I remember we, as young people, used to talk and spend time with the old people; we had more togetherness. We have more plants and trees in the village, more fruits and so on.”

He describes his life in the community as challenging at times, but the people of Phoenix Park are what makes the community what it is: A warm, welcoming, and supportive place. As Marvin stated, “Life in the community is kind of hard when it comes to work. But I like the village; this community has plenty of good people; they make the community nice.”

This community gave rise to his business. While Marvin was struggling to find a new job, his biggest supporters came from his community. Before he started his now-growing business, Marvin and his wife were a part of their own entrepreneurial venture. As he explained, “Before I started doing this, me and my wife had a little business. She does catering, and I would help her sell.”

But this was simply not enough to provide for a family, said Marvin. He began seeking new ways to support his household. One day, he was struck by inspiration; seeking to create new opportunities, Marvin made a blend of a few fruits he had around his home, creating something new. As he stated, “I used to help my wife with selling food, but that was not enough. I have children to take care of. And then I decided that I know how to make juice, and I have the fruits. So, I made a few bottles and then that turned into more and so on.”

He explained that a big part of his love for natural juice comes from his personal experiences. Marvin stated that he began leading a more natural lifestyle in an attempt to lead a healthier life. As he stated, “I started making some juice for myself, with soursop and sea moss. I started using it at first for me, to be healthier.”

What helps Marvin’s business stand out is its uniqueness, with a wide variety of juices; each bottle offers a different blend and taste. According to Marvin, his understanding and knowledge of the various fruits came from a personal pursuit for his own health. As he explained to the Pepperpot Magazine, “When I was searching for help in different fruits, it led me from one thing to another. Many people from all around would tell me about different things.”

Apart from it being an economic venture, Marvin also sees his various juices as a healthier option. After years spent learning about the countless natural gifts Guyana has to offer, Marvin says he urges others to incorporate more natural ingredients into their diet. As he stated, “People would tell me about so many fruits and vegetables we have in Guyana, and how they can help. These are things we have in our backyards but do not use,” he said. “I like to make my juice different; there are not too many people who use the different things I use. I go out and find them.”

Marvin says his business has continued to grow, seeing more customers daily as people seek him out to find their favourite hard-to-find fruits to have them made into an all-natural refreshing drink. Most days, Marvin can be found distributing his various blends around Region Three, a well-known ‘Juice-man’ from Phoenix Park. As more options become available in the realm of processed foods, it is important to people like Marvin that natural substitutes are always an option. So, the next time you are in your backyard, at the supermarket, or in the community of Phoenix Park, remember to pick something natural.

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