We had the good fortune of connecting with Nijil Jones and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nijil, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
For me, I’ve always been an entrepreneur. And my dad is an entrepreneur. My mom also had her own legal practice for a while.

I’ve worked as a server, dish-washer, barista, nacho stand person, etc., and I’ve been fired from lots of jobs. I’ve been fired on Christmas Eve and the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving Day. I value owning my own business, where I have more security.

It’s satisfying to be responsible for what happens with the business, rather than being disciplined by somebody else that may have to really deal with the consequences for the business.

What should our readers know about your business?
I lived in a shared house in the Lake Claire Land Trust in 2013 when I borrowed a roommate’s Vitamix blender and first made nut milk. It was delicious. And so different from the plant milks at the store with so many additives.

Over the years, it has been difficult to build the business. But since we are a worker-owned co-op, the other team members have been really helpful.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Herban Fix is definitely the best plant-based restaurant in the city. They have really good food and drinks and service.

We might do something more subtle though.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
We’ve always been a worker-owned team. All the worker-owners that have helped build Pecan Milk Co-op deserve credit.

And plenty of groups have helped us along the way; some of them don’t even exist anymore.

Website: www.pecanmilk.com

Instagram: pecanmilk

Twitter: pecanmilkcoop

Facebook: pecanmilkcoop

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