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

Hi Nikki, what’s the most important think you’ve done for your children?
As a parent, my husband and I have been the most supportive, encouraging role models for our daughter. We have given her opportunities to live a completely different childhood from our own. We’ve homeschooled our daughter since the age of 7 years old. The pros to that are the amount of time we get to spend and grow as a family unit. We get to engage with her on many different levels and we are very involved in her growth and development in all aspects of her life. She is able to learn at a pace that suits her and also learn objectives outside of those required by the state. Most of all, now at the age of 14 she is learning all the ins and outs of running and maintaining a family business that is named after her. Although her path may be different in years to come, she has a foundation to build what she wants from her own ideas.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Sky Juices & Smoothies LLC is a family business based on quality, commitment, and trust. We are set apart from similar businesses because our goal is to provide our clients with the highest quality of juices possible. We carefully select our ingredients from local farmers markets and we even compost and recycle every day. Our juices and smoothies are freshly prepared and made to order so that our friends get that crisp taste every time. Our customer service is very important because we want to be that “small business” that eventually grows to the “big business”. We take time to listen and take constructive criticism to use for our benefit. We understand that most of our clients have specific needs which is why we educate them on our products. Sky Juices & Smoothies LLC is a delivery service that benefits both us and the client. We are able to work at a pace that is not too overwhelming which allows us the time needed to complete orders and maintain family/school life. For the client, our convenient service allows them to focus on day to day and maintain healthy eating habits with products delivered straight to their door with a smile. I am most excited to see where this business will be in the next few years. I love the fact that with all the unhealthy food and beverage options around the city, my business provides something completely different that is very much needed in my area. Our clientele has reached everyone from babies to elders and that’s something to be proud of. Our journey has honestly been easy and a little hard. Easy because our personalities are likable. People can feel if you are just trying to sell something to make a quick dollar versus if you take pride in your product. We take extreme pride in our product and that is how we present ourselves no matter where we go. The hard side of business is sometimes not knowing if the next day is going to make or break you and that is where that faith and plan B comes in. We have learned to always have a backup plan because business flow varies from week to week. Along the way, we have learned that every idea presented to you may sound great at the moment but the idea may not be the best move to make at the moment. We have learned to consider all variables of the business and plan accordingly before making big decisions. I want the world to know that I have a passion for things being done right. My business was not an idea I had for years, it was simply an idea that came from my everyday habits. I want to bring more of a positive light to small businesses because we are the heart of the community. Having this business has given me a life I use to dream of and I love the fact that my story and leadership have encouraged some of my peers to step out and build their own.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I were to plan an itinerary for myself and my best friend it would be full of culture. We would definitely visit Little Five Points first. That little gem is full of culture from the music and art to the food, people, and boutiques. You are sure to find something you love there and it can be an all-day outing. Next, we would check out some of the famous ATL local eateries such as Tasilis Raw Reality, Mary Macs, or Slutty Vegan. Its nothing like going to a city and indulging in food you can’t get back at home. For the nightlife, since I am not too much of a person who goes to clubs anymore we would probably check out a spot like The Trap Music Museum. I love that place and have taken a few out town guests there. It a cool place to get a dose of history on how the ATL sound and “trap music” has made its mark on music culture.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Our shout out goes to all of Dekalb County. From the residents, schools, community businesses, and child care centers to our Mentor Ms. Marv Cox of Yes! Biz Network, we have had the utmost support. There are many people we could name because without the support and word of mouth from these individuals our business may have never flourished in such a short time. Because of them all, we have been given the opportunity to display and present our product to their personal clients. We have been given direction that helped us expand as a business. Lastly, through the connections of our friends in Dekalb country, our clientele base has increased to areas outside of Stone Mountain.

Website: www.skyjuices.com
Instagram: @skyjuices2015
Facebook: Sky Juices & Smoothies LLC

Image Credits
Marc Leary