• Advertise
  • Donate
  • Subscribe
    • Become a print subscriber
    • Sign up for e-Newsletter
    • e-Editions
Wednesday, September 27, 2023
No Result
View All Result
Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
  • News & Features
    • National
    • Local
    • Special Editions
      • MLK Legacy
      • Black History Month
      • The MSR Celebrates Women’s History Month
  • All Sections
    • Opinion
      • Mellaneous by Mel Reeves
      • Word on the Street
      • Reaching Out From Within
    • Health + Wellness
      • Women’s Wellness
      • Parenting Today
      • Minnesota Cancer Alliance Breast Cancer Gaps Project
    • Sports
      • Timberwolves/NBA
      • Lynx/WNBA
        • 20 in 20
      • Twins/MLB
      • MN Wild/NHL
      • Vikings/NFL
    • Business
      • Small Business Month Celebration
      • Black Business Spotlight
      • Finances FYI
    • Arts + Culture
    • Photo Galleries
      • Photo of the Week
    • MSR Forefront Digital Roundtable Series
      • MSR Forefront Highlights
    • Go Green
    • Education
    • Bulletin
    • Jobs & Notices
      • Legals
      • Announcements
  • Events
    • Submit an event!
  • Obits
  • Sister Spokesman
  • e-Editions
Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
  • News & Features
    • National
    • Local
    • Special Editions
      • MLK Legacy
      • Black History Month
      • The MSR Celebrates Women’s History Month
  • All Sections
    • Opinion
      • Mellaneous by Mel Reeves
      • Word on the Street
      • Reaching Out From Within
    • Health + Wellness
      • Women’s Wellness
      • Parenting Today
      • Minnesota Cancer Alliance Breast Cancer Gaps Project
    • Sports
      • Timberwolves/NBA
      • Lynx/WNBA
        • 20 in 20
      • Twins/MLB
      • MN Wild/NHL
      • Vikings/NFL
    • Business
      • Small Business Month Celebration
      • Black Business Spotlight
      • Finances FYI
    • Arts + Culture
    • Photo Galleries
      • Photo of the Week
    • MSR Forefront Digital Roundtable Series
      • MSR Forefront Highlights
    • Go Green
    • Education
    • Bulletin
    • Jobs & Notices
      • Legals
      • Announcements
  • Events
    • Submit an event!
  • Obits
  • Sister Spokesman
  • e-Editions
No Result
View All Result
Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
No Result
View All Result

Black Business Spotlight: Jajja Wellness Tonic

by Ashley Lauren
November 30, 2020
80
SHARES
1.6k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on LinkedIn
Submitted photo

New business offers healthy pays homage to rich legacy

If you’re looking for a tasty and healthy alternative to sugary beverages, Jajja Wellness Tonic might do the trick. Local entrepreneur Henry Kisitu launched the online beverage business in 2016 to honor his beloved grandmother Jajja Margaret Lutaaya. In Uganda, “Jajja” means grandmother. The wellness business pays homage to her plight and legacy.

Kisitu’s grandmother passed in November 2016. She was well-known for creating indigenous and organic wellness tonics. “My recipes are my grandmother’s recipes. All African-inspired superfoods,” said Kisitu.

Around that time, he said, “One of my college buddies got sick in Hawaii; he came, I made the juices.” From that experience, Kisitu was instantly inspired to carry on the familial tradition of creating wellness tonics by launching a business.

All of the products are natural, organic, and manufactured in St. Paul. They are available at various locations: The Wedge Co-op, City Center Market, Seward Community Co-op, Mississippi Markets, Produce Exchange at the Midtown Global Market, Longfellow Market, and Hampden Park Co-op.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Kisitu is well-versed in business due to his educational background. He earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota and a master’s from St. Thomas College.

He recalled, “When I was in school, I was doing construction at the State Capitol.” As a result, he created certain tonics like the Agave Lemon Detox tonic to benefit active individuals.

Most importantly, “The energy behind our product matters. It’s something that is ancient. Reminds me of home,” said Kisitu. As a result, he only utilizes high-quality, “health-building” ingredients.

Henry Kisitu
Submitted photo

Kisitu shared that his children enjoy Jajja Wellness’ Hibiscus Lemongrass and Spirulina. The tonics have significant amounts of essential vitamins and minerals. Children enjoy the flavors and it’s very healthy for them.

Customers have a total of 10 refreshing tonics to enjoy, from Pineapple Ginger, Spirulina Ginger, Baobab Turmeric, Hibiscus Lemongrass, Moringa Ginger, African Coffee, Agave Lemon Detox, Turmeric Pineapple, and Pineapple Ginger. They are priced at $5 each. Customers can also order by the case.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

For individuals that need a boost of energy, the tonic wellness shots may serve as a superb solution. The small 2 oz. tubes of Jajja wellness shots come in two potent flavors Turmeric Pineapple and/or Pineapple Ginger. They are priced at $3 per bottle.

All of the tonics are organic and natural, unlike sweet and syrupy sodas. “African Coffee has a lot of vitamins in it. We use pineapple,” said Kisitu. He described it as, “Refreshingly healthy, naturally energizing.” After sampling the rich, mahogany-hued coffee, I felt instantly energized and rejuvenated.

Health and wellness is the theme surrounding the business. “One of the things I do at my stands is educate people.” He informs customers about the ingredients he uses and the benefits of the products. This informative approach helps strengthen and grow his customer base.

Most recently, due to the COVID pandemic and civil unrest, it’s been challenging for Kisitu to connect with customers. “A setback in business is not being able to do in-person marketing, Kisitu explained. “We can’t go out there and talk to people.” As a result, he shifted his business to abide by COVID safety protocol.

“Mostly we’re growing a lot with word-of-mouth,” Kisitu continued. “We can’t do sampling in stores—COVID put the brakes on everything and pushed everybody to work at home.”

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Despite the COVID pandemic, business has been flourishing. Fortunately, “We’re selling a lot in stores. Still talking to co-partners to see if we can get people to market us,” said Kisitu.

In closing remarks, Kisitu shared his philosophy and encouragement for young people. “Support yourself and be self-sufficient. Notice everything is connected.”
He added, “Also, I think it’s very important to stress the importance of having purpose in life. Have a bigger purpose that will push you throughout. Every day I wake up for something.”

For more info, visit www.jajjawellness.com.

Support Black local news

Help amplify Black voices by donating to the MSR. Your contribution enables critical coverage of issues affecting the community and empowers authentic storytelling.

Donate Now!

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)

Like this:

Like Loading...
ADVERTISEMENT
Previous Post

President-elect Biden names all-women senior communications staff

Next Post

Pitts recognized as one of the best

Ashley Lauren

Ashley Lauren is a contributing writer at the MN Spokesman-Recorder.

You Might Also Like

Linemen lead St. Paul Central past city rival
Sports

Linemen lead St. Paul Central past city rival

What should the community do with the Third Precinct now?
Local

City Council reneges on Third Precinct proposal

Hennepin County attorney to handle investigation into Cobb killing
Local

Hennepin County attorney to handle investigation into Cobb killing

The debate over police officers in schools
Local

The debate over police officers in schools

Sickle Cell Awareness Month: Breakthrough treatments on the horizon
Health & Wellness

Sickle Cell Awareness Month: Breakthrough treatments on the horizon

Health department concerned about Stillwater water supply, but says it is safe to drink
Local

Health department concerned about Stillwater water supply, but says it is safe to drink

Next Post
Former Gopher finds new home at Texas A&M

Pitts recognized as one of the best

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
ADVERTISEMENT

Upcoming Events

Sep 12
September 12 @ 6:30 pm-December 18 @ 9:30 pm Recurring

Vic Volare Presents MUSIC FOR MARTINIS ft: Vic’s Fabulous Nightclub Academy

Sep 28
7:30 pm-9:30 pm Recurring

Ayodele Casel Rooted

Sep 30
9:00 am-1:00 pm Recurring

Cars and Caves

Sep 30
10:00 am-12:00 pm

dem Blessings for Parents: A Morning of Creative Nourishment with Sharon Bridgforth

View Calendar
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Read our latest e-Edition!

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Subscribe

  • Home/Office Delivery
  • Weekly e-newsletter
  • e-Editions

Support

  • Donate
  • Subscribe
  • MSR Newsstand Locations

Connect

  • About
    • MSR Staff
  • Contact
  • Send a news tip
  • About
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms

© 2023 Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder

No Result
View All Result
  • News & Features
    • Local
    • National
  • All Sections
    • Arts & Culture
    • Health & Wellness
      • Women’s Wellness
      • Parenting Today
      • MN Cancer Alliance Breast Cancer Gaps Project
    • Business
      • Black Business Spotlight
      • Finances FYI
      • Small Business Month Celebration
    • Opinion
    • Sports
  • Events
  • Obits
  • Sister Spokesman
  • Donate
  • Subscribe

© 2023 Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder

 

Loading Comments...
 

    %d bloggers like this: