1987 Juices with LaKeasha Brown feature #56 of Together Talks

"Together Talks" feature # 56: 1987 Juices presented by KLS, freight company

Some Background on 1987 Juices

For today's edition of "Together Talks" campaign, KLS had the opportunity to interview LaKeasha Brown, Founder of 1987 Juices. 10 years of combined experience in the areas of Strategic Brand Partnership, Communications, Food & Beverage, and Sales & Operations. 1987 Juices have developed opportunities & partnerships with brands such as the NFL, Disney, Superbowl, HBO, Lululemon, Glossier, Meta, & featured in publications such as Essence Magazine, LA Times, VegNews, and Travelnoire. Although exciting, what has been most rewarding is the communities they have impacted with their amazing product and community development initiatives.

Corporate side hobby

The beginning of LaKeasha's story doesn't start with 1987 Juices. We have to go back to learn about her upbringing. She grew up in Conway, SC. She shared with us that the average income was around $40,000 in the city. LaKeasha worked her way through college and ultimately landed a job with Hershey's. She soon relocated to California where she oversaw multiple states in the southwest. In 2016, she realized her digestive system was weakening due to stress.

Now before we get to the start of her business path, we need to understand the makeup of LaKeasha. She shared with us, "I'm the type of person who wakes up and says I'm going to do this today, then do it. Example...I woke up and said I'm going to go run a 5K tomorrow. I did and got my medal!" This mindset was a crucial element for her personal health journey. She had suffered chronic acne and developed a poor digestive system. In order to combat that? She was determined to try something all natural. So, she decided to remove meat from her diet and incorporate fasting. Prior to doing so, she had only heard of fasting at Church but understood how beneficial it was to health and healing.

FIT first, then Family

LaKeasha began her journey by making homemade juices as part of her cleansing. Almost immediately she had recognized positive results including a flatter stomach and her acne was clearing up. She enjoyed making the juice and the benefits associated to consuming it. It was a fun hobby that she was enjoying so she realized maybe she could do a little something with her juices. She began teaching fitness classes and would have her big jug of juice with her and her name across it, "LaKeasha". It didn't take long before many of her fitness students saw the body transformation taking place on LaKeasha. She explained, "Everyone was asking if I could make juice for them. That is how it started, it was LaKeasha Fit."

2016 was when LaKeasha started on this journey and was enjoying every step of the journey. But she was still working her corporate job at the time as well. Even more incredible is she shared with us that she never imagined or considered of starting a beverage company, she found herself in the position out of necessity. She helped herself first and then was willing to share that with others to help them as well.

LaKeasha took a trip to Korea, while there she started flirting with the idea of a business. But she told us it was still just an idea at this point not a concept. She started working on a logo and idea. She came upon 1987 Juices. The story behind it is remarkable. LaKeasha told us that she was born to teenage parents. However, they left her with her to be raised by her Grandmother, so they both could finish school and work. They both felt it was in the best interest of their daughter, while still being physically present for their daughter. LaKeasha said that her Grandmother was a lunch lady, who was also diabetic. They walked everywhere and she even joked she didn't have her first pop until she got to college. 1987 Juices is paying homage to her family, all of it. :)

Remember how we said, LaKeasha will do something in the spur of the moment and just go for it? Her roommate at the time and now company accountant” said “I dare you to commit to what you’ve become passionate about, full time. You’ve been talking about it, now when you go to your next meeting, don’t come back until here until you put in that 2 weeks notice.” She put it in the next day.

1987 Juices was officially founded in 2019.

Community

The tagline of 1987 Juices is, "Where the Creatives Come to Sip & Sweat"

LaKeasha told us the product is found D2C on their website in addition to pop up events, weekly farmer markets, corporate clients, and collaborations. She stressed the importance of their organic reach which she attributes to the community that has built and developed. She told us the culture is the mindset of the tagline, where creators come together. At one point 85% of all sales came from individuals identifying as self-employed, entertainer, or artists. So we were curious, who are competitors of 1987 Juices and how does 1987 differentiate. The answer we received was really captivating.

LaKeasha explained, "I don't think we have competition, I believe we are unicorns. Everyone has preferences. I like what I like and don't, I stay loyal. We understand we aren't for everyone, but what is special about us is we aren't chasing customers. We are investing in customers." We asked her to elaborate on that...

"Customers filter through our organization. Their first experience with us they are strangers. Then consumers, then part of the community. And even sometimes they become part of our company as employees. But we don't just want them to buy a fresh pressed juice, we want to invest in them all the way through. We have shown up at graduations, worked parties, all sorts of little things for members of our community", she continued.

One of LaKeasha's biggest accomplishments has been grants her company has received. Recently she was awarded $2,500 Community Building Grant from the Enthuse Foundation being sponsored by an old friend of "Together Talks" Inspiro Tequila and Mara Smith (feature # 29)! Check out LaKeasha's LinkedIn post, here!

She also shared with us she just launched a non-profit, Beyond the Bottle. One program is with a local school for a program called, Kids who Juice. This program is between 8-16 weeks where kids learn how to live off a plant-based diet. All meals they are taught don't require a microwave or oven to consume the meals. LaKeasha also said they are working on being available in Watts, CA which is suffering from a food desert. She said it is very important to her and the company to be accessible without secluding anyone. Being available in this area and markets where individuals can get help with EBT and food stamps. The goal is to include everyone.

Partner with KLS

Passion

LaKeasha told us that passion was her first challenge, as she described passion can be a filter. Everything you might have learned you forget about. What was once a fun hobby transforming into a complete business creates added stress. But for LaKeasha it is always about perspective and giving back. She took us through the early stages of the business, but to get there we asked her if she remembered the moment it transition from a fun idea to a business.

2-3 months after she left her corporate job she said reality reared its head. She realized what rent felt like without a stable income. She moved in with roommates, downsized her car, dialed in on building a company. One aspect of 1987 is that not only is it women-owned, but it is a 100% women workforce. She said the culture and atmosphere is very bubbly, high energy (to which she admitted she is probably the most intense!) almost contagious. She said it reminded her of a sorority. But everyone there motivates each other, brings their uniqueness and creativity to the equation and ultimately have a passion for a better health for everyone.

One challenge she said for the remainder of this year and the immediate future is she wants to become fully staffed. Also she wants 1987 Juices to work one of their larger events but in a new state where she can bring the ENTIRE team. She said they have done it in California, but wants to test the concept out in a new state.

Here is 1987 Juices being featured KTLA 5, watch here!

WHAAAAAAAT Moments

LaKeasha explained that the concept of 1987 Juices is simple, "When was the last time you had a bottle of juice go beyond your fridge?" Yes our product can help consumers lose pounds or improve their skin, but we are with our consumers for the long haul. You gain a lifelong family member when you choose 1987 Juices. We don't just offer an incredible product, we provide an experience."

Those experiences create what LaKeasha calls her "WHAT" moments (the highlight of our chat, by the way!)

She gave us a few examples:

They worked the SUPER BOWL this past year. -- WHAAAT

She received an email from a customer who said her Mother was fighting a blood infection which caused her platelets to be abnormally high, but the cleanse was helping bring those numbers down. ---- WHAAAAT

Another customer had Lupis and the juice was really helping their overall health. ---- WHAAAAT

LaKeasha shared a really personal moment as well. She told us her parents were celebrating their anniversary in Aruba. They were facetiming and LaKeasha admitted she was having a rough day on her couch feeling bad. Her Father said they had met members of Keke Palmer's management team on the trip. "My Dad said guess who drinks your product. Here I thought he was just trying to cheer me up. Instead he hands the phone over to this couple who help represent Keke Palmer. We exchange hellos and then they show me their fridge with only two of my juices left, in Aruba!" ---- WHAAAAAAT

Recently they set up a non-profit. ------ WHAAAAAAT

She stated how of course there are difficult times and everyone feels like quitting, but she thinks back to the community or her team members. LaKeasha said "even if you're having a bad day, if your heart is focused on serving it can always turn around". LaKeasha told us about taking care of yourself first, "You can't help anyone with an empty cup. Fill your cup first so then you can help others." And she always resorts back to thinking about the moments and experiences. The events held prior to Covid, the conversations, the random life events the company has attended, understanding that people really believe in the story and the product.

We closed our chat asking LaKeasha what she envisions for the future. She told us while she never knows what will come next, she is embracing the journey. "This started out not as a business but an idea to help myself. I'm now the owner of a company. My end goal is this to be something that lasts well beyond me. To do that I believe I need to continue to find the processes that can be duplicated over and over. 1987 Juices will continue to focus on and work to enhance the communities we serve. We want to help people and will hopefully help people help people within their communities."

Where Creatives Come to Sip and Sweat ;)

Purchase your 1987 Juices here and use the coupon code below!

KLS10 - 10% off

Interested in being featured with "Together Talks"?

In Closing

KLS wants to thank 1987 Juices and LaKeasha Brown, Founder, for today's "Together Talks" feature. Keep up to date with 1987 Juices by following their blog on their website, check it out here. Follow along for the 1987 Juices journey with their social handles below!

LinkedIn / Facebook / Instagram / Tiktok / Pinterest / YouTube

Also check out where 1987 Juices has been featured in the following publications below!

LA Times / Voyage LA / Travel Noire / KTLA

Klimson Logistics Solutions - Together Talks with 1987 Juices feature # 56

*Klimson Logistics Solutions is an Industry Leading Customer Service 3PL. Our focus and commitment to our clients has us striving to be the BEST customer service 3PL for LTL, FTL, Reefer, and Drayage in the country. KLS, freight company, is a 3PL providing nationwide logistics solutions. KLS shipping services include: LTL freight, FTL freight, Reefer LTL freight, Reefer FTL freight, and Drayage. Klimson Logistics Solutions thanks you for viewing our marketing campaign, "Together Talks". If you have any interest in being featured or questions regarding your freight operations please contact us today!

Why KLS?

Our precise and reliable effort.

We handle every shipment with the exact same process. It does not matter if you move one shipment a year or ten per day, you will receive the same level of customer service from us. When we started this company, we had one goal in mind, treat every shipment like it was our own. With our vast knowledge of the industry, we understood what a customer would want from a communication standpoint. We applied that process to be the standard here at KLS. Our reliability and being able to depend on our consistency is why we have such long-standing relationships with our clients.

Our Process?

Every shipment in our industry starts with a quote. We are firm believers that time is money, thus we strive to have quotes back in a 5-10 minute reply time for LTL and FTL, any FCL quotes are at the mercy of the carriers getting back to us. For LTL we have the flexibility to quote both off of NMFC and also Density depending on the carrier. Utilizing our services, you’re allowing us to use our expertise to class your freight accordingly to ensure we are providing the best rate we possibly can.

Once a quote has been submitted and a client chooses to proceed with KLS handling the arrangement of the shipment our full process begins. We create the BOL that will be used for the shipment. If it is a new location for our system, we will obtain all the important/special details (reference numbers, contact details, shipping hours, closed for lunch, dock/doors, etc.). We meticulously build every detail into our software for all future shipments involving that location. After we have both locations built and necessary reference numbers have been applied we will tender the shipment to the carrier. We use this method because it provides us a real time pickup number from the carrier to obtain updates prior to pickup. Our staff will either email the BOL directly to you or to the shipper (at your request) the minute after the tender has been accepted by the carrier. LTL carriers require a 2 hour window prior to close time in order to schedule it for a same-day pickup attempt.

The following morning you’ll receive an email from us. It will either provide the reason the pickup was missed (driver’s trailer filled up, driver missed the close time, truck broke down, shipper said no freight, etc.) or if the pickup was successful you will receive the PRO (tracking) number from us, along with the eta for delivery. Our staff will track it throughout the duration of transit and advise if anything happens that will alter the estimated delivery date. The day the shipment delivers we will email you with confirmation and the POD (Proof of Delivery), should you require it.

Your shipment has been quoted, scheduled, picked up, and delivered. The next step is waiting for the carrier to invoice us and make sure the rate matches up. If it does, we close out the invoice from the carrier in our system and automatically your invoice is created and sent to the requested party at your company. In the event the carrier has an additional charge on their invoice “Variance”, we will never send you an invoice with an additional charge without first identifying you of the charge.

Let us repeat, NEVER WILL WE JUST BILL OUT AN EXTRA CHARGE WITHOUT YOU BEING NOTIFIED.

You are our customer, we represent you. Should the carrier provide an extra charge on an invoice, “Lift gate, additional weight, reclass, detention, etc.) We notify you of the charge via email first. Second, within that email we identify what is required should you choose to dispute the charge. Again our goal is to honor your request, if you want to dispute, we will dispute. During a dispute we will provide you updates every step along the way. Once a dispute is closed out, whether it is approved or rejected, then we will invoice you as the invoice has been resolved.

For reference, our company only had 6.2% of all shipments go to dispute in 2022 and we successfully won 91% of those disputes on behalf of our customers.

This is our process for every single shipment you move with us. We don’t cut corners, we don’t hide from difficult situations. We believe in being available, honest, and transparent. We don’t ever want to tell you that a shipment is lost, damaged, misrouted, but it is our duty to notify you the second we find out something has gone wrong. We hate to present bad news, but it is part of the job. What you can guarantee is that we will work a shipment all the way through and turn over every stone until we get a resolution for our clients.

Services offered?

Our core business is LTL and FTL. Within these options we have options for both dry and refrigerated/frozen. We also offer FCL/Drayage options. Our company as a 3PL has nationwide options and services clients across the US.

Let’s breakdown our services more in-depth

LTL: Standard and Guaranteed CFS (Imports & Exports) Tradeshows Hazmat Anything that is on a pallet can be moved LTL. Typically LTL is up to 10 pallets, but the sweet spot for a carrier is 6-8 pallets at most for an individual shipment. LTL quotes are good between 5-30 days depending on the carrier. LTL can be quoted either via NMFC or density to determine the class (we do this for you).

Volume: Anything over 10-12’ of space in the truck is the technical rule for a volume shipment. When we run a quote for you we will determine if it qualifies for volume and provide you a rate if available. Volume moves allow you to get a reduced rate for larger shipments. The caveat to volume shipments it the quotes are only valid for 3-7 days and they move on capacity between terminals. If a terminal is backed up they will move their LTL freight first before the volume freight, which can lead to longer transit times for volume moves.

FTL/Dedicated/Expedited: 53’ Dry and Reefer 26’ Box trucks with lift gate Sprinter Van The main difference for FTL vs LTL is space and transit time. For standard pallets you can fit either 26 or 30 pallets in a 53’ dry van. The other main difference is transit time, for FTL each day counts in the transit time, whereas LTL does not count the day of pickup, weekends, or holidays in their transit time.

Reefer/Frozen: LTL and FTL We specialize working in the CPG space with food manufacturers. We regularly deliver to the following locations: Kehe UNFI Core Mark DPI Wegmans Cugini H.T. Hackney Netrition HEB ALDI Chambers and Owens EBY Brown Nassau Candy Harris Teeter Wakefern NU INC Long Distribution

What makes KLS different?

There are thousands for freight brokers and 3PL in our industry. Barrier to entry is rather easy and agents or owners will often hire sales people without any intention of properly training them. It results in high turnover for many freight companies and a forgettable experience for the client. We choose to operate differently through our consistency. We truly care about doing right by our clients and prospects too. While we would love to help provide our services to every company we speak with, that just isn’t realistic. We won’t always be the right fit for every company that moves freight and that is ok. Our authenticity as a shipping company sets us apart from the competition and that is backed up by our testimonials. We also run a marketing campaign bi-weekly called “Together Talks”. We interview, highlight, and promote two businesses every week. Our goal is to grow our network, make new connections, and learn something new with each collaboration. Check it out on our website and if you’re interested in being featured reach out.

Our company also runs a year long charity promotion. Book your first shipment through KLS and we donate to the charity of your choice in your name. Our way of thanking you for giving us an opportunity to show you the KLS way and what makes us one of a kind. This entire package is what we offer to every prospect and every client. Our goal is to help provide answers that customers may have when it comes to shipping. We want to always be available as a resource and will always offer a lending hand whenever we can.