How did you two meet?
It was fate! We seemed to have multiple common denominators and connections that kept overlapping and leading us back to one another. We are so different in many ways but have the most compatible working relationship. Our complementary skill sets allow us to divide and conquer. Both creatives at heart, Jewel is our innovative formulator and sources the best ingredients in the country, while Taylor is the growth marketing and analytical half of Juna.
What was the inspiration behind Juna-World?
In an era of sensory and schedule overload, our bodies work in overdrive to maintain biological harmony. As female founders, entrepreneurs and mothers we experienced this first hand. True necessity led us to the creation of Juna. Juna is redefining wellness by creating plant powered formulas to optimize mind, body, mood and sleep.
How did you come up with the name for your business?
Naming is such a rewarding process. It really makes you understand your consumer and messaging. Juna’s name is twofold:
First and foremost the goddess Juno is the goddess of feminine vitality, life.
We were exploring enclaves over time of influential women that were known to use cannabis. One of the enclaves we came across and inspired the name was Peggy Guggenheim in the late 50’s early 60’s. Her friends Djuna Barnes (arguably the first erotic writer of her time), Alice B Toklas (an early cannabis chef, known for her hashish brownies), and Peggy the ultimate curator.
So Juna was a word we made up as a hybrid of those two inspirations.
Have you worked in this industry before? What brought you here?
Jewel: My background as a fine-dining pastry chef and certified sommelier informs my ingredient-focused approach to hemp alchemy. I launched my first chocolate collection, {cocoa} absolute, with Barneys New York in 2009, infusing single-origin chocolate with naturally occurring mood enhancers, cannabinoid anandamide and polyphenol antioxidants found in the cacao bean to intensify the physiological benefits of the chocolate.
After learning the science of chocolate my curiosity peaked to experiment with additional botanical actives and plant extracts, and challenge these actives to stay in the purest, palatable state possible. After years of research and development, building close relationships with farmers, chemists, and medical experts, I founded Juna with the goal of creating effective formulas by unlocking the plant potential.
Taylor: In contrast to Jewel’s background, I am an experienced growth marketing leader with a proven track record for significantly driving accelerated business growth. My days are filled with distilling analytical data, human psychology, identifying behavioral trends, growth opportunities, new acquisition channels and developing and implementing specific strategies. In addition to daily work activities, I sit on a start-up advisory board that helps mentor college students who are launching their careers as well as a fashion startup.
After becoming pregnant with my first child, I found an increased awareness in my health, balance and well-being. Similar to optimizing ad campaigns, I found myself on a journey to help optimize wellness through plant-powered biohacking. Juna's organic, full-spectrum formulas improve mood and balance, reduce stress and improve sleep.
Any surprises or key learnings as you’ve grown the business?
Jewel: We’ve been surprised by how we’ve been able to connect with so many other female founders, farmers, writers and advisors in positive and impactful ways. For example, we recently worked on a BETTER TOGETHER campaign with 36 other female founders to raise awareness of small businesses wit female founders.
Taylor: I’m in constant awe of how valuable good connections are. So many previous business connections, past co-workers, mentors, friends, and even family have proven to be invaluable for advice and support with Juna.
What’s been the biggest challenge when founding Juna-World?
Jewel: Time, there is never enough time to accomplish everything I'd like to. The world is so big and I have so many ideas for products, engagement and climate.
Taylor: Budget and bandwidth! We have an endless laundry list of great ideas that we are excited to start executing on once we have the additional capital to do so.
If you could describe one another in one word, what would that be and why?
Jewel: Analytical, Taylor is able to distill content and get to the root of anything quickly and find a real effective solution; she is beyond efficient.
Taylor: Bon vivant. Jewel knows, lives and enjoys all the good things in life. This is especially true with good food and drink—her and her husband are chefs! She’s all about the quality over quantity. I’m beyond impressed with her knowledge of ingredients including cannabis, hemp and botanicals. In addition to that, she is amazingly creative and loves to think outside the box and push boundaries.
What is your superpower?
Jewel: I would say I'm a collector of information and at the exact time I need it and am able to harvest it. Whether it's science, a formulation, a recipe, a phone number or a contact made in another life. Ultimately, this collection of information has brought me to this specific point in time in my life.
Taylor: Maybe it’s from my Gemini sign, but I think I’m great at seeing things from multiple and different perspectives which really helps when creating a customer focused brand. I use this skill along with the data I am able to collect, to help make clear decisions for the business. I also am undefeated in ping pong!
What’s your kryptonite?
Jewel: Probably caffeine. I love coffee, but too much, or the wrong blend can throw my entire day off. I love to use Juna Balance drops to counter the effects of caffeine jitters.
Taylor: Cooking (but really eating), white wine, and true crime. It’s definitely my guilty pleasure and I hesitantly admit that I watch and listen to way too many true crime podcasts and shows. Hello Dateline with a side of cookie dough!
Do you have any unusual routines or habits?
Jewel: Ever since I was a teenager the first thing I do when I wake up is drink a huge glass or water. I must have read it somewhere but it's stuck with me ever since. Sometimes I add vinegar or lemon but mostly, it's straight up. This is then followed by coffee and Juna balance drops--every single day.
Taylor: I practice intermittent fasting during the week so I try not to consume anything with calories until 11am or noon. I’m religious about starting my day with a large lemon water and then a black coffee with Juna Balance drops. Lately I have to stick to decaf since I’m breastfeeding my newborn. At night, I love to wind down with a glass of wine or Juna’s Jade Cannabis drops (pre-baby/breastfeeding) and a bath. With a newborn around though, I’m lucky if I have time for a quick shower!
Do you have any other hobbies/things you like to do? What do you geek out about?
Jewel: I am obsessed with the experience of food and wine. I love to understand the science behind everything and how to make sure I can get the most out of it. My experience with both of these is elevated when I understand it to its fullest. I also love finding makers and growers that are just as obsessed with quality, flavor and science as I am so I know I'm getting the best of the best.
I've recently started to explore the energy of what I am putting into my body, how that affected the food and water, and how it will then affect me as a whole. We are all connected.
Taylor: I’m on a lifelong journey to educate and optimize my health & wellness. From traditional ayurvedic practices to red light therapy and keto diets, I’m always trying new workouts and love learning about and testing biohacking tricks and trends. I love listening to wellness podcasts like mindbodygreen, Ben Greenfield Fitness, and Bulletproof to keep up to date on new practices.
Do you have advice for other female entrepreneurs?
Get scrappy, create a great network of mentors and never hesitate to ask for help.