We were lucky to catch up with Stephanie Castillo recently and have shared our conversation below.
Stephanie, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Growing up, I wrestled with self-esteem issues and battled through periods of deep depression. As the oldest daughter in my family, I often felt the weight of expectations, especially those of my parents. Being a first-generation college student, I pursued a degree in business simply because it seemed like a practical path, and I admired my grandfather’s success as a business owner.
College wasn’t easy. I struggled with doubts about my abilities and questioned whether I was on the right path. Despite graduating with my degree, I still felt lost, unsure of where my talents truly lay. I believed I was a “jack of all trades,” competent in many things but a master of none. It was a confusing and uncertain time in my life.
In 2022, just a few years after graduation, my life took a profound turn. Struggling with a deep-seated depression that left me feeling purposeless, I found myself in a dark place, questioning the meaning of my existence. My health suffered as a result; I neglected myself, leading to troubling gut health issues that seemed insurmountable at the time.
Then, one day, in the midst of my despair, I had a life-changing encounter with God. It was an unexpected moment of clarity and peace, where I felt His presence like never before. After praying for God to show Himself to me because I doubted His existence due to the lack of meaning life had; He appeared to me in what felt like a dream but I knew I was awake in His presence. In that divine moment, I realized that my life had a purpose far greater than I had ever imagined.
This encounter ignited a transformation within me, I began to prioritize my health, starting with a clean diet that focused on healing my gut. As my physical health improved, so did my mental and emotional well-being. I found new energy and clarity, and a renewed sense of purpose began to emerge.
Slowly, I began to understand that my journey wasn’t about meeting others’ expectations or following a predetermined path. It was about discovering the gifts and passions God had placed within me. I started exploring different opportunities, volunteering, and trying new things. I discovered that I had a knack for organizing events and connecting with people, skills I had never fully appreciated before.
As I leaned into prayer and sought God’s guidance, doors began to open. I found myself drawn to roles where I could use my organizational skills and passion for people to make a positive impact. Whether it was helping coordinate community events or mentoring new believers, I found fulfillment in serving others and bringing a little bit of God’s love into their lives.
It was during this time that I revisited my business, VitaJug Smoothies. Originally launched out of a simple desire to follow in my grandfather’s entrepreneurial footsteps, it had lost its spark over the years. However, with my newfound perspective and passion for health and God, I saw an opportunity to reinvent VitaJug Smoothies with a deeper meaning.
In 2023, VitaJug Smoothies was relaunched not just as a business, but as a vehicle for helping others on their health journey. My goal became clear: to promote wellness in body, soul, and spirit, aligning with God’s will for me to serve others and make a positive impact in their lives. It was through this journey of rediscovering myself and my purpose that I stumbled upon Ephesians 2:10: “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” These words resonated deeply with me, confirming that God had a plan for my life all along. I realized that my abilities and experiences were not random nor unfortunate; they were intricately woven into God’s design for me to fulfill His purposes.
Through this journey, I realized that my purpose wasn’t just about a career or achieving success by the world’s standards. It was about living out God’s plan for my life, embracing the unique way He had designed me, and using my talents to glorify Him and bless others. I may have started uncertain and feeling inadequate, but God’s promise in Ephesians 2:10 became a guiding light, reminding me that I am His masterpiece, created for a purpose that only I can fulfill.
Today, I find that fulfillment and joy in knowing that I am walking in God’s will, using my business to help others achieve holistic health and wellness. My journey from depression and purposelessness to clarity and purpose is a testament to God’s faithfulness and the transformative power of His love.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
For a little over a year now, I’ve had the privilege of serving as the Chief Executive Officer, Founder, and only staff member of VitaJug Smoothies. During this time, I’ve initiated on a journey of community engagement and holistic healing that goes beyond traditional wellness offerings. As VitaJug Smoothies, I’ve actively participated in numerous vendor markets, creating opportunities to connect with our community and share my passion for holistic health. Additionally, my commitment to spreading VitaJug’s message has led to invitations to appear on over three podcast shows and two radio stations. These platforms have allowed us to reach a wider audience and inspire others with our unique approach to wellness.
Our approach combines nutritious smoothies with activities that promote mental and spiritual wellbeing. For instance, I’ve hosted Worship Workout events where participants exercise while praising and connecting with God spiritually. I’ve also organized city clean-up events, encouraging our community to come together for a greater cause. Prayer walks are another special cornerstone of VitaJug’s philosophy, allowing individuals to find peace and reflection in their surroundings.
As far as the smoothies I have put together myself, they’re not only crafted for their nutritional value but also to enhance overall wellbeing. Each blend is designed to support physical health whether you’re seeking a boost of energy, mental clarity, or simply a moment of relaxation, our offerings are tailored to nourish every aspect of your being.
Looking ahead, I am excited to continue expanding our community initiatives and enhancing our menu with new, innovative smoothie recipes. With the support of our recent and future sponsors, our vision is to one day establish a brick-and-mortar location where individuals can immerse themselves in a journey of healing and transformation for their entire being. This physical space will serve as a sanctuary for holistic wellness, offering not only nutritious smoothies but also spiritual guidance and community-focused activities that nourish the body, soul, and spirit. We envision a place where people can gather, hold meetings and bible studies, participate in events like Worship Workouts, engage in city clean-up initiatives, join prayer walks, and experience a fresh approach to wellness.
Through this brick-and-mortar establishment, I aim to deepen our impact on the community, providing a supportive environment where individuals will find peace, restoration, and inspiration. I am excited about the possibilities ahead and grateful for the support that is helping VitaJug Smoothies move closer to realizing this vision.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back into the areas of my life that were most impactful in my journey, I’d say they would be: 1) The business management training I received in college. 2) The listening skills I attained being a quiet reserved person for majority of my life, who everyone felt comfortable sharing with. 3) The organizational skills I acquired growing up as the eldest daughter cleaning after younger siblings.
All of these skills have been instrumental in facilitating the success of my business VitaJug Smoothies and Wellness Center in several keyways. For example, understanding business finances is crucial for profitability. Business management skills help in budgeting, managing cash flow, setting prices, and analyzing financial statements. Knowing how to market smoothies and wellness services effectively is essential. Business management skills have helped in identifying target markets, developing marketing strategies, and optimizing sales techniques.
Listening skills are vital when it comes to listening to customer feedback for understanding preferences, improving products, and enhancing customer satisfaction. It allows the business to adapt and evolve based on the demands of its clientele. Effective listening also fosters a positive work environment by ensuring that employees feel valued and heard. This can lead to higher morale, productivity, and retention rates among staff members.
Organizational skills have helped me in the smooth operations of daily tasks and workflows. This includes managing my schedule, prioritizing tasks, and maintaining a clean and organized workspace. Organizational skills have also helped in delivering excellent customer service by ensuring timely responses to inquiries, efficient order processing, and creating a pleasant environment for customers.
If I could give folks who are early in their journey, it would be to find their purpose and passion, focus on personal growth, and align their values with Gods will. By finding their purpose and passion, I mean understand the deeper purpose behind your career and endeavors. Reflect on why you are passionate about what you do and how it contributes to solving problems or making a difference in your community. As you do this, continuously seek personal growth and development. This could involve self-reflection, seeking mentorship, or engaging in activities that nurture your spiritual and personal well-being. Lastly, ensure that your career aligns with your values and beliefs. Understanding God’s plan and purpose for your life can provide a strong foundation for making meaningful decisions and pursuing goals that resonate with your core beliefs.
Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
Believe it or not, the Holy Bible has been the most transformative book in my personal and professional development journey. Despite reading numerous entrepreneurial and self-help books in my life-time, nothing has impacted me more profoundly than the wisdom found within its pages. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is from Matthew 6:33, which instructs us to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and ALL things shall be added to you.” This verse has become the cornerstone of my business philosophy, reminding me to prioritize spiritual values and integrity over mere material success.
Another pivotal passage that has guided my entrepreneurial endeavors is the depiction of the Proverbs 31 woman who bought land and owned businesses. Her characteristics—such as wisdom, diligence, and compassion—have inspired me to emulate these virtues in my own business practices. This biblical archetype serves as a timeless example of effective leadership and entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of character and service.
Moreover, my new-found faith journey has taught me that God provides confidence through Christ and dispels fear. Prior to reading and understanding this book, I was a person with poor communication skills due to my low self-esteem. The assurance that comes from knowing I am supported and guided by a higher power has empowered me to navigate challenges with resilience and optimism. This faith-based perspective has transformed my approach to business, and my overall way of being, by fostering an environment where creativity flourishes, risks are calculated, and relationships are nurtured.
Ultimately, integrating biblical principles into my business has not only enhanced its success but has also deepened its impact and purpose. By aligning my actions with divine guidance, I have cultivated a business that prioritizes ethical practices, values-driven leadership, and holistic growth. The Holy Bible continues to serve as my ultimate guidebook, offering timeless wisdom that transcends conventional business strategies and enriches every aspect of my personal and professional journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.VitaJugSmoothies.com
- Instagram: @VitaJugs and @IamFanieSaved
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VitaJugs
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@VitaJugSmoothies
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