We recently connected with Isoke Springer and have shared our conversation below.
Isoke, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
When you are the only one in the room, it’s hard not to notice. At first, I think to myself “Wow I’m the only one”. Then , I immediately think “I belong here”. I start to go over the reasons in my head of why it could’ve been me , but then I affirm to myself what an honor it is to be here . I get the opportunity to challenge so many people of a different backgrounds to hold back their prejudice and experience a black womans work in real time.
Our conversations around entrepreneurship and creativity are rooted in culture even when im the only one in the room that looks like me.A culture thats historically molded by the black community.
I’ve learned the most effective way to show up is by showing up as myself. My original ideas are the blueprint to success.I am the representation that speaks to uplift likeminded creatives across the diaspora.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My name is Isoke Springer. I am a 25 year old small , black woman owned ,mobile juice business owner based in Oakland,California. I started my business 3 years ago when I came back from visiting my dad in the Virgin Island of St.Croix. In the islands, he taught me how to extract juice out of some of my favorite fruits that grow directly on our land like Soursop, Mango, Starfruit and more.
My father and I took this time to bond because due to being incarcerated most of my life we never got a real chance too. I was adopted and raised in the Bay Area by my aunt and uncle at 6 years old when my mother passed of stage 4 breast cancer. My brand was born so I could feel connected to my father & my culture even all the way in Oakland. I want to share the part of me that is not branded in traumatic events with the city of Oakland because the town embraces rich culture with open arms.
Sokes Swig has partnered with many local businesses & events! In the future, we are looking to continue partnering with locals and community outreach like free juice classes , ebooks & more coming soon!
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?
The most impactful skills and qualities have to be determination, faith and delusion. Determination is number one because without that you won’t make it through people rejecting you. There will be what feels like a million Nos before you get a Yes, don’t take No for an answer. I said faith because God has already planned everything I just have to keep showing up. Lastly, you need to believe so much in your business so much that you seem delusional to other people. People will ask you “how’s your lil business going?” trying to downplay all the work you’ve done because you aren’t where THEY think you should be. I continue to show up even in a slow season!
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I would love to collaborate with the Warriors & Ayesha Curry’s Brand Sweet July. This collaboration would be great because the Warriors are always sending the elevator down to grassroots movements in the Bay Area. More specifically the Curry’s head many organizations that are making significant impact. For example , their Eat.Learn Play Foundation where they bring opportunities to kids in Oakland to eat nutritious meals , learn from literacy tool & play and stay active !
Sokes Swig is on the same mission by providing fresh, all natural Caribbean drinks to food deserts in Oakland. There is a corner store on every block in Oakland with no healthy and tasty options. We are aiming to change that narrative. One interaction at a time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sokesswig.com/
- Instagram: @sokesswig
- Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/isoke-springer-963a83199
