When it comes to business, Kiara Jefferson infuses wellness into everything she does. A decade ago, she provided economic mobility for vulnerable populations as a community financial services advocate in Ferguson, Missouri. Three years ago, she shifted to supporting new mothers and their babies as a postpartum doula in Washington. Today, she channels that same passion into Alchemy Tea and Juice, turning locally sourced ingredients into vibrant cold-pressed juices, wellness shots, and tea blends. She also actively participates in learning opportunities hosted by Business Impact NW.
Kiara’s Alchemy Tea and Juice line includes unique blends like Glow-Up, designed to infuse wellness into everyday routines.
“Alchemy is the pride and joy of both my lived and worked experience,” Kiara explains. “I’ve lived many lives as a young professional, and because of that, I know there are lots of people who experience burnout; who maybe want to add some wellness and self-care into their daily routine, but don’t know how. I choose juice and tea because it’s a simple way to replenish and sustain what your body needs to feel good.”
From St. Louis to Seattle
Kiara originally started Alchemy in her hometown of St. Louis, Missouri. At the time, she was looking for ways to integrate wellness into her own busy days as a working mom. She later revamped the business after moving to the Seattle area in 2023.
She had relocated for a new job, supporting at-risk girls through a nonprofit organization. The group provides learning opportunities in education, STEAM, advocacy, and social and emotional wellbeing as teens prepare for college. Her goal was to create innovative ways for local youth—and for her own teenage daughter—to be introduced to potential career pathways.
In doing so, she realized it only made sense to relocate Alchemy as well. The move demonstrated firsthand how being a flexible, successful entrepreneur is achievable for future generations.
More Than Juice: A Business With Purpose
At its core, the business partners with re-entry support organizations that provide workforce development, training, and employment pathways for people who have been justice-impacted. The mission is to create a path to live well, drink well, and earn well. This aspiration comes from Kiara’s time supporting the Ferguson community response for those impacted—both directly and indirectly—by the shooting of Michael Brown in 2014.
Customers can also recycle their glass juice shot bottles at the Shoreline Farmers Market by dropping them off at the Alchemy Tea and Juice booth.
“I worked alongside a team that strived to rebuild wraparound economic services for the community,” she says. “From that experience, I saw how people can view others who are impacted by the justice system. Sometimes people choose to do wrong, but how about the person who wants to do right and do better after serving their time? It’s about helping them get on their feet through resources, support, and saying, ‘Let’s give you an opportunity to thrive instead of survive.’ I would love for Alchemy to be a space to not only champion wellness, but to champion that re-entry support and advocate for people who we may sometimes turn a blind eye to.”
A place to learn, grow, and thrive
Since April, Kiara has been exploring ways to expand her business and move closer to her mission. During that time, she started by participating as a vendor in the Celebrating Dreams showcase. Next, she attended a series of Launch & Grow classes, which then led her to explore the Food & Farm Business Incubator Program.
“Being part of this program is so helpful, especially for a small business like mine,” she says. “I need guidance on marketing and learning the required regulations. It’s great to not feel so alone in the process. I also love having access to the test kitchen to explore recipe and product ideas.”
One of the most valuable parts of the experience for Kiara has been learning alongside other business owners.
Kiara stands behind her table at the Shoreline Farmers Market, where she serves up a variety of unique juice and teas blends you won’t find anywhere else.
“Some have been in business for many years and some are just starting out, like myself,” Kiara says. “It’s very impactful to be surrounded by a group of peers who may be going through some of what you’re going through, or who have already been there, so they can give advice.”
She also connected with other participants through cohort meetings tied to her classes, using those conversations to think through her goals and next steps.
Tips for others
When asked if she has any advice for others who want to start their own small business, Kiara didn’t hesitate to say: “Just Do it. Do it scared, and with questions. Do it no matter what state you’re in, if it’s something you want to pursue. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, and know that the mentorship offered by this organization can turn obstacles you may be facing alone into opportunities you can navigate together.
Show your support
You can support Kiara—and your own whole-body wellness—through Alchemy’s online store and on Saturdays (through October) at the Shoreline Farmers Market.
McKenna Ownby, owner of Elevated Editorial, is a writer, editor, and storyteller based in the Pacific Northwest. With over a decade of experience working with words to serve a variety of platforms and audiences, she specializes in bringing people-centered stories to life through her passions for nature, sustainability, wellness, and parenting.
