We’ve got a juicy secret for you… we know where to get the best juice in town.

Back in March of this year, Akeem Streater – AKA Dr. O.J. – decided he wanted to provide Charlotte with a simple, fresh and healthy way to support people on their path to wellness. To do this, he created Dr. O.J.’s Organic Juice and began bottling organic orange juice and lemonade.

Each morning, Dr. O.J. wakes up to make a fresh batch of juice using a cold-press juicing method that allows the juices to retain the maximum amount of nutrients and flavor from the fruit. What goes into his juices is so simple that you might not believe it, with each juice only using one or two ingredients. Dr. O.J.’s orange juice is made with, you guessed it, organic oranges and the lemonade is made with lemons and apples. That’s it. Nothing else. No added sugars, preservatives, or chemicals. The juices are perfectly simple and simply perfect.

We love seeing Charlotteans (especially the rare ones who were born and raised here) doing the things they are passionate about and doing it well. Once Dr. O.J. appeared on our radar we knew we had to help spread the word about his stellar products. Below you’ll find a Q&A with the doctor himself about his juice, what it’s like starting a small business in the Queen City and what he hopes for the future.

Drink two bottles of OJ, read this interview and call us in the morning. Doctor’s orders.

When did you start your company? What inspired you to do it?

I started Dr. O.J.’s Organic Juice March of this year. My purpose was to provide a way for communities in food deserts to have a way to fresh, clean, healthy juicing options. That’s one reason we provide delivery options for our juices. 

What is your mission?

My mission is to have a food truck or storefront, somewhere accessible for those in the low-income and food desert communities. 

What is your background? How did you get started with juice? 

My background is in entrepreneurship, this is one of three businesses I started. I got started with juicing by going on my own health journey. My health journey turned into wanting to help others on their journey to a better well-being. I am currently in the process of getting my holistic nutrition certificate to be certified in helping others with nutrition dealing with the mind, body and spirit. 

Where do you produce the juice? How can we buy it?

Our products are currently produced in-house. For shipping options, you can visit our site at drojjuice.bigcartel.com. All local delivery options are taken by text at 704-706-4329 and must be an order minimum of 3 juices. 

What were some obstacles you had to overcome to get started?

I think the first obstacle most entrepreneurs have when wanting to start a business is actually starting. It took me a while to become confident in my juices and actually go ahead and go full steam ahead with the business. Learning what ingredients go good with each other, while maintaining the proper nutrition was an obstacle I overcame. 

What are some of your biggest obstacles now? 

Gaining capital to expand has been a current constant obstacle, so to combat that I work full time also to be able to keep investing and growing the company. Gaining entry into smaller local markets that carry locally made brand products is a small obstacle we are currently working on. 

What about Charlotte makes this a good place to start a business? What makes it hard here?

Charlotte is great place for entrepreneurs in my opinion, it is steadily growing and expanding in different areas. Even though the cost of living is slowly going up, Charlotte’s cost of living is still low compared to most growing cities, so saving money for business is a little easier. I don’t think there is really anything in Charlotte that makes it hard here as an entrepreneur. I feel it’s all on how hard you work and network with others. 

This time next year, what are your biggest hopes for your business?

This time next year I hope the business is known for great juice and loving energy around the city. To have that juice bar or juice truck is also a goal. 

You make Orange Juice and Lemonade now. Any new products on the horizon?

Yes, we are currently working on a couple of green juices and a special juice just for the Carolina’s. So be sure to stay on the lookout for those!