The Dripping Root

The Dripping Root is a female Black-owned business soon to open on Minnehaha, specializing in cold-pressed natural juices, smoothie bowls, chia seed pudding and kombucha. Delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, The Dripping Root, hopes to open its doors soon.
The ADX team met with The Dripping Root owner, Catiesha Pierson, to learn more about The Dripping Root and about her experience trying to launch a business during the pandemic.
ADX: Tell us your story. How did you get started in the cold-pressed juice business?
The Dripping Root: I started juicing in 2013 as a healthy way to consume nutrients. Two years ago, I began posting the juice I made on social media. People took a huge liking to what I was doing, and I started selling juice out of 16 oz. plastic cups all around town. Word spread and demand only got bigger.
ADX: What is your vision for The Dripping Root?
The Dripping Root: I’ve always had an interest in health and wellness, and I saw a need within the community for more nutritious options in the Twin Cities. My vision for The Dripping Root is to break the lines between health and wellness and culture—to create a space of positive energy, healing and togetherness. The Dripping Root will be the only Black-owned juice bar in MN and I hope many others follow soon after.
ADX: How did the pandemic affect your opening?
The Dripping Root: The pandemic and the killing of George Floyd was a blessing and a curse. The pandemic hit just after I signed my lease which then put some huge delays in the mix. After the killing of George Floyd there were so many emotions, not just for me but for everyone: sadness, anger, fear. But it also brought change. Some of these events happened not too far away from the juice bar’s location. I just kept thinking to myself that The Dripping Root was the rose in the garden that was left to bloom. It remained there for a reason and that reason was to grow.
ADX: Do you feel supported by the community?
The Dripping Root: The community really has been the center of making every- thing possible. Without the community, I wouldn’t be where I am today. My mother has also been my backbone during the process. She started a GoFundMe that helped raise funds for The Dripping Root. I ask myself, “Why me? How did I get so lucky?” My why is because the vision was no longer about me; it became bigger than me.

CTA: Please follow The Dripping Root for the latest on their opening: https://www.thedrippingroot.com/

To support The Dripping Root’s GoFundMe campaing, visit: https://gf.me/u/yjq7yy