Today we’d like to introduce you to Will Gilstrap.
Hi Will, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve had a lot of very different jobs in my life. Most of them were just a paycheck to me. I eventually came to the realization that I needed to have a job that brings non-monetary value. Deciding on the type of business wasn’t too hard. I wanted to create something that I myself believe in. I value health. Whether that’s physical, spiritual, or mental, it’s important that I offer a product that is uplifting to others. Something I can proudly stand beside. I’ve pretty much just been figuring it out as I go. I jokingly tell people “it’s me, ChatGPT, and Jesus”. None of this would be possible without my lord and savior Jesus Christ. That’s the real driving force behind this little smoothie trailer.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I went into this knowing that I would have a lot of learning to do. I pretty much had no idea how to do any of it. Learning the legal parameters first then talking to the other food truck owners at the commissary kitchen has been the two main things. And there’s always something breaking down and needing to fixed. Patience is key. Faith is God is a must. There’s a lot of evil out there. I’ve noticed that the more this business glorifies God, the more that I get a target on my back. And that’s ok because God uses the ugliest situations and turns it into beauty.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
The product we sell is healthy smoothies. I cut all the fruit myself. I don’t add sugar unless someone specifically requests it. We also have a ton of supplements to add to the smoothies which the gym folks love. I think our product sets us apart in the sense that it caters to what each person is looking for without making anything packed with sugar. But here’s what is most important: reaching others with love. In this day and age it just feels like everyone is wearing blinders and folks can really self isolate themselves even if they live in a busy city. It’s important to me that people know that they have neighbors that love them. I want people to know that they have a savior that is always beside them! I have a “Bible Vitamin” jar that’s full of short scriptures from the Bible. My prayer is that they pull one that they needed to hear. A divine reading, if you will. I also have a “Prayer Request” box with a clipboard, paper, and pen. Lots of folks come and write a prayer request and leave it in the box. I believe there’s so much power in prayer. I never read what folks write. I just lift them up to God and pray that He hears them and comforts the folks that wrote them. I also slap a sticker on each cup that has a different and unique Bible verse. I’ve seen God work right in front of my very eyes several times, right from the inside of that trailer. Loving God and loving our neighbors is what makes this business so special.
Any big plans?
LiveWell Smoothies only started July and it’s growing so fast! Now that I have some experience under my belt, I’m excited to take on bigger and more challenging events! I’m always coming up with new ideas for the future. I’m really liking the idea of having a brick and mortar restaurant which could also serve as a base of operations to more mobile trucks. I’m also thinking about diversifying and cooking up some tasty, healthy, meal preps. Sky is the limit! But for now, I’m just trying to be a student and to lean on God as much as possible.
Pricing:
- 20oz Smoothies range from $6.99 to $8.49
- Kids 12oz Smoothie $5.99
- Preworkout Slushie $5.49
- 4oz Wellness Shot $2.99
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @LiveWell_Smoothies
- Facebook: https://Www.facebook.com/LiveWellSmoothies
