Boss Women of the RGV: Ingrid Monserrat, Creator of The Healing Factory Juice& Co.
The Healing Factory Juice & Co. is a Vegan, woman owned and eco-friendly restaurant located in McAllen, Texas. The restaurant opened its doors in April 2017, and its owner and creator, Ingrid Monserrat, has decided to share her entrepreneurial journey.
“It isn’t something I had in mind,” shares Monserrat, initially setting off for a career in dentistry, and previously, architecture and interior design.
The Healing Factory Juice & Co. works hard to influence the Valley to heighten its awareness on the benefits of having a plant-based lifestyle. From their various salads and delectable vegan sandwiches, to their cold-pressed juices and healing shots, The Healing Factory Juice & Co. has lots to offer to their customers no matter what their lifestyle.
“Our mission is [to expand] our plant-based culture,” shares Monserrat. “It’s a lifestyle that I started developing myself.”
Monserrat transitioned into a plant-based lifestyle, and felt as though it was something the Valley had lacked.
“We want to let everyone know that veganism isn’t only for vegans, or that plant-based [eating] isn’t only for vegans. There’s a little bit for everybody.”
For those who aren’t into plain spring mix salads and dressing, the restaurant offers a variety of colorful plates that are not only filling to the eyes, but the stomach, too.
If a regular meat-eater is hesitant to try any of their salads or fruit-topped toasts, there is always their sandwich items.
Sandwiches such as “Cosmic”, “Star” and “Golden” contain plant-based meat substitutes.
As a business owner, Ingrid does just about everything when her staff needs a hand. From the marketing, to the dishes, she’s a boss woman who isn’t afraid to go the extra mile, especially when The Healing Factory Juice & Co. was starting out.
Starting off, Monserrat had zero dollars, and $3000 amount of credit to use for construction services at Home Depot. Unable to hire an entire construction team, she hired one construction worker, rolled up her sleeves and helped all she could to make her entrepreneurial dream happen.
When the restaurant was done and set in stone, Monserrat now had to rely on pure dedication and work ethic.
“It was just me and my husband…for about six months straight,” reveals Monserrat.
For the initial six-month period, Monserrat and her husband would wake up bright and early to work from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., a total of sixteen hours per day.
“After all that stress and crazy work…came the rewards.” said Monserrat.
Once Monserrat and her husband had enough saved up, they hired a team that helped expand their plant-based goals out into the public eye.
The Healing Factory Juice & Co. provides a unique experience. From being 100% plant-based, being pet-friendly and also having an incorporated juice bar, this Vegan restaurant sets a comforting mood for everyone.
“It’s a friendly experience,” states Monserrat. “Welcoming [and] positive. We’ve definitely been getting that review back from customers.”
Just this September, The Healing Factory Juice &Co. won Reader’s Choice as The Valley’s Favorite Juice and Smoothie Bar of 2019.
The establishment gives off a Zen-like and tranquil atmosphere with its array of colorful accents, such as their hand-painted mural, window-sill plants, and various Buddha statues. Seating is small and compact, but makes it a wonderful space to have an intimate and personal breakfast, lunch, or dinner with friends and family.
Monserrat also enjoys collaborating with the community by hosting events on a monthly basis. The establishment hosts Sunday Vegan Brunches close to the end of each month, along with a market and pop-up shops. The market was then added to the idea of the brunch, local vendors participating to boost their sales and exposure.
“It’s to help out everyone who wants to start a small business.” states Monserrat.
Local small businesses such as Kendall’s Closet, The Moon Clave and Babydoll Gang have participated in their market.
As of now, The Healing Factory Juice & Co. is currently in production of some vegan-based informational videos for those who are interested in transitioning into the lifestyle.
“A lot of people are transitioning to a plant-based diet … and I feel we need more education on it.” explains Monserrat, believing that the Valley is a little behind on the vegan and plant-based bandwagon.
When it comes to giving aspiring entrepreneurs advice, Monserrat shares some fruitful advice.
“Be organized. Know exactly what you want,” advises Monserrat.
In order to attain the goal of becoming a business owner, it is crucial that all plans, whether it be financial or image-based, should be laid out on the table before any action takes place. Future business owners can jump into their ideas, but those ideas will not bloom unless one plans accordingly and asks: How can I make this work in the long run?
She also shares to plan ahead, to have enough money saved to jump into the idea, and being sure that one has a basic knowledge and understanding in business. It’s best to stick to what you know, and hire help once there is enough of a financial balance to afford it.
Bringing up the idea of “haters” and doubt when first starting off, Monserrat sheds some light.
“Everyone is going to tell you that you can’t… but you should do it anyway.”
