In November of 2013, I self-published my picture book, “Joosh’s Juice Bar: The Blue Banana Berry Adventure” with genuine hopes of changing the world and making healthy eating “cool”. The storylines and mission were to instill healthy eating habits in boys & girls 3-8 years old and collectively take one step closer at making healthy eating a fun and natural part of a child’s daily life.
Today, “Joosh’s Juice Bar” is sold on Amazon.com and iBooks.com and has an amazing social media following as the word is getting out.
But, the road to get to this point has not been easy. How many times have you heard the phrase, “listen to your gut”? Do you have dreams of being an artist, a writer, an interior decorator, painter, designer, anything you’re passionate about?
In today’s fast paced world of new applications, websites and technology, the barrier to entry is much easier than you might think. Ask yourself, do you have a project you’re passionate about but afraid or unsure on the next steps? Do you feel overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle in your everyday life? If so, take a moment to think about what inspires you. A flash of inspiration may come from books, films, music and of course your family.
As a Los Angeles native and health enthusiast, healthy nutrition was instilled in me at an early age from my family. Over the years, and after numerous studies and continuing educational classes, I came to appreciate and understand the importance of educating children about healthy eating habits and nutrition. I wanted to take this knowledge and passion and create a healthy cartoon show that could reach millions of children. Of course, most people in the entertainment world told me it would be impossible. But I listened to my gut and despite the odds, I started developing “Joosh’s Juice Bar”, the biggest animated television show the world has yet to see! The artwork will be magnificent and on par with Disney.
Unfortunately, over the next 10 years there were countless distractions in different sizes, shapes, laughs and cries. Sound familiar? All the while I needed to work to pay my bills (I always give 110% to my job) and never fall victim to neglecting my family. So, “Joosh’s Juice Bar” started to feel like a chore and executives continued to give me negative advice because they were afraid of being too “educational”.
When something isn’t working for you, take a moment of self-reflection and figure out a new direction. It may not happen overnight but with an active drive for inspiration, you may find answers that may change your life. I continued appreciate inspiration as I read through my collection of Dr. Seuss books and discussed my philosophies with family and those close to my heart.As I mentioned earlier, there are very easy to use applications, platforms and ways to reach like-minded individuals to collaborate. I took it upon my self to transform Joosh’s Juice Bar into a children’s picture-book series. I wrote the entire book in Dr. Seuss like rhymes and through a freelance website, I connected with Sehreen, an extremely talented and genuine artist who shares my same passion and creative drive… Not to mention lives halfway around the world!
Roughly a year later in November 2013, despite the odds and while never sacrificing the work at my current job, “Joosh’s Juice Bar” was published. This is my first book in the series and is dedicated to my late grandfather & hero, NussyG. His impact on my life has inspired me to do great things and live a healthy life; throughout the book, the main character (Joosh) emulates many characteristics and traits of my grandfather.
Do your kids bug you for candy, sweets or a soda? Spend time reading them, “Joosh’s Juice Bar”, and see what happens with your kids; they’ll ask for the Joosh-man over and over again. And, the next thing you’ll see is that they will start asking you for berries, bananas or healthy snacks instead of those sugary treats. Who knows, they might even inspire you!
Feel free to contact me with any questions, advice, or just to say hello! I’d be happy to lend some advice on new technologies that may help you reach your goals.
I hope you all find the time to spark your passion and most important, listen to your gut.
Thank you and please check out my book with the links below. After all, sharing is caring. 🙂
