New grab-and-go concept coming to Lake Nona’s Pixon building this summer.
A businesswoman turned business owner, Ashley Torres is a healthy living advocate. Her new one-of-a-kind concept for holistic living, Veg’n Out, is getting ready to open in Lake Nona this July.
With an abundant menu of smoothies and smoothie bowls, juices, overnight oats, salads, and soups, Veg’n Out creates healthy food that is tasty, easy to order, and available to pick up at any time throughout the day. Can’t wait until July? Veg’n Out juices and juice cleanses are available today for delivery via the company’s website: www.vegnoutnow.com.
“Bringing Veg’n Out to life in Lake Nona gives us the opportunity to share our passion for a natural lifestyle and make a direct impact in our community,” said Torres. “We get by giving. I believe in building people up, and I hope my story inspires others to create the life they want to live.”
How did this local entrepreneur get started? And what can you expect when Veg’n Out opens its doors? We sat down with Torres to get all of the details.
Building the Business
Torres and her family have lived in the Lake Nona area since 2015 and have loved watching the community grow. Her journey to bring Veg’n Out from concept to reality began while working in a corporate job that left her unfulfilled. Seeking a life of purpose and balance, Torres and her husband, Daniel, set out to create a life for their family that gave them flexibility to pursue their passion for healthy living while also being present for their young kids.
So, Torres got to work. While juggling her corporate job during the day, she began working on the concept for Veg’n Out. “That has meant waking up as early as 3 a.m., working all day, putting the kids to bed, and then getting back online to wrap up anything left for the day,” said Torres. “Until very recently, and it is still somewhat surreal, I never viewed myself as an entrepreneur. I’ve always been driven and focused, but I never realized that the experience I was gaining over the last 15 years was by design to best position me to successfully bring Veg’n Out to market.”
Torres found a home for Veg’n Out in Lake Nona’s new Pixon apartment building, thanks to the synergies of the surrounding businesses, including boutique fitness studios Rukus, Club Pilates, and Neighborhood barre. In addition to providing a healthy place to stop before or after a workout, Veg’n Out will also have purified water available so people headed to a fitness class can stop in and fill up their water bottles.
What advice does Torres have for other entrepreneurs looking to take their business to the next level?
“Key fundamentals have made me successful throughout this journey,” said Torres. “I had a combination of a great concept, engaged advisors, business acumen, marketing expertise, a branding expert, family support, and the ability to see my vision clearly, create it, and accept nothing less. Every time I questioned – is this too risky? Is this road worth taking? I am given a sign that confirms I am right where I need to be and that everything will unfold in its own time.”
The Concept
Veg’n Out provides something fresh and new for the Lake Nona community – pairing cold-pressed juice and smoothies with a full salad concept. With a plant-based menu that focuses on whole foods to provide optimal nutrition, a visit to Veg’n Out will leave guests satisfied in a way that makes them feel good from the inside out. The menu is thoughtfully-sourced and made with organic fruits and vegetables created in collaboration with a holistic nutritionist. Homemade, kid-approved options will also be available.
While guests are waiting for their order, they can peruse a selection of curated products, from natural makeup and skincare products to reusable cloth produce bags, to support a balanced life on Veg’n Out’s Wellness Wall.
“There has never been a better time for more awareness around foods that heal and fuel our body and immune systems,” said Torres.
Through Veg’n Out’s existing online juice delivery, Torres has had an opportunity to develop meaningful relationships with her customers from the neighborhood. “Over the last few months, I’ve helped guide them during a time of increased stress to keep their immune systems high. I’ve just loved getting to know those in our community!”
To stay up-to-date on the latest news from Veg’n Out, make sure to follow them on social media @VegnOutNow and get added to the email list at www.vegnoutnow.com.
Photos Courtesy of Veg’n Out
