We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael Whitted and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael, is there something you believe many others might not?
One piece of conventional advice I would disagree with is that “you need to have all of your ducks in row” in order to move forward properly. If you wait until then, then it may be too late. Waiting too long is a real lack of faith in oneself and the process in general. I like to make educated and  inspired moves and decisions.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Crenshaw Juice Co. is an authentic cold pressed juice company producing batches of organic every morning. We DO NOT use HPP preservation methods nor do we add any sweeteners or additives. All of the recipes are carefully crafted to achieve the best balance of all of the ingredients to produce a delicious and nutritious beverage that is great for mind, body, and soul. I’m really proud of how organic the building and growth process has been for Crenshaw Juice Co. This  in turn keeps me motivated and excited for what is next to come. I got to my present stage through being consistent with the quality of my products and providing a personable approach to customer service. I can not say it was an easy journey with no hiccups or road bumps, but I definitely persevered through it all to keep showing up. The main lesson I learned is to try not to second guess decisions, and not overthink everything. Sometimes, we get caught up in perfectionism and lose sight of the whole picture. So, I guess learning to not  be so hard on myself. The motivation for creating Crenshaw Juice Co. was essentially two-fold. First, we mainly serve the South Central Los Angeles community, which has a lack of healthy food options. This is often referred to as a food desert. Crenshaw Juice Co. provides a healthy excellent supplement to any good diet. Second, I felt it was important to establish locally owned business in the community, as it is rapidly changing. Crenshaw Juice Co. is important to the foundation and the future of this neighborhood.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

Oh Shit! A weeks itinerary would be quite lengthy because I literally love Los Angeles. I could be an ambassador. But here are some spots that come to mind.

Leimert Park/Crenshaw District. Hit up the Crenshaw Juice Co. Neighbor’s SkateShop, Earle’s on Crenshaw

Hide Sushi- on Sawtelle, and that block in general.

Beach Day/Night – ride bikes and scooters all the way into night, hitting Santa Monica, Venice, Playa, end at Dockweiler with a bonfire night cap

Book a room- get a room at a hotel for the night in or near Hollywood, Marina del Rey, DTLA. Beverly Hills hotel would be dope. Goto Dan Tanas for dinner. settle for El Compadre’s.

K-town for some BBQ I like  Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong

DTLA- get stoned, walk and hit the museums. Goto shopping for all things wholesale! Go eat at Manuela’s or Kushi shabu shabu.

Get up early and go for a hike to one of the Malibu waterfalls. Neptune’s Net after cap it off at Chez Jay.

Take a day trip to any of the deserts. Palm desert, Palm Springs, Indio, etc. Stay at the Parker and enjoy a great breakfast.

Sunday- Hit Crenshaw or Broadsway to check out low riders and Harleys. Goto Gardena bowl to eat after.

I could go on!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to shoutout my family and close friends who have been behind the idea from its conception. Big shoutouts to my wife Kimiko, Eastside LLC, my parents, and youtube (lol).

Website: crenshawjuice.com

Instagram: @crenshawjuiceco

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.