Loni Puckett ’18

Owner-operator, Juice Lab

Loni Puckett enjoys being her own boss at Juice Lab, an organic juice bar and restaurant where she is owner-operator, entrepreneur and a freelance consultant. Puckett credits her education at Texas Woman’s University with giving her the education that now allows her to follow her passion of helping others be healthy. Her current job responsibilities at Juice Bar include managing employees, performing market research, public relations, together with product and formulation development. After attending TWU for its affordability during her undergraduate studies, she found herself in love with the beautiful campus and the educators making the decision to pursue her graduate degree here an easy one. Taking her degree and applying it to her business is permitting Puckett to follow her dreams and change the world in the process.

 

What do you enjoy about your current position/profession? That I am my own boss. I get to try new things based on my own ideas and change as needed. Owning my own business gives me the freedom to choose my own future. I also get to educate people on the importance of eating properly and how food directly impacts your ability to fight disease and be healthy. That is my true passion.

How do you see your profession changing in the next 5 or 10 years? I hope to expand on my consulting programs as well as eventually opening more Juice Lab locations around the DFW.

What unexpected experience or event has shaped and/or influenced your current professional life? Having a tremendous amount of support from friends, family and community. Having people see you vision for your dream and doing everything they can to help you accomplish is something I am eternally grateful for.

What is a professional highlight of your career, either where you currently work or in the past? Seeing people transform their lives by making lifestyle changes. Many of my cliental have been able to lose weight, reduce pharmaceuticals, reverse diseases, like diabetes, by changing the way they eat. We offer food that not only is healthy but tastes delicious! It makes the transition in to being healthy much easier and attainable.

What characteristics do you look for when hiring people into your workplace? People who are passionate about living healthy and helping others to achieve their goals. I have a small team of individuals that understand the importance of dedication, reliability and growing with a small business. For that I am very fortunate and grateful. 

Why did you come to TWU? For my undergrad it was about being the most affordable college in the DFW. I stayed for my graduate degree because I fell in love with the campus, educators and opportunities to excel in my field of study. 

What is your favorite TWU memory? I love the campus. All the huge trees, gardens, green space, bunnies, squirrels. It’s the most beautiful campus I’ve ever attended.

Did a TWU professor inspire you? Who was that and how was that person inspirational? Yes! My mentor, Dr. Michael Bergel. He has such passion for his research and is devoted to inspiring other to get excited about scientific discovery. I also love that he has passions outside of science, like poetry, travel, art and animals. He is a role model for all who seek to be educated in more than just one subject. Thank you Dr. Bergel!

Has something about your TWU education surprised you since graduating? My education has provided a platform for me to educate others. It has also opened many doors of opportunity to do my freelance consulting work as well. Having an education has given me many options on my road to success. 

What advice do you have for college students hoping to succeed professionally? Keep your idea of career options open. My career doesn’t seem like it directly related to my field of study, but I’ve been able to tie it in through educating others. Take a leap of faith. You never know unless you try.

What makes an effective leader? Leading by example and humbling yourself to know that you don’t always have the answers but to keep moving forward. The answers will come through determination and perseverance.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time? I enjoy kayaking, hiking, spending time with my dog and cats, camping, going to live music shows and spontaneous adventure.

Page last updated 1:18 PM, July 26, 2022