Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristin Gardner.
Hi Kristin, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve been juicing for my family for over a decade – long before Worth the Squeeze Juicery ever existed. It started as a simple way to care for my loved ones with something fresh, real, and healing. Juicing became part of our everyday life- a way to nourish from the inside out.
Then everything change.
I was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Facing a 10-hour craniotomy, I told my husband, “If I make it through this, I want to start a juice business. I want to share my love for juice and the benefits I’ve experienced with our community.”
That moment became the spark that lit the fire.
With the support of my husband, who quite literally built me a commercial kitchen, I took a leap and launched Worth the Squeeze Juicery. We are 100% organic, always cold-pressed, and proudly based in St. Louis. Our mission is rooted in sharing real, nutrient-dense juice that nourishes, energizes, and supports the body- because I’ve lived through the transformation it can create.
I set strict standards from day one: if I can’t get organic produce, I won’t make the juice. I believe that what we put in our bodies matters, and that cutting corners isn’t an option. I also insisted on serving our juice in glass bottles – the highest quality packaging to protect purity, taste, and the environment.
What started as a tool for healing turned into a purpose-driven business. Today, Worth the Squeeze Juicery offers a range of fresh juices, juice cleanses, and our signature pumpkin seed mylk- a nourishing, dairy-free option our customers love.
Customers place orders online, and I press everything fresh to order. They can pick up their juice from my commercial kitchen or choose local delivery. You can also find us at local farmers markets throughout the spring, summer, and fall.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
One of the biggest challenges in starting Worth the Squeeze Juicery was staying true to the standards I set from the beginning: 100% organic ingredients and glass bottles only. It took time to find sources I could trust – especially for consistent, organic produce and high quality glass bottles that aligned with my values. These weren’t easy choices, but they were non-negotiable. I knew if I was going to share juice with my community, it had to be the absolute best.
Before starting this journey, I worked as a dental hygienist – a role that gave me a deep respect for health and preventative care. But stepping away from that career to pursue this calling was a leap of faith and a complete lifestyle shift. It came with uncertainty, but also purpose.
Balancing everything in the early days was a challenge in itself. I was raising two kids, supporting my husband in his general contracting business, and trying to launch a company out of the commercial kitchen he built me. It was a full plate, every single day.
As you know, we’re big fans of Worth the Squeeze Juicery. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I’m the founder of Worth the Squeeze Juicery, where I handcraft 100% organic, cold-pressed juices, plant-based mylks, and wellness shots—all served in reusable glass bottles. Inspired by my own healing journey, my work focuses on promoting natural health, sustainable practices, and making real, clean nutrition accessible to the St. Louis community. Everything I create is made with intention, integrity, and a whole lot of heart.
Any big plans?
I like to grow slow and steady, just like I have – taking one day at a time and enjoying each and every moment. I believe in allowing Worth the Squeeze Juicery to expand naturally, when the time is right.
That said, I’m excited to keep serving our community with the best quality juice, exploring new cleanse options, and continuing to show up with honesty and care. Whether that means more farmers markets, expanding our delivery radius, or even a storefront someday, I want every step to feel intentional and true to our mission.
For me, it’s not about rushing growth – it’s about nurturing something real, meaningful, and sustainable. That’s what Worth the Squeeze Juicery is all about.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.worththesqueezejuice.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/worththesqueezejuicerystl/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/worththesqueezejuicery/
