From the corporate world to entrepreneurship, Nurse Karen Katherine Gonzalez and her husband – Dr. Israel navigated their way into creating something truly invigorating. The birth of Limon Citrus Juicery in 2016 did not only start a business venture that would offer fresh lemon zests in a drink, but also the kind of zest in life that manifests excitement and enthusiasm.
Limon Citrus Juicery’s owners are health professionals, so there is no wonder that both of them perceive health with utmost importance.
Not only do they want a life where they can indulge in healthy food choices, they also want to share these choices with other people and offer them the same nourishment that they want for themselves as well as encouraging people “to do better and feel better.”
In support of local backyard farmers, they source their ingredients from local fruit dealers in the public market. But the business’ main product ingredient, lemon, is mostly imported. The fruits they get from the markets are the ones they pair with the lemon to infuse various blends of flavors.
Among the fruits the entrepreneurs blend with lemon are mango, cucumber, kiwi, watermelon, lychee, pear, and orange. On top of these, Limon owners also advertise lemonades as the best partner for any type of food, suiting one’s taste and craving for a perfect food combination.
Finding the right blend with SM City Iloilo
Before Limon Citrus Juicery had its own stores in various malls, it started small but with high spirits for a bright future. The Gonzalez couple joined bazaars and took part in programs supported by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). After an encounter with fellow aspiring entrepreneurs who are staunch advocates, they finally had the motivation to push Limon into a business. And with constant encouragement from SM, they decided to open themselves to possibilities and give their small business a shot.
The enterprising couple had their very first branch in SM City Iloilo, located at the upper ground floor main mall. Six months into their growing business, SM proposed that they put up another branch in SM Food Hall at the Northpoint, which they did.
Opening another store in a different location offered them a more diverse market, something best provided by the malls, as shown by their experience in managing their third and fourth branches. Finally, in their fifth year of business expansion, SM became their home again as she secured a spot in SM City Roxas.
As Limon still imports its lemons from other countries, the redevelopment of the Iloilo City public markets may soon streamline this side of its operations, along with other businesses that rely on importation. With the rehabilitation of Iloilo City’s Central and Terminal markets, plans are underway to create more sustainable, diversified and accessible food sources that will benefit the market vendors, businesses, and consumers. More spaces for innovation, livelihood, and income opportunities are expected to enhance the city’s overall economic potential.
Advocates of a happy and healthy lifestyle
Health is not just wealth, but also happiness. Limon Citrus Juicery’s owners yearn for a fulfilling and prosperous life by taking care of what is within, advertising happiness through their products while advocating a healthy lifestyle. This has been their fruitful mission for the past six years in their business.
The couple believes that nothing soothes a dry throat and powers up a tired body than drinking lemonade. Being dedicated and hard-working themselves, they recognize their customers’ need for a refreshing drink to perk up their day. Limon not only caters to those persevering in their own paths, but also to children and elderly who seek energy and vigor alike.
Limon Citrus Juicery has a very noticeable trait that it shares with its customers after all: the business turning the most sour lemons into the sweetest lemonades, and the customers enduring hardships in their journey to create better, happier lives.
