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

Hi Fatima, what are you inspired by?
There are quite a few things that inspire me. However, the top things that inspire me are the ones that motivate me as well. As a daughter to an immigrant couple; being a Muslim woman has been a factor in a lot of the barriers that I had to break. Having to balance explaining to my family why my out of the box choices are going to make a difference while satisfying societal norms, has been a huge part of my drive to be successful. I aspire to inspire others who are like me; who feel that they are stuck under a ceiling where there are not many who look like us. The obvious things that inspire me, might be cliche to say, but MY KIDS! Having my children at a young age put me in a position to ‘grow up with them’ which in a lot of ways allowed me to befriend my children while still having boundaries as a parent. But that also put them in a position to have a front row seat in this journey. What could be more inspiring than your kids being your biggest cheer team. Aside from my parents and my children, last but not least, actually my biggest inspiration, has to be my BROTHER! While on this wild, lifelong journey of health and wellness, I have always taken it upon myself to educate myself on ways for better eating and living to support him. My other business endeavors have not needed health and wellness to be the main focus but have always aligned with it. From that I found life coming into full circle when I noticing we needed more places like Fresh Rootz! So, that is when I became motivated to create a space that offered what was lacking. That’s where my bother came into play through his health journey, being a direct reflection of what our community needs!

What should our readers know about your business?
Fresh Rootz is a Fresh Raw Juice, juicery and vegan cafe, made up of a collaborative team of individuals who came together because of their passion for health and wellness. After years of their individual journeys, researching the benefits of different foods, natural herbs, and holistic healing, the team collectively created a line of fresh raw juices and vegan foods. With six main raw juices, filled with various vitamins and nutrients, they surely will not ONLY help with a variety of health conditions, but also support maintaining healthy living, and STILL be tasty. The Fresh Rootz concept is so much more than just fresh eats. Creating a “From The Roots” environment for its customers, Fresh Rootz aims to build and grow within minority communities, offering a space unique to its kind! Each location will offer study spaces, meeting areas, interactive spaces, and plans for future locations to be big enough to host events that will educate and promote health and wellness fields.

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Bringing this vision to life, Fatima Tekko, co-owner and brand strategist, launched Fresh Rootz, with investor Noman Siddique in 2019 which led to opening a store front in November 2020, in Midtown-Detroit, on Wayne State University Campus. With a unique hub space that is fully interactive, the concept has been embraced by customers of all age groups. Moving forward Fresh Rootz has plans to expand into more locations on other college campuses, providing a healthy alternative for students and the surrounding communities nationwide!

The variety of the menu includes fresh raw juice, smoothies, energizer refreshers, raw tea, immunity & health pressed shots, mushroom coffees, vegan food, and much more! Other unique components are the suggested ‘add-ons’ that are featured on the menu; CBD and Sea Moss can be added to almost anything being served. These holistic add-ons offer the benefits of pain relief, alleviating cancer related symptoms, reducing inflammation, anxiety, depression, acne, and stress, just to name a few.

Fatima had bigger plans of expanding the menu by adding to-go ‘fresh eatz’ such as smoothie bowls, acai bowls, fruit cups, and even parfaits. Which led to the opportunity of meetings like-minded individuals focused on healthy living, bringing in investor DeAndre Woodson (DA). Being in full support of the Fresh Rootz concept, DeAndre added the idea of wraps and salads which included vegan food options, it completed the menu at Fresh Rootz. As well as health enthusiast, Ranard Mitchell; specializing in health & wellness, alkaline diets, vegan foods, and Sea Moss! A dynamic team, collaboratively make-up the foundation of this Woman Owned, Black Owned, and Minority Owned Business!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Detroit has become one of the most exciting cities to visit. From its lineup of extraordinary museums to the sports scene and food world! It is a mixing bowl of a city, filled with diverse cultures and evolving opportunities, and hustle like no other. First and foremost Fresh Rootz x Fire Ass Vegan is the place to go to when you visit Detroit. Having served iconic individuals like Eryka Badu and Raheem Devaughn Fresh Rootz has become a staple in the city where other celebrities have made their way including Freeway, Trick Trick, Beenie Seigal, NLE Choppa, Snap Dogg, and so many more! Other things that would be on our agenda would include the sporting events. We have to go to a Lions game!! Other restaurants that we would visit would include Seva’s, Que’s Kitchen, A Thoughtful Plate, and District 78!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to take the time to shout out FAV Foods; the distributor of our Vegan Foods! The BEST vegan chef in the CITY!

Website: freshrootzjuice.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshrootzdet/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FreshRootzDet

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreshRootz/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/fresh-rootz-detroit

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