Malamiah Juice Bar wins GVSU 5x5 pitch competition

Jermale and Anissa Eddie, owners of Malamiah Juice Bar in Grand Rapids, won the GVSU 5x5 Competition October 25 and received $5,000 in prize money. 

Jermale pitched their idea, Malamiah Mobile, competing against four other Grand Valley teams at the L. William Seidman Center. Malamiah Juice Bar, named after the Eddie's three children, is located in the Downtown Market in Grand Rapids and offers fresh juices and smoothies. Malamiah Mobile would allow the company to expand into the community.

"Our goal is to elevate community health and wellness," said Jermale. "We want to enhance what we do by purchasing a truck for community catering, educational demonstrations and to be part of area festivals."

Jermale graduated from Grand Valley in 2003 with a major in elementary education and said he didn't see himself as an entrepreneur.

"I worked in education for many years and was introduced to juicing and its benefits by a friend," said Jermale. "There was a lot of interest from family and friends about the nutritional aspects. We didn't have the financial resources or business background, but after a lot of prayer, Anissa and I decided to open the juice bar."

Jermale said they will also use the money to employ more youth, which is another focus of the company.

Grand Valley students, faculty and staff who are engaged with community partners were invited to submit ideas for the competition. The public then voted for their favorite ideas and the top five teams were given the opportunity to present their ideas. Each team had five minutes to pitch their ideas to five judges.

For more information on Malamiah Juice Bar visit www.malamiahjuicebar.com. 

The 5x5 competitions are sponsored by Start Garden; for more information visit 5x5night.com.