Success Stories
Hakika Keith, Gorilla Life3870 Crenshaw #750, Los Angeles, CA 90008
323.878.22.34 | www.gorillalife.com
“It has been amazing to sit in the business meetings, with suits at conference tables and literally change from a kitchen family business into a professional, licensed operation right before our eyes.”
When Hakika’s four-year-old daughter was once again hospitalized with respiratory complications, Hakika’s mother Shekinah decided to take the matter into her own hands. As a natural healer, Shekinah developed the recipe for a rich chlorophyll drink to cure her granddaughter’s asthma and oxidize her blood. Hakika’s daughter loved the beverage, and within a year, it had successfully cleansed her respiratory system and gave her the strength to overcome chronic asthma. They continued to make and refine the drink throughout the years, offering it to friends and family within the community and developing a growing following.
With this rave product, Hakika decided to develop it into a business, and incorporated Gorilla Life in 2005. They set out to develop marketing materials and packaging to help generate sales for Gorilla Life’s “Heaven’s Lemonade” beverage line. However, although she had a clear idea of her target market, Hakika was unsure about the best way to reach them given her limited budget. Even with a fantastic product and a great plan, they reached a stalling point in bringing the business to the next level.
At this point, Hakika came to PACE in 2006 needing assistance in receiving funding. PACE helped her enroll into the match grant saving program (IDA) and secure the Trickle Up grant, which she used to produce more inventory to give samples of the product to owners of health food stores. As a result of this activity, Gorilla Life’s products have now appeared in two additional store locations.
In addition to securing funding, PACE also arranged for several one-on-one sessions with marketing and finance experts, who helped Hakika identify the best marketing strategies for her company and develop realistic financial projections. She also received free assistance from a top graphic designer who volunteered to help her re-brand her company and design sophisticated packaging. Moreover, Hakika completed PACE’s eight-hour Quickbooks course to help improve the financial management of her business.
As the maker of the world’s first refrigerated chlorophyll juice, Gorilla Life has cornered the market with the development of its “green” beverages, available for purchase online and in 12 local retail markets. Gorilla Life is currently awaiting approval from accounts such as Whole Foods and Ralph’s Fresh Fare markets, and plans to “become one of the most innovative businesses ever, launching products into the market from our own regional facilities and manufacturing top-quality raw and organic foods with full ownership.”
Gorilla Life’s beverage line of Heaven’s Lemonade is a powerful natural antioxidant, made of chlorophyll obtained from 100% organic alfalfa. Containing many natural vitamins and antioxidants, Heaven’s Lemonade has been a proven itself as a powerful dietary supplement, as well as a refreshing drink with a great taste. For more information about Hakika’s successful company, visit the Gorilla Life website at www.gorillalife.com.
(August 6, 2007)
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