After years of quietly manufacturing and selling health-focused juice blends throughout the area, Danielle Marshall has officially opened the doors of her new storefront: Danie’s Natural Juice Bar & Wellness Suite, located at 388 Forest Blvd. in Park Forest.

The business, which held its soft opening on May 8, will celebrate with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony this Saturday. Marshall, a licensed speech-language pathologist turned full-time "juiceologist," said her passion for natural wellness was sparked by a personal health scare. 

“I was threatened with diabetes,” Marshall said. “Being a healthcare professional, I knew that wasn’t something I wanted. I started juicing, lost weight, and became more active. People noticed and began asking me what I did.”

That moment marked the beginning of a journey that led Marshall from selling juices part-time while working in speech pathology to launching a full-fledged wellness brand. During the early stages, she also became a certified group fitness instructor, offering outdoor workouts in local parks while selling juices to clients after each session.

Now, at her Park Forest location, Marshall offers a wide array of all-natural cold-pressed juices, smoothies, frozen blends, and wellness shots. She explained that all products are free of added sugars and made with fresh fruits and vegetables. 

“The sugar in our juices is naturally occurring,” Marshall said. “It’s paired with fiber, vitamins, and minerals — not refined sugar or high-fructose corn syrup. It digests differently in the bloodstream.”

Marshall notes that the products can be used as an energy boost, a post-workout recovery drink, or even as part of a juice cleanse. Additionally, her juices are sold at Kroger-owned Mariano's.

“They’re not necessarily for major weight loss,” Marshall added. “Sometimes it’s about reducing bloating or maintaining your energy throughout the day.”

While the storefront is new, Marshall has been manufacturing juices in Park Forest for the past four years after renting kitchen space at DownTown Park Forest culinary incubator Poppin’ Plates. The Village’s grassroots spirit and community-centered events played a significant role in her decision to open a brick-and-mortar location in the downtown area.

“One of the things I love about Park Forest is how the Village works to engage residents through events like Main Street Nights and House Music Night,” Marshall said. “We’re excited to participate and be a part of that.”

Danie’s Natural Juice Bar & Wellness Suite is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. In addition to walk-in service, pre-orders are available on the business’s website, and soon, deliveries will be offered through Uber Eats.

Marshall hopes the business will not only promote healthier lifestyles, but also contribute economically to the Park Forest community. 

“We want to bring health and wellness, as well as jobs, growth, and energy to the area,” Marshall said.