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

Hi Chinya, is there something you believe many others might not?
“What’s meant for you will come to you”

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I’m Chinya Bully 24 years young, big family and a proud new mommy! I’ve been blessed to be able to have been brought up in a close-knit family. We were all raised eating no meat, we barely ate out and cooked almost everyday. Which made me fall in love with cooking for others. Throughout my life, I have traveled a great deal internationally and have always been fascinated by the agricultural mechanisms in the Caribbean and other tropical regions. Culturally I was and still is raised under the Rastafarian belief which has a huge impact on the way I live my life. I graduated from Florida International University as a former Multicultural Scholar in the Agroecology program. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science with a focus in Agriculture along with a certificate in Agroecology.  I started what is now called Uni Taste LLC late 2018. I made my debut at the Coconut-Grove Organic Farmers Market and I had amazing feedback and support and knew this was what I loved to do. What is Uni Taste? Uni Taste brings you a unique blast of Caribbean ITAL prepared with a distinctive style to enhance your nutrition and hug your taste buds! I offer all organic Tropical Juices and Vegan Foods that are high in nutrition and amazing for your health. My family resides mostly in St. Croix, my mother is from Trinidad and my father is from Dominica but both lived most of their lives in St. Croix. This is where my family has their farm and how I got connected with organic fruits and vegetables. Taking care of your body is our main goal and enjoying it while you’re doing it is the best part of what I do. My food and juices are amazing for your health and also taste delicious. I’ve been in business for about two years now and something I’m definitely proud of is helping people become healthy with my meal preps and or juice. Especially cancer patients they LOVE my Sour Sop Quench juice and it also offers numerous health benefits. Although it may seem like it’s a lot of ups it has been plenty of challenges especially with the COVID pandemic. Before it was rough to do my business full time and the financial aspect is a lot to learn and get use to. The paperwork, insurance, industrial kitchen, and all the licenses that go into making your business legit is tough work and many people don’t see what you put into making your products every week. Now during this COVID pandemic it’s even harder to function as a small business. After having my son I took a needed break and when I got back to my business full time it seemed like I had to start all over. I had to fight for a spot and build new relationships with my customers. It’s not easy to have a successful business during this time. From material shortage, the shut down and the constant safety hazards you must stay safe but still put yourself in harms way to be successful.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
In Miami Fl, a week long good time: Without the COVID-19 Pandemic. I’ll start the morning offs with a walk on South Beach looking at the sunrise. Dolphin mall has shopping, movies and bowling with live music everyday Monday: Take a trip down south to the Redlands to visit the Schnebly Redland’s Winery & Brewery: Schnebly’s is the Southernmost Winery in the United States. They have a variety of exotic tropical fruit wines, surrounded by a beautiful scenery. Tuesday: Zoo Miami: Zoo Miami is largest and oldest zoological garden in Florida and the only sub-tropical zoo in the continental United States. Since it’s warm in Miami they have a wide variety of animals. Wednesday: Enjoy Biscayne Bay boat ride/tour of Miami and then head over for a delicious meal at a small black owned business Lill Green House Grill in Over-town Miami. Thursday: Enjoy an event at the American Airlines Arena you can either watch the Miami Heat Basketball team play or watch your favorite artist live in concert Friday: Day time: Frost Museum Enjoy the night life at hit up some well known clubs on South Beach Saturday: Enjoy your day at the Coconut Grove Farmers Market. Check out: Uni Taste LLC: Tropical juices and Ital Eats made with love HotSauce Shero: Flavorful HotSauce and Uni-Shero Seasoning Lamoy Living Foods: Raw Vegan food Bangara Vegan: Puerto Rican Vegan Food Chelles Cutie Pies: Vegan Pies Glaser Organic Farmers: Organic Produce Daddyz Island: Krack corn.. and plenty more Everglades Tour Sunday: Fairchild Tropical Garden: 83 acre botanical garden with a collection of rare tropical plants. Lunch at Vegetarian Restaurant by Hakin: An all-vegan menu with some Caribbean touches plus fresh juices & smoothies.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to the number one daddy in the world! My father is a hardworking Rasta man full of love. Father of 5, dedicated partner and grandad of 11, he never skips a beat. Along with being a Agriculturist he is a musician. When I decided to take this journey to be a business owner he was on board 100%. I took a leap and turned down a full fellowship for Masters program in Tropical Botany. I started instead what is now Uni Taste LLC. Not only did he push me to follow my passion. He spent 3 months in Miami helping me with anything I needed. He went to every single market day and was there to help me prep and clean up. He even went the extra mile to make sure he was here for my first big festival: Fairchild Tropical Garden Chocolate Festival. Along with my father is my mother. Together they’re joint force and showed me always to live naturally and do everything with love. The reason I am who I am today is because of them. They’re the reason why I’m doing what I love and loving what I’m doing.

Instagram: @unitastellc

Facebook: Uni Taste

Other: Email: unitastellc@gmail.com

Image Credits
Amara Bully

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