The District Chronicles

Issue date: 10/29/07 Section: Business

Media Credit: Sheri Madison Shonta Williams is the first African-American woman to own a Robeks franchise.

On a recent Friday last month, a line wrapped around the front of the new Robeks Fruit Smoothies and Healthy Eats store at The Shops at 2000 Penn.  People were waiting for a free smoothie, compliments of the Robeks' grand opening.  Inside the store bright lights, florescent colors and an upbeat service team gave customers an enthusiastic and warm welcome.

The Robeks chain, which is the region's largest smoothie chain, was celebrating the opening of its 15th store nationally and its 3rd location in the D.C. Metro area. But Shonta Williams, the first African-American woman franchise owner, was celebrating her passage into the world of entrepreneurship.  For the past two years, Williams worked tirelessly to launch her first business. She gave up a job that provided the security of consistent income and faced the uncertainties of entrepreneurship with nothing but faith.

"I haven't had a paycheck since February, but the experience has been fulfilling so I have everything I need," Williams said.  " It wasn't a difficult thing to do, it just took some commitment."

Williams shares Robeks commitment to provide the highest quality of natural and premium foods as an alternative to high-fat and high-calorie foods and beverages.  "It was a perfect match for me," she said. "Robeks bridged the gap between my entrepreneurial interests and my passion for being health conscience."

Williams, who has always been a health guru, said it was the chain's concept of inspiring customers to live a health-driven life that sparked her interest in opening the franchise.

In addition to the blended-to-order fruit smoothies, Williams serves wraps, salads, and a variety of other healthy snacks.  The menu also includes green tea shots, wheatgrass shots, and other dietary supplements formulated by the chain itself.

Williams, who is a graduate of Hampton University and Auburn University and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., feels her passion to become a business owner came from a higher power.

"I believe that God wants us all to find that thing that keeps us going, drives us, and allows us to make our contribution to society," she said. Coupled with her grandfather's encouragement to strive for excellence, Williams feels that she has always been working towards becoming an entrepreneur.

Continued...

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