Bani’s Beets was born out of necessity. What started as a personal need for healing has evolved into a community staple—nourishing not just bodies, but minds and spirits.

Founder Auriel Banister began juicing in response to issues affecting her overall health as an autoimmune compromised individual. Over time she noticed how the increase in nutrients addressed symptoms including fatigue and low energy. As she saw positive changes in her own health, she continued juicing, and soon, her blends began supporting not only herself but her friends and eventually her broader community.

Today, Bani’s Beets operates through their brick and mortar, in addition to farmers markets, corporate and private events, as well as pop-ups. They’re committed to offering something rarely found on Chicago’s South Side: fresh, cold-pressed organic juices. Auriel saw a gap in accessibility and decided to fill it with her beet-based, nutrient-rich blends. Their sustainable packaging, glass, is another differentiator to the brand. 

Although the physical space is seven years strong, the business has been established since 2012. What’s been most rewarding for her is watching the community grow. The shop has become more than a place—it’s a safe gathering spot where relationships are built, health journeys begin, and lives are changed.

Each month, they host free community events that center holistic wellness: live music, HealthTalks featuring conscious conversations, and even a nightlife-style event, Mic’d Up Monday. “Every part of your life you need to be thinking—am I healing or hurting?” Auriel says. Her events make healthier decisions feel joyful, exciting, and communal.

This philosophy runs deep in the brand. Bani’s Beets is a lifestyle support system, not just a product. Whether someone is in peak health or navigating a crisis, they want to offer tools for better living. “If I knew better, I may have organized as a nonprofit,” she laughs. “Because you really have to love what you do. You’re banking on people making good decisions for themselves—and that’s hard.”

It’s this passion that caught the attention of the Chicago Sky Foundation. After initially connecting over a donation for a yoga event, Auriel was invited to join the Sky’s Small Business Bootcamp and pitch competition. “It gave me a platform to talk about things that don’t always get discussed—like being immune-compromised or building a business that doesn’t prey on people’s weaknesses,” she explains. “Most convenient food options aren’t things even the CEOs of those companies would eat.”

For Auriel, the partnership has been both validating and impactful. “What I love about the Chicago Sky Foundation is that it truly lives up to its name. Featuring brands like mine shows that there’s excitement around healthy alternatives and that these options matter.”

Since launching, Bani’s Beets has served over 30,000 households and supported countless individuals in making meaningful lifestyle changes. Her beet-based blends have proven to be delicious and functional. Beets are a superfood consumed by athletes for their stamina-boosting, blood-cleansing properties. “It’s poetic, really,” Auriel says. “That we’re supported by the Chicago Sky, an athletic organization. It’s a natural fit.”

As she continues building her brand, Auriel is focused on educating, empowering, and showing up authentically. “Sometimes we operate at a loss just to make it work—but when brands like the Sky back us, it makes it all feel worth it.”

Want to support Bani’s Beets?

Here’s how:

• Order juices directly
• Attend pop-ups and monthly community events
  • HealhTalks
  • Mic’d Monday
• Share with a friend
• Book corporate catering for your next meeting or wellness event