Chicago City Wire

Bani's Beets, a business that began as a personal health initiative, has become an integral part of the Chicago community. Founded by Auriel Banister, the company started when she sought to improve her health as someone with autoimmune issues. She discovered that juicing helped alleviate symptoms like fatigue and low energy. As her health improved, she shared her nutrient-rich blends with friends and eventually the wider community.

Operating from a physical location for seven years, Bani's Beets also participates in farmers markets, corporate events, and pop-ups. The business offers fresh, cold-pressed organic juices on Chicago’s South Side—a rarity in the area—using sustainable glass packaging.

The business was officially established in 2012. Auriel finds fulfillment in seeing how the shop has become more than just a juice bar; it is now a place where people gather to build relationships and embark on health journeys.

Monthly free community events at Bani’s Beets focus on holistic wellness. These include live music sessions, HealthTalks for conscious conversations, and Mic’d Up Monday nightlife-style events. “Every part of your life you need to be thinking—am I healing or hurting?” Auriel states.

Bani’s Beets aims to be more than just a product provider; it is seen as a lifestyle support system offering tools for better living whether one is healthy or facing challenges. Reflecting on this mission, Auriel remarks: “If I knew better, I may have organized as a nonprofit... You’re banking on people making good decisions for themselves—and that’s hard.”

This dedication caught the attention of the Chicago Sky Foundation after an initial connection over a yoga event donation led to participation in their Small Business Bootcamp and pitch competition. “It gave me a platform to talk about things that don’t always get discussed,” says Auriel.

Auriel appreciates the partnership with the Chicago Sky Foundation: “What I love about the Chicago Sky Foundation is that it truly lives up to its name.” Since its inception, Bani's Beets has served over 30,000 households and helped many make meaningful lifestyle changes through its beet-based blends known for their stamina-boosting properties.

As she continues developing her brand, Auriel remains committed to education and empowerment: “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.”