Small Business Week ft. Faye Beverages

Marie Pierre Faye, Founder and CEO of Faye Beverages, left Senegal and moved to Canada to pursue a post-secondary education. She attended Centennial College in Toronto for a while before relocating to Ottawa. She is currently studying mathematics and finance at University of Ottawa.

When she’s not busy with schoolwork or keeping up with her business, Marie Pierre enjoys hanging out with friends, watching the latest additions to Netflix, and she has a soft spot for good food, especially dishes from her native country.

GG: How did you come up with the idea for your business?

MP: I immigrated to Canada from Senegal to pursue university studies. As I settled in, I found it very hard to find traditional beverages from my childhood. In fact, I found it challenging to find a variety of African food products that I grew to love as a child. It was then that I decided to introduce this healthy Senegalese juice to the Canadian market.

GG: What made you want to be an entrepreneur?

MP: Overall, I think the driving force nurturing my entrepreneurial spirit was my motivation to build a legacy and learn a thing or two along the way.

GG: How did you come up with the name of your company?

MP: The Jogo Juice came to life by combining both of my parents’ names. They played an important role in the launch and development of my business.

GG: What is the culture of your company?

MP: My goal is to infuse the traditional Senegalese culture into my business, as well as the core values upheld by a family run business. It’s important to me that my home country’s culture is incorporated in our day-to-day operations. Also, we’ve created a strong emphasis on supporting ethical work and import practices.

GG: What does a typical day look like for you?

MP: A typical day for me will start with my morning prayers, it’s important to me to be thankful for what I have and what I’ve achieved. Then, I usually filter through my emails and follow up with clients if needed. Afterwards, I attend my various classes virtually. As far as my daily goals go, I strive to maintain balance and discipline.

GG: What is your favorite part about being an entrepreneur?

MP: I don’t like doing repetitive things or completing repetitive tasks, which lends well to being an entrepreneur. Having days that are more challenging and fresh is what excites me. I love pushing myself every day. There’s no better feeling than realizing I’m able to handle new situations and obstacles.

GG: What advice would you give to future entrepreneurs?

MP: Just go for it. Make it happen! Remember that pain is temporary and pride is forever.

*This feature was published as a part of the Small Business Week campaign, 2020.