SQUEEZING THE BEST OUT OF LIFE
Founder of Perfectly Pure, Kathie McCausland from Dungannon, on crafting unique juices and growing a vibrant business.
Portraits by Catriona Corrigan
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO SET UP PERFECTLY PURE?
From a young age I started juicing for myself. Then when my brother got very ill with ME, his body rejected solid foods. He needed nutrients to boost his strength, so I began making juices for him to help heal his body. We found that the juices I was making him were powerful in his road to recovery. Then a few years later, my father was diagnosed with terminal cancer – that’s when I developed my ‘Immune Support’ – an anti-inflammatory juice to help ease the discomfort of his chest infections. Perfectly Pure was created out of my love for using natural ingredients to create a product to help others as best I could. Prior to Perfectly Pure, I worked in Women’s Aid, I’ve been a support worker for homeless people and a nursery nurse. Caring for people matters to me.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE EARLY DAYS OF YOUR BUSINESS?
My business developed very naturally. I created bottles of pure goodness for my own use. Friends and family could see my juices supported weight loss, boosted skin glow and improved energy levels. One of my cousins was going to a wedding and she asked me to make her some juices as she wanted to shed some weight. I made her a combination of juices, which I now call the Cleanse, and she lost 6lbs the week before the wedding. She told others of her success on Facebook and the ordered rolled in.
WHAT CHALLENGES DID YOU FACE AND HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THEM?
Making juices for myself and fulfilling numerous orders was such a great feeling. I borrowed £40 from my mum to buy the best veg I could get my hands on, as well as sourcing bottles and labels. I took over her kitchen and began juicing the right combination of vegetables. My mum and I created a workshop in her garage. It was such an exciting time. I owe so much to her for believing in me from the very beginning.
WHAT SETS PERFECTLY PURE JUICES APART FROM OTHER JUICES ON THE MARKET?
I researched supermarket juices and found there were very few with no added-preservatives or sugar – so I started to make my own to satisfy my own values. My juices are literally perfectly pure – hence the name which my mum came up with. My juices are all 100 per cent natural, they are all tested to the highest possible standards by Loughry College who I have been working with for years. Environmental Health upgraded my Immune Support to a food supplement. This was a very special moment for me.
HOW DO YOU COME UP WITH NEW FLAVOURS OF JUICE COMBINATIONS?
It so important for me to listen to my customers. When the business grew from my workshop in my mum’s garage to a commercial kitchen which I specifically designed at Dungannon Enterprise Centre, I was able to engage with customers face-to-face and get them to test different flavours and listen to their needs. We explored the effects of menopause, cholesterol, flu, weight loss challenges, blood pressure, chronic fatigue syndrome and much more. I researched intensively which ingredients and combinations would be of benefit.
ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL HEALTH BENEFITS YOUR JUICES OFFER?
The Immune Support is an anti-inflammatory, especially great for helping with arthritis, flu, COVID, chest infections and many more. Raw beet helps people with their blood pressure, liver cleanse, physical endurance. My Fat Buster really helps shift the weight naturally – there are all sorts of ailments people suffer from – chronic fatigue, arthritis, skin conditions, fibromyalgia and so on. I get feedback all of the time as to how people feel my juices have helped those ailments. And of course, at this time of year with colds and sniffles, it’s important to keep our immune systems strong through absorbing the very best nutrients.
DO YOU WORK WITH LOCAL FARMERS OR SUPPLIERS IN NI?
Supporting local businesses and farmers is crucial to the success of my business and it supports jobs and local families. Farmers have had a tough growing year, but I make it my mission to source the very best quality ingredients. Grange Farm Moy is one of my main suppliers among others.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE PROUDEST MOMENT SO FAR WITH PERFECTLY PURE JUICES?
I have had many proud moments over the years – getting my Distinction in my Diploma in Nutrition, receiving feedback from my customers, customers nominating me for awards, winning awards and also the creation of my state-of-the-art workshop was such a massive achievement. My son Josh helps me run the business and we work together on everything – that makes me feel so proud that he is so involved.
HOW DO YOU BALANCE THE DEMANDS OF RUNNING A BUSINESS WITH YOUR PERSONAL LIFE AND WELLBEING?
I am very good at self-care and anyone who follows me on social media, and people around me, get a glimpse of what I enjoy doing in my spare time. It’s so important. I juice, I eat well, I exercise every day, often more than once as I take my beautiful dog Charlie for his daily walk, I go on retreats, I take holidays, I also love hiking. For me, nature speaks in whispers, but its strength can move mountains. Spending time with friends and family is hugely important to me. I love getting a night out with them and having fun. Balance is key.
DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR READERS WHO WANT TO LEAD A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE THROUGH JUICING OR NUTRITION?
Everything about a healthier lifestyle and getting the right nutrition is key to striking the perfect balance. I recommend 80 per cent food, 20 per cent exercise. Fuel your body with goodness and you’ll reap the rewards. Follow Perfectly Pure on social media as there are always useful tips for people.
HOW DO YOU SEE THE BRAND EVOLVING OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS?
Perfectly Pure juices are in over 50 shops in Northern Ireland. I will be expanding that here and in the south. I’ll also be expanding the Perfectly Pure range with a few being released before Christmas.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO WOMEN WHO ARE THINKING OF STARTING THEIR OWN BUSINESS?
Trust your instincts, build a strong network, be resilient, balance your strengths, plan financially, stay adaptable, support other women in business and network, prioritise self-care and celebrate your small wins as well as your big wins. You can do this.
Perfectly Pure, 55 Enterprise Centre, Dungannon / perfectlypure12@icloud.com / @perfectlypurejuices
