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, 2000 Pennsylvania Avenue NW. 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 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 more »
