Celebrating Black History Month
Celebrating Black History Month: AIM’s Racial Equity Fund Alumni Spotlight – Darren Oyobio, CEO and Founder Mossed Juicery
The Racial Equity Fund is one of AIM’s core strategies tied to our Path to Racial Equity, and this month we are proud to spotlight Darren Oyobio, CEO and Founder of Mossed Juicery, and beneficiary of AIM’s Racial Equity Fund. Mossed Juicery specializes in produce-based seasonal juices that incorporate vegetables, fruits, seaweed, and supplements for improved health.
Darren Oyobio founded Mossed Juicery in 2022 to honor the memory of his late brother. The boys grew up down the street from the Marin Civic Center Farmers Market, and Darren’s brother would eventually work for Beber Almond Milk, another Market participant, at the Marin Farmers Market. To reduce barriers to market entry, Darren applied to and was accepted in a cohort of AIM’s Racial Equity Fund and joined AIM’s Farmers Markets at the Marin Civic Center, downtown San Rafael, and Point Reyes Things came full circle when Darren’s booth popped up next to Beber’s at the farmers market.
“AIM’s Racial Equity Fund made it possible for me to be at the market and gave me the grace to get my feet on the ground. I was offered a brick-and-mortar residency because folks knew me from my work at the market.”
AIM’s Racial Equity Fund strives to reduce barriers to market entry, by specifically supporting BIPOC farmers, food producers, and artisans who are getting started at AIM’s farmers markets. Each gift to the REF allows AIM to cover the cohort’s market registration fees, 6 months of market fees, a $1,000 stipend for any market-related costs, and a mentorship with an established market participant or Small Business Development Center advisor. Darren goes on to say, “AIM has been the greatest gift given to Mossed Juicery. I built this business around and through the Market.”
Darren’s vision for Mossed Juicery is to move into athletic and health food development. He’s currently in discussions with a local UFC fighter about doing training and nutrition videos. The up-and-coming UFC fighter learned about Mossed Juicery through Darren’s great work at the Market.
You can find Mossed Juicery at AIM’s Sunday Marin Civic Center Farmers Market at the Marin Civic Center and at their brick-and-mortar location at 13 West 3rd Street in Santa Rosa.
HELP SUPPORT THE NEXT COHORT OF AIM’s RACIAL EQUITY FUND
We have a special matching challenge today to raise $500 today. Your gift will be matched by Cheryl Dobbins and Peg Smith.
“Please join me in supporting BIPOC-owned businesses by making a gift to AIM’s Racial Equity Fund today. Help other Black-owned farms and food businesses make their dreams come true at the farmers market. Darren Oyobio, Founder Mossed Juicery
AIM’s goal is to accept as many Racial Equity Fund participants as we have the funds to support each year, so please donate today.
