Margaret Johns’ inspiring transition from health challenges to entrepreneurship showcases the transformative power of adversity. Her juice business, Crimson Horizon, stands as a monument to her resilience and ambition, offering organic juice to both local and international markets.
The brand, named for her love of sunsets, reflects the vibrant shades of orange and purple that motivate her vision. Based in Bilolo, Ba, and a mother of seven, Johns embarked on this venture as a response to her own and her husband’s health struggles, including diabetes and high blood pressure. These experiences ignited her passion for creating organic remedies, leading her to develop a variety of homemade juices.
“The journey towards a healthier lifestyle made me embrace natural remedies,” she remarked. “The jungle juice I created has significantly helped lower my blood pressure and sugar levels while also facilitating weight loss. My husband’s health has also improved remarkably.” Her unique recipe comprises twelve natural ingredients, such as turmeric, garlic, cayenne pepper, and honey, and she prioritizes sourcing from local markets to support her community.
Since launching in 2019, just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Crimson Horizon has recently seen a surge in demand. Johns reports that her jungle juice is now reaching customers in countries including the UK, USA, Australia, and New Zealand, alongside various locations throughout Fiji, like Vanua Levu and Suva.
Priced at $20 for a 1.5-liter bottle, Johns produces twenty bottles per batch, with weekly sales ranging from 40 to 60 bottles. Expanding her product line, she also offers dried ginger, turmeric powder, chili vinegar, and handmade items such as sulu and fans.
Johns credits her family’s unwavering support—particularly that of her husband and children—in sourcing ingredients and managing the business’s growth. She advocates for aspiring female entrepreneurs, urging them to believe in their potential and not be deterred by obstacles.
“Taking that first step can be daunting, but it’s crucial to learn from challenges and move forward,” she emphasized. “If I can succeed, then any woman can too.”
Her story resonates with others in her community, such as Loraini Bula and Payal Prasad, who have also turned to entrepreneurship to navigate personal and financial challenges while uplifting their families. Together, these narratives of resilience and empowerment inspire local women to chase their dreams, promote cultural heritage, and support local economies, shining a hopeful light on the entrepreneurial spirit.