Leslie Needleman

Overview

Name: Leslie Needleman
Position: Co-Owner and Founder
Company: The GEM Juice Bar
Industry: Consumer Services
Location: Dallas, Texas, United States
Education: Rollins College
LinkedIn Profile: [Leslie Needleman](https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-needleman-82152b171)
Email Address: les@insidethegem.com

Professional Background

Leslie Needleman is the Co-Owner and Founder of The GEM Juice Bar, an organic juice bar based in Dallas, Texas. She co-founded the company in 2012 with Mary Kathryn Bass. The GEM Juice Bar positions itself as a leader in organic, plant-based nutrition, focusing on promoting health and wellness through its products.

Prior to founding The GEM Juice Bar, Leslie Needleman had a 17-year career in marketing and product development for a luxury linen company. This diverse background spans both high-end consumer goods and health-focused food services, providing her with a unique blend of skills and experiences.

Company Information

The GEM Juice Bar

• Founded: 2012

• Location: Dallas, Texas

• Headcount: 25 - 100 employees

• Revenue: $1 - 10 million

• Focus: 100% organic food and juice

• Services: Organic food, raw health-enhancing juices, plant-based smoothies and soups made from scratch

• Mission: To promote health and happiness through high-quality, wholesome food and drink, and to educate the community about the benefits of an organic, plant-based diet.

Public Engagement and Community Involvement

Leslie Needleman has been featured in numerous local and industry publications. She actively participates in community events and health-oriented panels, such as the 2012 Earth Day event in Dallas, where she discussed the benefits of organic living and juicing.

Personal Journey and Inspiration

Leslie's commitment to organic food and juicing stems from her personal battle with breast cancer in 2009. Discovering the healing power of organic juice and a plant-based diet during her treatment, she became an advocate for using food as medicine. This personal experience played a pivotal role in the establishment of The GEM Juice Bar, where the ethos of health, joy, and delicious living is embedded in the company's daily operations.

Key Achievements and Notable Mentions

• Cancer Survivor: Leslie's journey through breast cancer has significantly influenced the operational and philosophical direction of The GEM Juice Bar.

• Founding Free-Standing Juice Bar: The GEM is recognized as the first free-standing organic juice bar in Dallas.

• Community Impact: The GEM has become a neighborhood staple, noted for its contributions to community health and wellness over the past decade.

• Prominent Collaborations:* The company has engaged with health-conscious communities and influencers, further reinforcing its commitment to organic and plant-based nutrition.

Leslie's role as a leader and advocate in the organic food and wellness industry makes her a key figure in the promotion of a healthy lifestyle. Her educational background from Rollins College and extensive experience in consumer services underpin her company's success and reputation in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.