Beyond The Board - Ruby Jean's Juicery
Thu Feb 05 2026
In this episode, Dr. Akua Woolbright sits down with Chris Goode, founder of Ruby Jean's Juicery in Kansas City, Missouri, to talk about legacy, community, and the freedom that comes from building something rooted in purpose. As the youngest of four children, Chris was raised with the steady presence of his grandmother, who became the backbone his family needed and the inspiration behind everything he's built. Chris shares how opening Ruby Jean's was a way of honoring her memory by transforming grief into wellness, and love into a space where community could gather and feel seen. He reflects on the power of taking up space, welcoming people in, and using vulnerability and faith as fuel for growth.
From starting with limited capital in a 700-square-foot shop to navigating doubt without a blueprint, Chris opens up about the challenges of building something from the ground up and why staying bold and committed to his community matters. At the center of it all is a hope that his grandmother would be proud of the family, freedom, and sense of belonging he's created in her name.
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In this episode, Dr. Akua Woolbright sits down with Chris Goode, founder of Ruby Jean's Juicery in Kansas City, Missouri, to talk about legacy, community, and the freedom that comes from building something rooted in purpose. As the youngest of four children, Chris was raised with the steady presence of his grandmother, who became the backbone his family needed and the inspiration behind everything he's built. Chris shares how opening Ruby Jean's was a way of honoring her memory by transforming grief into wellness, and love into a space where community could gather and feel seen. He reflects on the power of taking up space, welcoming people in, and using vulnerability and faith as fuel for growth. From starting with limited capital in a 700-square-foot shop to navigating doubt without a blueprint, Chris opens up about the challenges of building something from the ground up and why staying bold and committed to his community matters. At the center of it all is a hope that his grandmother would be proud of the family, freedom, and sense of belonging he's created in her name.