Smoothie King Owners Trade Tech Jobs For ‘Fruity’ Careers

The eighth annual National Black Business Month celebration takes place during August 2011. The goal is to encourage consumers to visit and support at least one black-owned business on each of the 31 days of August. According to the U.S. Census Bureau the state of Maryland ranks second in the nation for having the largest percentage of black-owned businesses, with a total of 102,135.

Romica and David Brashear have now increased that number.

The husband and wife team recently opened Smoothie King, the only one in Anne Arundel County. The Waugh Chapel shopping center store creates specialty fruit drinks and healthy snacks. “We did a lot of market research before picking this location to open a Smoothie King. But it comes down to people just love the product,” said Severn resident David Brashear.

For Romica it was more than love. “I do my best to make healthy choices for my family, and the products we serve support that. We were also impressed that all Smoothie King smoothies are customizable, so we can make a smoothie work for most any life style. Also, Smoothie King was the brand that started it all, so we choose what we feel is the best,” said Romica Brashear, who is the mother of two.

She went on to explain “We are hard workers and wanted to use our talents in our own business. My background is in Information Systems and my husband's is Network Engineering. We both attended Morgan State University in Baltimore and George Washington University for Graduate School. Prior to opening Smoothie King I was a full time stay at home mom teaching online college classes part time and my husband worked in cyber security.”

Romica said the best part so far in owning their own business is the support they are getting from the community. She said, “We have been overwhelmed by the level of support, friendly faces, and repeat guests we have.”

“We have two small children, who have busy schedules of their own. Because of that we rely on our great network of friends to help us get them to their practices and games. Also, our Smoothie King team is GREAT! They have stepped up and really do a good job keeping the store running amazingly well,” smiled Romica.

Employee Naiyana Saunders couldn’t agree more. The North Carolina University student said “Romica is my cousin. It was great to know that when I returned home for the summer I had a job lined up. It has been so much fun working here.” She said the best part is that all employees feel like members of the family. She adds “We do stuff together even when we are not at work.” When asked what her favorite shake was she said it is the Hulk Strawberry Smoothie.

Customer Mitch Davis said this is also his favorite.

“Until now I had to go to College Park to get the smoothie. This is much closer,” said the Bowie High School Band Director. The Crofton resident also said, “This is perfect to drink when it’s hot outside, I love coming here.”

A smiling Romica said, “Our feedback has been awesome. Most of our guests love the smoothies and have an enjoyable experience while here. One common concern is that they wish we would stay open later!”