5 hours Ago
Manna Organic, the passion project of sisters Alexandra and Leandra Saphiris from Darlington, officially soft launched on Saturday, April 19, and has already proved a hit with residents craving healthier, organic options in town. The shop, on Grange Road, is offering a juice-only menu and has seen a steady stream of customers since opening. Manna Organic Juice and Natural Living shop opened on Grange Road in Darlington pictured sisters Alexandra and Leandra Saphiris (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) Before going into business, Leandra,35, worked as a district nurse, and Alexandra,37, spent her days in floristry and recruitment.
Now, they have joined forces to offer Darlington residents “a little sanctuary in town” to refresh and revitalise shoppers. Ahead of the launch, the sisters said: “We can’t wait to welcome people in, whether you’re popping in for a fresh juice, or just want to see what we’re about, our door will always be open.” Manna Organic Juice and Natural Living shop opened on Grange Road in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) Since the launch, customers have not only packed the new space but have already stamped out loyalty cards.
In fact, the shop sold out of produce on its second day- a milestone that left the sisters thrilled and grateful. They said: “It has been amazing ever since. We’ve had so many people say they’ve been waiting for something like this in town for a long time.
” Organic cold-pressed juice from Manna Organic Juice and Natural Living shop that opened on Grange Road in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) Before the shop, Manna Organic operated online for three years, delivering juice cleanses made with organic produce across the country. But the dream of a physical space never left the sisters' minds. After years of searching, they happened to drive past the now-home of Manna, previously the site of Artichoke florist, and instantly knew it was the one.
Manna Organic Juice and Natural Living shop opened on Grange Road in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) Although the shop is small, the sisters said it's packed with quality produce, they said: “Our juices are cold-pressed, which preserves more nutrients and flavour than standard juicing methods, and everything is certified organic. “Everything is organic and as local as possible, with no additives, processing, refined sugar or seed oils.” Manna Organic Juice and Natural Living shop opened on Grange Road in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) The sisters' personal health journeys and a transformative seven-day juice retreat in 2016 were pivotal in shaping their business vision.
After Alexandra became a mother she also struggled to find healthy, organic places to take her daughter- so instead she set on creating her own. The sisters said: “Our passion for natural living came from our own health journeys and those close to us. “The idea for Manna really came from our daily life and everyday conversations about how difficult it is to access truly clean organic food – especially juices.
” The menu from Manna Organic Juice and Natural Living shop that opened on Grange Road in Darlington set to expand on Wednesday (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) The shop will expand its offerings on Wednesday with the launch of smoothies, followed by a hot drinks menu rolling out next week. With support from other businesses on the street, a devoted customer base forming already, and products flying off the shelves, Alexandra and Leandra say they’re feeling “blessed.” READ MORE: The sisters said: “We want Manna to feel like a breath of fresh air.
A space that inspires people to slow down, nourish themselves, and reconnect with simple, natural things." For updates and more about their offerings, visit their website or follow them on Instagram @manna_organic..
