We had the good fortune of connecting with Just Fresh and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Just, how do you think about risk?
Life is an adventure sport. Once I grasped that, it transformed my perspective on risk and its essential role in truly living.

Taking risks has always been a hallmark of those who make significant strides and leave a lasting impact on this world.

So in life and my career, I worked hard to make risk my ally, shedding its negative connotation and focusing on its positive aspects. Over time, I became stronger and more skilled at assessing risks and anticipating their rewards.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What excites me most at this moment is the opportunity for growth and self-reinvention. I’m not confined to a static identity or a rigid lifestyle; instead, I embrace the freedom to evolve. It’s exciting to blend the lessons from my past with my newfound skills and perspectives, and then to explore the possibilities that can emerge from that

In my professional journey, one word sums it up: Grit. It’s the raw reality. Years of navigating physical, mental, and emotional obstacles have transformed me and shaped my path. A key lesson I’ve learned is that we go through many iterations of ourselves, each necessary in the grand scheme of things. So it’s always been important to me that I never let anything that happens to me (or for me) go to waste. Each of these experiences and challenges constantly inform/reshape our trajectory if we pay it the attention it deserves. Admittedly, none of this ever easy, but anywhere worth going rarely is.

If I wanted my story to leave anything with the world it would be “just do you” or “do what’s personal to you”. “You” are inexhaustible resource and fundamentally that’s your truth north. Work alongside that and everything else will take care of itself .

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
A week-long trip in Arizona sounds amazing! Since I’m drawn to the state’s natural beauty, starting with a trip up north is a must, with Antelope Canyon being a top priority for its breathtaking uniqueness. (Depending on the time of year, a visit to one of our ski resorts would be perfect)

Sedona is definitely on the itinerary for a day of hiking, lunch, exploring shops, and catching the sunset at the airport vortex. Perhaps we could extend the day with an overnight stay to unwind in the tranquility of Sedona’s night sky.

A day in Downtown Phoenix is next up, with visits to rooftop bars for cocktails and small bites, and ending the night at Hanny’s for martinis and great company. Depending on the season, catching a Suns game or Diamondbacks game would add to the experience.

To recharge, a pool day at one of the luxurious resorts in the Scottsdale/Paradise Valley area is a must. Whether it’s the Omni, Hilton North, or Andaz, lounging by the pool will provide the perfect downtime amidst our adventures.

The rest of the trip I would leave open to chance, I’m not one over plan, always need to leave some room for magic to happen.

If time permits, can’t forget about the fun in southern Arizona, Tucson’s has some hidden gyms as well as the offbeat personality of Bisbee.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There have definitely been people who have played pivotal roles in my journey. Some made big contributions, others smaller ones, but all were significant. DJ Maneone (@theDJManeone) is at the top of my mind. Our careers have intertwined over the last 10-15 years, and we’ve made our mark in the industry through various events and parties, notably “Locals Only.” I can’t imagine how things would look without him and the roles he played.

Another key person is Yaya Martinez (@yayamartinez). We collaborated on her radio show “The Pulse” on Power 98.3. This specialty show highlighted underground and emerging new hip-hop. The first hour, called “The Freshboxx,” gave me the opportunity to discover and spin new music (with the help of Rick D on the research) and share it with a wide audience during a vibrant and organic time in hip-hop.

Lastly, but certainly not least, I am deeply grateful to the community of Downtown Phoenix. Their unwavering support and vibrant energy have been the cornerstone of my journey. There are countless individuals who have played a role in that success, each one leaving a lasting impact. Together, we’ve created something truly extraordinary that I hope continues to inspire and uplift us all.

Website: https://itslocalsonly.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/justfreshnow

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LocalTouristAZ

Image Credits
Aaron Wallace (@awallphoto)

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.