Juicitinis & Desert Dreams: Meet Helaina Alavi, the Queen of Clean Sips

By Ersilia Pompilio

When life gives you lemons, most people make lemonade. But Helaina Alavi? She shakes them into a martini glass and builds a whole business out of it.

At 24, Helaina is already the founder and face of Juicitini Bar, one of the Coachella Valley's freshest (literally) small businesses, slinging nutrient-packed juices and smoothies that taste as good as they look on the 'gram. But behind the pastel cups and cheeky names is a story that’s equal parts heart, hustle, and a little eight-year-old with a dream.

We sat down with the Canadian-born, California-based wellness entrepreneur to talk juice, autoimmune journeys, and why she’ll always be a frozen yogurt girl at heart.

So, who is Helaina Alavi? Give us the backstory.

I’m 24, currently living in Palm Desert, California, but I grew up in Calgary, Alberta. I love creating new ideas for my business, taking long walks, doing pilates, hanging with friends, getting frozen yogurt (kind of obsessed), and even going to the movies solo. I’m definitely someone who enjoys being around people, but also needs that me-time to recharge and get inspired.

Okay, the name Juicitini Bar is a whole vibe. How did that happen?

So funny story — this goes all the way back to little me at eight years old. My parents used to make martinis at home, and I obviously wanted to be part of the fun. So they’d let me pour juice into a martini shaker and voilà — I had a “juicitini.” My dad literally said, “That could be a great business one day,” and I was like, “Bet.”

Fast forward: I go to college for business, get my associate’s degree, then move to Palm Desert knowing basically no one. After a few years, I got really sick and was diagnosed with a few autoimmune conditions. That kind of shifted everything. I quit my job, took two months to reflect, and next thing I know I’m getting a business license, calling farmers’ markets, and collecting supplies. On October 3, 2023, I officially launched at my first market and haven’t looked back since.

Let’s talk signature drinks. What’s your personal go-to?

For smoothies? The Cheeky Monkey. It’s cacao powder, banana, peanut butter, dates, and vanilla. Honestly, it slaps. It’s creamy, chocolatey, and that banana-peanut butter combo is undefeated. My mom is obsessed too.

For juices, I love the Ruby Revive. It’s a powerhouse blend with beets, apple, lemon, pineapple, ginger, and coconut water. Super good for post-workout recovery, digestion, immunity, and just general queen energy.

What’s your midsummer sip?

If it’s peak summer, I’m all about peaches. Peach smoothies are my jam. I also lean into juices that are low glycemic—I’ve got to keep that blood sugar steady. So that means things like kale, fennel, celery, cabbage, lemon, and ginger. Not everyone’s cup of juice, but it makes me feel amazing.

Are you a born-and-raised desert girl?

Nope! I moved here in 2020 from Portland, and before that, I lived in Canada for 14 years. So yeah, I’ve bounced around a bit. But the desert definitely feels like home now.

Spill the tea. Where do you hang when you're not making magic at the market?

I’m lowkey obsessed with Bowl of Heaven — they know my order by heart. Also love Beach House frozen yogurt (shout out to the real ones who know how to stack their toppings). On weekends, I’ll hit up The Nest or The Red Barn — not for drinks, but for dancing, of course.

I’m always down for a good hike — The Cross or Bump n Grind are faves. And obviously, farmers’ markets are my happy place, whether I’m working or just wandering around.

Still on the hunt for my perfect restaurant though — I’m all about grass-fed, organic, farm-fresh food, and that’s been kind of a mission out here in the desert.

Your juice bar isn’t just about wellness — it’s about community, right?

Totally. One thing I’ve really noticed about living in the desert is how transient it is. So many people are just visiting, and it can be hard to build deep connections. But Juicitini Bar has opened so many doors for me to meet locals and create real relationships. Even when vacationers stop by, I end up giving them recs or my mom (who’s a nurse) will drop some health tips. It's kind of a whole vibe.

What breaks my heart is seeing more fast-food chains pop up while small businesses struggle. Even though the valley really does support local in a lot of ways, it's hard for small businesses to survive the off-season. That’s why I feel so lucky to share my story here — and I hope it encourages other small biz owners to keep going.

Final thoughts for the SQUAD fam?

Don’t sleep on your eight-year-old self. They might’ve already told you what you’re meant to do.

And support your local smoothie girl. She's out here shaking juice in a martini glass — for your health.

Follow Helaina Alavi and Juicitini Bar on Instagram @juicitinibar — and don’t forget to slide into the DMs with your order for your Bachelorette Bash or Ladies Who Love to Leisure Wellness Weekend in Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley. You can also catch Helaina serving up good vibes and even better juice at farmers’ markets all across the valley!

If you're a fierce female entrepreneur (or have a female inspired brand) in the Coachella Valley making waves (or smoothies, or candles, or boss moves), hit us up — SQUAD Magazine wants to feature you!

About the Author

Ersilia Pompilio is the Editor in Chief of SQUAD Magazine, a Palm Springs guide for bachelorettes and ladies who love to leisure. With over two decades of experience in performing, producing live storytelling shows, and hosting a podcast, she has also taught storytelling classes and written professionally for several media outlets. Originally from Los Angeles, Ersilia is also a twenty-year resident of Palm Springs, California.