Celis Produce isn’t just a place to stop in to pick up a bunch of organic produce although you can do that of course. And the first time you’re there, wandering up and down the aisles, taking it all in, you might not completely get it. Produce. Cute cards. Beautiful flowers. Smoothies and fresh juices. Okay.
But the next time you’re driving past it on Dixie Highway and remember, “I need two onions for dinner” and veer off to make a quick run into the store – then stumble out 20 minutes later after meeting 5 new friends, after Alex Celis remembers you and asks you about something you talked about that first time in the store, after he shares with you a new juice he’s testing out and after you have about five fantastic products you didn’t think you needed and a beautiful bouquet of flowers that you can’t stop instagramming and an invitation to an art opening that night – then you get it.
Celis – the man and the store – isn’t about what you’re buying. It’s about a feeling. It’s about community.
Alex Celis along with his brothers Felipe and Camilo grew up in the produce business – their father had a Farmer’s Market on Dixie Highway, just down the street from their current store. The brothers grew up in that store, sneaking apples off the shelf, eating mandarins while wandering the aisles.
“It’s in our blood,” Alex said. “But I wanted to approach the produce business a little different, sort of a new generation style of produce market. Something intimate, organic and offering a nice variety of produce with grocery items and Celis was born.” Today, the Celis brothers are the headquarters to a revolution of sorts. An organic, community-oriented, locally-sourced, kindness based revolution.
In addition to the market, Celis Produce offers a co-op/delivery service, which is how it began as well as sells at the West Palm Beach and Palm Beach Gardens Greenmarkets.
The store itself offers thoughtfully curated items from locals: Hadyima spices, hot sauces, local rice, One Kombucha, vegan protein bars, local eggs, local honey, local beer, local bread. All their produce is organic. They carry fresh flowers from Flower and Fringe and cards from Heart Swell.
But the best part isn’t the products, although the products are amazing. It’s the feeling when you walk in the door – the conversations, the people you meet, the love in the air and the feeling when you walk out the door. Full bag, full heart.
Q and A with Alex
Hometown? West Palm Beach, FL.
Favorite restaurant? Malakor.
Favorite food? Thai.
Favorite Vegetable? Avocado (even though its considered a fruit).
Favorite book? Mailman on fire.
Favorite recipe? Avocado toast.
Favorite app? Skillshare.
Favorite city? Medellin, Colombia.
Alex Celis
Alex Celis’ little secrets
Little known fact about Alex? I’m a terrible singer.
Favorite “secret” spot in WPB? It’s a secret (lol).
Best part of the WPB community? We are watching it form right before our eyes and its molding into something beautiful.
How you spend your time when not at the store? Bike rides, photography, cooking.
Alex Celis as an entrepreneur
Hardest thing about being an entrepreneur? Balance.
Best thing about being an entrepreneur? Building something from nothing.
If you could give advice to someone starting their own business, what would it be? Be ready to work long hours.
Best piece of advice you got when starting out? Work hard and be brave!
Alex Celis
Why Celis Produce is a must visit place Celis Produce isn’t just a place to stop in to pick up a bunch of organic produce although you can do that of course.