Marquita Evans is the owner and entrepreneur behind Intentions Juice and Smoothie Bar, a community hub located on South Tacoma Way. Celebrating its fifth year, Intentions is more than just a place for healthy drinks; it's a focal point for health, wellness, and community engagement. Marquita started Intentions in 2020 after an opportunity arose to open a coffee shop, but she decided on a juice bar instead, aligning with her own healthy lifestyle and her word of the year, "intentions."

Intentions stands out as a unique space that fosters community through monthly poetry nights, where voices from inside prison are also heard, and by hosting community healer events offering massages, sound baths, yoga, and healing circles, with over 400 participants this year alone. Marquita envisioned Intentions as a "Black Starbucks vibe," a safe and welcoming place where customers are known by name and feel at home.

The community is at the heart of Intentions, driving its purpose to serve and provide a space for events like tax preparation and home buyer workshops, all free of charge. Ingredients for the smoothies and juices are fresh, with an emphasis on locally sourced produce when available. Menu creation is intentional, with a mix of aesthetically pleasing drinks and those designed for healing properties, like hangover kits, "Get Well Soon" blends, and "Period Kits."

Financially, Intentions is primarily funded by Marquita herself, making community support crucial for keeping the doors open and paying staff, including high schoolers learning managerial skills. Marquita stresses the importance of supporting Black-owned and local small businesses to keep these vital spaces alive. She has adapted her business to customer preferences and health trends by offering customizable options and using seasonal ingredients, always prioritizing the needs of her customers.

The space itself is designed to be inviting and comfortable, with art from local artists, game tables, and a cozy couch area. Marquita's motivation comes from leaving a legacy for her child and supporting her team. For her, Black joy is feeling safe, happy, and peaceful in her own space, and the happiest moments are behind the counter interacting with people and creating genuine connections.