The time is upon us to bask in the rays of the summer sun. One local business owner is also hoping customers revel in the love of the Son of God…and enjoy water ice at the same time.
What is water ice? According to Deon Jones, owner of DJR’s Water Ice, LLC, it just may become the cold dessert treat of choice you never knew existed.
“It is a water-based, non-dairy, cold dessert that has no fat, gluten, tree nuts, peanuts, and no high corn fructose sugar,” said Jones. “The mission of DJR’s is to offer a healthy and delicious alternative dessert rather than the usual ice cream or frozen yogurt. I began the business in 2008 to bring something new to the area, but mainly so I wouldn’t have to work for anyone else.”
The water ice comes in flavors like blue raspberry, cherry, cotton candy, green apple, lemon, mango, strawberry lemonade, and tropical rainbow (some are pictured in the photo above).
While the Augusta native believes in entrepreneurship and being able to chart her path, she says she is nothing without her faith in God and the two staffers on her team. Therefore, she’s never doing any of this by herself.
“Faith to me is belief, trust, and knowingness,” she said. “Understanding that we are not alone. Understanding that our lives are purposed and will be fulfilled as long as we put God first. Pray and work hard to follow His direction.
“I incorporate what I know faith to be by being an example of it daily. I lead with love always. I do this by the way I talk, the way that I carry myself, and the spirit that I share with others.”
The 49-year-old recalls growing up on the tough, inner-city streets of East Augusta. Living in an area sometimes plagued by crime, poverty, and lack of available resources, Jones learned at an early age the meaning of resilience and fortitude. She draws from those experiences each time a hurdle arises in running her company.
“There was a time I thought I wouldn’t be able to complete the renovations to open my storefront due to a few financial setbacks along the way, but prayer and my faith activated God,” Jones said. “He showed up and showed out. I don’t believe that God brings us up the ladder to have us fall.”
When she has fallen, she’s always gotten back up to move forward, believing that faith without works is dead: That’s the legacy she’s cultivating each day and with each fruity flavor.
“I want my legacy to be that no matter where you come from, who your family is, or what you have done, you can achieve anything with God on your side,” Jones said. “Trusting and depending on the Lord will take you places you never thought you could go and do things you never dreamed possible. Do the work and God will be right there with you, leading the charge making a way, and opening doors. Trust Him and see.”
If you’re looking for a new treat for summer and beyond, DJR’s Water Ice is located at 3118 William Few Parkway unit #3 in Evans. Find them on Facebook or call 706-750-2112.
