Why Boost Juice founder Janine Allis takes a back seat in family business Yo-Chi

Janine Allis, the founder of Boost Juice, is shifting her focus when it comes to the frozen yoghurt brand Yo-Chi. While Allis remains a significant figure in the business world, she is choosing to remain in the background for this specific family venture.

Yo-Chi is currently led by her son, Oliver Allis, who serves as chief brand director. The family acquired four frozen yoghurt stores in 2020 after a previous hospitality company collapsed. Under Oliver's leadership, the brand has grown to 70 stores across Australia and two in Singapore. The business is a family affair, with Jeff Allis acting as an advisor and other relatives managing locations in Western Australia and South Australia.

Allis notes that she is usually the first person to warn against working with friends and family. However, she views the expansion of Yo-Chi as an exception to her usual advice. She credits the success to a clear division of roles and the specific vision held by her son and husband.

Maintaining a professional environment at home requires strict boundaries. Allis emphasizes that she and her husband never argue in front of others. This approach protects their working relationship and keeps the family dynamic separate from the operations of their retail empire. Her decision to act as a cheerleader rather than an active manager allows the next generation to guide the brand toward its global goals.