Today we’d like to introduce you to Ana Jansen.
Hi Ana, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started Samba Sips because I wanted to bring a more authentic version of açaí to Austin — one that actually reflects how we eat it in Brazil, where the açaí berry is originally from. I grew up with açaí as comfort food. It wasn’t about trends or wellness culture — it was about flavor, connection, and community.
When I moved here, I noticed most places were offering a very different experience — more focused on health than on taste or tradition. So I created Samba Sips to offer something that felt more real: bowls that are balanced, bold, and rooted in Brazilian culture.
What started as a small market booth has grown into a brand that’s about more than just food — it’s about sharing a piece of Brazil, building community, and showing that international food can be both premium and approachable.
We’re still in the early stages, but everything is made with intention — from the ingredients we use to the way we show up at markets and events. I’m building this business from the ground up, and I’m excited to keep growing it, one bowl at a time.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. That’s expected when you’re building something from the ground up.
One of the biggest challenges was developing an açaí base that truly captures the flavor I grew up with in Brazil. Most of what’s available in the U.S. doesn’t come close, so it took a lot of testing and refining to get it right.
As a solo founder, I manage everything. I prep, sell, deliver, and oversee operations. That kind of pace can be exhausting, especially without a team or outside funding to rely on.
I’ve also dealt with unreliable teammates, financial pressure, and unpredictable weather that directly impacts sales. There are always new channels and opportunities to consider, which sometimes makes it difficult to stay focused on the most important priorities.
There have been months where we didn’t make a profit. I’ve had to step back from certain markets and rework strategies. And yes, there are days when I question how sustainable it all is.
But each challenge has taught me something valuable. The mission is still clear, and that’s what keeps me going.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Samba Sips?
Samba Sips is a Brazilian açaí brand based in Austin. We serve real, bold, flavor-packed açaí bowls that reflect how the dish is actually enjoyed in Brazil. Our bowls are not stripped down or overfocused on wellness. They are comfort food. Sweet, indulgent, and layered with ingredients like strawberries, powdered milk, and granola.
What sets us apart is authenticity. I grew up eating açaí in Brazil, and Samba Sips was built around that memory. Every detail of the experience, from the ingredients to the way we engage with customers, is rooted in culture and connection. This is not just another superfood trend. It is a meaningful, nostalgic dish meant to be shared.
We operate through farmers markets and recently launched delivery to bring that experience to even more people. Everything is prepared with care and intention. We are small, but we treat every bowl like it matters. Because it does.
I am most proud of how our customers respond to the product. Brazilians say it tastes like home. People who have never been to Brazil say it is unlike anything they have tried. That emotional connection is everything to me.
At its core, Samba Sips is about celebrating culture without compromise. We believe international food should be respected, not rebranded. Our mission is to offer something that feels good, tastes incredible, and honors where it came from.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Yes, I’ve definitely taken risks with Samba Sips. Earlier this year I went through a layoff, and even though the business wasn’t turning a profit at the time, I made the decision to keep it going. Before the layoffs, I had already invested a significant amount of my own money into the brand. I believed in the vision and in the product, so walking away didn’t feel like an option.
There are constant risks involved when you’re building something from the ground up. Every week there are choices to make around how much time and money to invest, which direction to test, or what opportunities to pursue. None of it is guaranteed, but I try to take those risks responsibly. I weigh the decisions carefully, but I also trust my instincts.
To me, risk is just part of the process. If you believe in what you’re doing and you’re willing to stay committed through the hard parts, the risk doesn’t feel reckless. It feels necessary.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sambasips.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/samba.sips
