In the 21st century, instead of a door, sometimes opportunity knocks through a direct message on social media.
That’s how Amanda Victoria learned about the Enthuse Foundation Pitch Competition from an X (formerly Twitter) direct message.
Amanda and her husband, Joseph Mintz, co-founded Siponey Spritz Co., a canned whiskey spritz cocktail. Siponey Spritz Co.™ is the first B Corp-certified cocktail company on the market, and two percent of its annual revenue goes back to its non-profit partners, including those specializing in bee pollination education.
We connected with Amanda and got the latest buzz on Siponey Spritz Co.
Enthuse Foundation (EF): Since the 2022 Pitch Competition, how has your business grown?
Amanda Victoria (AV): So many exciting developments for Siponey Spritz Co.™! First, we closed out 2022 by officially announcing our newest shareholder, Lauren “LP” O’Brien, the winner of Netflix's Drink Masters. Also, we hit over $1M in our capital raise and won Alcoholic Product of the Year for The Mindful Awards Program, an independent recognition platform highlighting conscious companies and products. Also, we launched with Fresh Direct, making Siponey Royale directly available to NYC, Westchester County, and Long Island residents. Finally, the most magical drink is available in the most magical place in the world – Disney World.
EF: Wow! It’s also Hispanic Heritage Month, and I know your heritage means a lot to you. Tell us what it’s like being a Latina entrepreneur.
AV: Latinas make up less than a generous 1% of ownership in a considerably lightning-fast growth segment (alcoholic spirit-based ready-to-drinks). Even with a beloved trailblazer product in the “best bet” of an industry sector, I am still swinging for funding and to prove ourselves as a worthy investment opportunity. Modern history studies weren’t designed to tell the stories of people who look like me, firstly as a woman and as a person of color and mother.
Being vocal is essential for future generations. Yet, if only for my daughter, I would tell her our business success story — a story where we had no choice but to be successful, with the weight of our ancestors carrying us through to the win. A win for Siponey Spritz Co.™ is a win for generations — truly. I’m also proud to be on the advisory board of Corporate Pero Latinos, a nonprofit organization supporting Latinx professionals. CPL is raising donations this HHM to support ESL classes, networking and scholarship opportunities for Latinx people in corporate America.
EF: What an incredible role model you are for your daughter. Tell us about your experience with the Enthuse Foundation.
AV: The Enthuse Foundation brings opportunities to women founders. It is all about opportunity, introductions, a platform, a chance to meet investors, be around other founders, and a support system. It's a great network all around.
EF: Well, we are so grateful to have you as a member of our community. So, what’s on the horizon for you professionally and personally?
AV: I’ve been working on my memoir, Power in Trauma, which will be available in 2024. Also, we just launched Siponey Spritz Co.™ at Whole Foods Market in California, Illinois, Arizona, and New Jersey, which greatly expanded our retail footprint!
What does it mean to have an entrepreneurial spirit? To build things from nothing. Take advantage of every opportunity given, whether sought out or landed in your DMs. Amanda acted on a tip from a direct message and went on to be a Pitch Competition finalist. This blog post can be your golden ticket; apply to the 5th Annual Enthuse Foundation Pitch Competition.
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