Hidden Gems: Meet Sara Delaney of Sarilla

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Sara Delaney.

Sara, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey began with a deep passion for health, wellness, and community. As the founder and CEO of Sarilla, a craft-brewed organic sparkling beverage brand, I set out to create a product that inspires and restores people to their original health state, focusing on mind-body-spirit wellness. My background includes extensive work with genocide survivors in Rwanda, where I learned the profound impact of community and resilience.

This experience and my commitment to sobriety and personal growth shaped Sarilla’s mission. Today, Sarilla offers six flavors made with organic ingredients and botanicals, catering to a diverse audience of women, athletes, and college students. Through our brand, we celebrate self-acceptance, health, and the power of following one’s dreams while maintaining high standards and an elegant yet approachable presence.

We all face challenges, but would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey with Sarilla has been incredibly rewarding, but it hasn’t always been smooth. Like many entrepreneurs, I faced significant challenges, especially in the early stages. One major hurdle was identifying and understanding our primary demographic.

While we knew Sarilla resonated with women like me—focused on health, sobriety, and personal growth—we also discovered a strong following among athletes and college students. Balancing these diverse groups required strategic marketing efforts. Building a brand centered on organic, premium ingredients posed logistical challenges and higher costs.

As a solopreneur, making all the decisions can be overwhelming, making mental health and a strong support network essential. My recovery has always been a priority, and having a business coach and mentor helps me feel less alone in my ideas.

Raising funds and managing growth also presented significant obstacles, but each challenge strengthened our resolve and refined our vision for Sarilla. These personal and professional struggles have made the journey all the more meaningful and have underscored the importance of community and resilience.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Sarilla is a craft-brewed organic sparkling beverage brand designed to inspire and restore people to their original health state.

We specialize in creating beverages that promote mind-body-spirit wellness, using organic ingredients, with our halo ingredient being tea leaves. Our lineup features six flavors, some caffeine-free and made with botanicals, catering to a diverse audience that includes women focused on health and sobriety, athletes, and college students.

What sets Sarilla apart is our commitment to high standards and our elegant yet approachable presence. We are not just a beverage brand; we are a movement toward self-acceptance, health, and personal growth. We are woman-owned, and our founder’s journey of sobriety and personal transformation deeply influences our mission.

We are most proud of our work in Rwanda, where we have been collaborating with genocide survivors for years. This partnership not only supports our sourcing of high-quality ingredients but also embodies our dedication to social impact. Through our annual Crop to Cup trip, we offer guests the opportunity to witness our work and the communities we support firsthand.

Sarilla is more than just a drink; it’s a social beverage that promotes a balanced and joyful lifestyle. We aim to be a part of your daily rituals, providing a premium yet accessible option that complements a health-conscious lifestyle. Whether you’re seeking a refreshing boost or a moment of tranquility, Sarilla is here to support your journey to wellness.

Do you have any advice for those just starting?
Starting out on this entrepreneurial journey is both exciting and challenging. Here are some things I’ve learned along the way that might help:

1. Embrace Flexibility: Having a clear vision is crucial, but be ready to adapt as you learn more about your market and customers. Sometimes, flexibility can lead to unexpected opportunities.

2. Prioritize Mental Health: The road can be overwhelming, so take care of your mental well-being. Surround yourself with supportive people, like mentors and peers, who can offer guidance and encouragement.

3. Stop Comparing Yourself: It’s easy to compare your growth to other companies that seem farther along, but remember that it can take a decade or more to build a successful company. The stories of overnight success in 2-3 years are extremely rare.

4. An Idea is Not a Business: Having an idea is great, but you need to get granular about your business model before seeking support. Ask yourself: who else is solving this problem? Is the problem big enough? How long will it take, and how much money will you need? If you don’t have all the skills, who will you bring in, and how will you vet them?

5. Build a Strong Support Network: You don’t have to go it alone. Seek out mentors, join entrepreneurial communities, and build relationships with other founders. Their insights and support can be invaluable.

6. Be Patient and Persistent: Success doesn’t happen overnight. Be patient with your progress and persistent in pursuing your goals. Celebrate small victories along the way.

Remember, every setback is a learning opportunity. Keep pushing forward with resilience and optimism, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.drinksarilla.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drinksarilla
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/drinksarilla
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/drinksarilla/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarastenderdelaney/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/drinksarilla
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@drinksarilla
• Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarastenderdelaney/

Image Credits
Jaclyn Buelow, SOONA Studio, Beatrice & Sean Moore