For International Women’s Day, Frankie Field caught up with Megan Salamat, one half of food-loving sister duo, The Açai Girls, to discuss what it’s like to be a strong female lead, all things açai and their exciting new dining concept!
Will you be doing anything to celebrate IWD?
We will be working with the Prince’s Trust again this year, hosting a brunch, yoga session and panel talk. The charity gives young people the tools to further their career path. As businesswomen, we know how hard it can be to have the confidence to do your own thing, so supporting this charity is extremely close to our hearts.
What females inspire you?
Georgia and I are lucky to live in a world surrounded by inspiring women. I’m inspired daily by an array of women: Alex Miller; owner of Elan, who has an incredibly inspiring story Hermione Underwood; the UK CEO of JS Health vitamins, Roxie Nafousi; dubbed the ‘Queen of Manifestation’ by Vogue – a ll these women excel in their fields and continue to push boundaries wherever they turn. I think it’s important to be inspired by women who don’t necessarily work in your industry and take inspiration from all fields, that’s how you can continue to grow and learn.
What are your thoughts on women’s presence in the food industry? How has it changed?
There has been a considerable shift in the last five years, with some incredible women leaders within the industry. Unfortunately, we are still way behind in women reaching senior positions in the hospitality industry than many other sectors. Despite a long way to go, the shift has been remarkable to see so far.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Apart from craving something and then adding it to the menu to order it at any given time (a major perk), I’m now loving the business development side of things.
What motivated you to start The Açai Girls?
We had forever been scrolling through food delivery apps, searching for something nutritious, filling and delicious, and couldn’t find anything that ticked all three boxes. We saw a gap in the market needed to be filled, so we created something that ticked all of the boxes for us!
Can you tell us a little about açai?
Açai berries are a Brazilian superfood, high in antioxidants, fibre, calcium and a long list of other micronutrients. They are deficient in sugar content and, similar to avocados, contain heart healthy fats. They are frozen to create an almost sorbet-like product and topped with an array of incredible toppings.
Did you encounter any challenges introducing this into a British market?
No, primarily due to the last decade people have become more aware of nutrition, what is good for them and what they need to fuel their bodies. Because of this, Acai is a far more known ingredient. It’s also delicious, so once you have tried it, you’re sold for life!
What are your rules to live by?
We wrote a manifesto when we first started Açai Girls:
FEAST. INDULGE. IMMERSE. RELISH. CHERISH. RESPECT THE CULTURE. LOVE THE FOOD. BE F**KING GRATEFUL. EAT AND ENJOY. JUST DON’T EVER STOP. NEVER STOP EXPLORING.
What would be your desert island dish?
Is it cliché to say an açai bowl?! There is nothing better than sitting on a beach with a loaded açai bowl watching the day go by.
What are your favourite ingredients for this time of year?
At Açai Girls, we love to use seasonal ingredients (when produce taste at its best). We especially enjoy using artichoke, beetroot and chicory to create incredible fresh flavours.
Is there anything special you are working on for the upcoming year?
This May, we will be heading out to the Greek Island of Zakynthos for PACE festival at the Peligoni Club. The festival is geared towards regeneration and setting you up for the summer. Perhaps the most exciting for us is opening new cafes this year, with the first opening in Spring 2022.
How do you feel about being young, inspiring females in 2022?
Building a business is challenging. I think it’s easier for the younger generation to be fearless as you have less to lose. It’s a lot of tears, sleepless nights and the feeling of one step forward, two steps back. The most important thing for me is to inspire people not to give up; you could be so close but not see it from where you are standing right now!
Where can we get our hands on the Açai Girls delivery?
We currently cover most of West London and we will then be opening two new cafes for people to visit in the next few months, but we can’t disclose those locations yet!
To order from the Açai Girls, visit the Deliveroo app.
For more information on their upcoming ventures, visit www.acaigirls.com | IG @acaigirls
Happy international women’s day!
Written by Frankie Field @frankiegoestobrunch | Images courtesy of The Açai Girl
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