Açai Queen: Amanda Friedman's Sweet, Refreshing, Healthy Success Story

BY ALEX FRIEDMAN

SAMBAZON Location at Terminal A

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Just six months after tossing her graduation cap, Amanda Friedman landed a dream opportunity — to launch a behind-the-scenes food supplier into a nationwide sensation. Amanda is now the Director of Design and Development at SAMBAZON, a company that brings the delicious and healthy açai berry to people all across the U.S. Amanda is the reason you can grab an açai bowl at airports, concerts, downtown shops—even your local grocery store!

Amanda Friedman running SAMBAZON out of a food truck during construction process. 

March 22, 2021

In just five years, Amanda helped launch nine SAMBAZON-branded shops, turning a tropical treat into a go-to snack for healthy refreshment seekers everywhere. Her latest mission? Franchising the brand so even more people can enjoy açai bowls made fresh right in front of them.

So how did Amanda go from college student to business trailblazer? Hustle! While studying at Cornell University, she chose electives that let her work on real-world projects with big-name hospital leaders like Royal Caribbean and Caesar's Casino. She learned by doing and made sure everyone noticed her dedication: "I was the first one in the office and the last to leave," she says. "I made this job my passion. I let it keep me up all night."

Amanda's secret topping? She paid attention to little things that she noticed made outside differences, set objectives and key results (OKRs), and used data to validate decisions. But most importantly, she wasn't afraid to speak up and share her ideas with the right people. Her confidence and creativity helped shape SAMBAZON's journey from a quiet supplier to a super, superfood retail brand.