In August, I took a life-changing trip to Brazil to visit an açaí manufacturing company. I had little idea what to expect, except that I would be touring a large facility and heading deep into the Amazon to see an açaí plantation firsthand. The trip was organized for me, an American entrepreneur, and a group of visitors from Japan. But when I landed, I learned the Japanese group had canceled the plantation visit and would only be touring the facility. That left me with a decision to make: stay comfortable, or go all in. I chose to go all in.
My flight landed at 4 a.m. on a Thursday. By the time I passed through immigration and customs, it was almost 5 a.m. My brother, who had flown into Belém earlier to meet me, had already been waiting for hours—his flight had arrived at 1:30 a.m. We were picked up at 5 a.m. sharp by the company's driver. It was still dark and humid, the kind of air that clings to your skin. The ride to the facility owner's home took about 2.5 hours. There, we were welcomed with open arms and shared a simple breakfast together.
Not long after, we hopped on a small boat to head to the wife’s parents' home—a one-hour journey along a vast, muddy river. It was the beginning of something extraordinary. As the boat glided through the water, memories of my childhood came flooding back. Growing up in the Amazon isn't just about living in nature—you are part of it. I remembered the massive mango tree in our yard, how the ripe fruit would crash onto the clay roof tiles and scare me half to death. In Brazil, we don’t have shingles; we use traditional clay tiles. I remembered the papaya trees, the endless blooms of tropical flowers, and my mother’s love for plants—something she still pours into every Maha Juice Bar location today.
Ribeirinhos House
When we finally arrived on the island, we were greeted by the kindest people. They took us for a walk through the lush açaí plantations. I hugged trees, smelled the leaves, and picked berries straight from the source. We brought fresh açaí back to the house and had it ground right in front of us. That first taste was unlike anything I’d ever had. No added sugar. No other fruit. Just pure, creamy, vibrant açaí. It was the flavor of home, of purpose, of something sacred.
Fresh Acai Berries
When I launched Maha Juice Bar in 2018, I didn’t know that our açaí bowls would become so beloved, or that they would be the foundation of a company that now supports more than 15 families. What started with just me and my friend Olivia has grown into something beautiful. At MJB, we don’t just serve juice—we build community. Our employees aren’t just staff; they’re family. I don’t just hire people. I mentor them. I help, teach, and most of all, love them and their families.
This August adventure wasn’t just a business trip. It was a homecoming. It reconnected me to my roots, my dreams, and my mission. And it reminded me why I do what I do: to bring the best of the Amazon to the world, one bowl at a time.
Stay Healthy,
Marcieli P.