Meet Lilly Pena | Amaranthine Syrups Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lilly Pena and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lilly, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I think just about all I’ve done the past few years is take risks. After getting fired from a desk job that was definitely not right for me, my career was pulled in several different directions before I settled on starting my business. It was one of those things that started as a hobby and turned out better than I could have imagined. It’s definitely a bit intimidating going into a market day and not knowing how you’ll do, but the joy of creating, engaging with the community, and entrepreneurship is worth it. Of course, outside the financial risks are the creative ones- trying new and maybe strange simple syrup flavors means that some of them will flop. Notably, when I started this business last year one of my personal favorites was an olive simple syrup I made specifically for martinis. While still available on my website, I still have not sold a single one of that flavor to date. At a certain point, the importance of making products that I think are unique and interesting outweighs the risk that nobody will like it, and I keep it as an option because maybe someday someone will! If even one person takes a chance on me, it’s worth the risk.

What should our readers know about your business?
Amaranthine Syrups started out as a fun little hobby to enjoy with my friends- experimenting with simple syrup flavors meant plenty of excuses for parties, brunches, and get togethers. I hope my business brings people together in a similar way and opens up a creative venue for my customers in how they use my products. I am always excited to try new and unexpected flavor combinations and my business is centered on the idea of creative and unique possibilities. Additionally, the core of my products is a new way to make drinks that are low in sugar without compromising the flavor components in the drink. I was very frustrated to learn just how much sugar is in the everyday drinks I would have, and felt the industry could be changed. With Amaranthine Syrups, I get to develop flavors that are not only unique and interesting but feel good to drink.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There are a few spots in Dallas I absolutely love, Lower Greenville being my favorite. I definitely treat myself to days out by stopping at LaLaLand, The Labyrinth, and Pizzaria Testa. The Underground Market in Lower Greenville on the weekends also piqued my interest even before I was a vendor, and the atmosphere day or night is always lively and fun. On nice days, I love to go to the Dallas Arboretum and then stop by the nearby Curiosities Antique store, and love the White Rock area- the lake is beautiful and has a dog park with lake access, and White Rock Brewing Co has a great outdoor area to get a drink. For those that enjoy nightlife, Oak Lawn will always hold a special place in my heart as a young queer person, but The Church is my favorite alternative club exclusively open on Sunday nights. Of course, when my friends do visit there is an almost mandatory one whole evening dedicated to board games, inside jokes, and -most importantly- good company.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to take this time to shoutout my amazing partner & husband, Andrew, for being the designated taste-tester, heavy-box lifter, and emotional support of Amaranthine Syrups. His support of my business has meant so much and encouraged me to grow and explore new opportunities in a variety of areas, especially as I have been on a recent hiatus from markets due to the soon addition of a new member to the Amaranthine family. He has been my champion as I have been managing not only the business, but my full-time job and pregnancy as well these last few months. Truly I could not be where I am today without him and am forever grateful.

Website: https://amaranthinesyrups.square.site/

Instagram: @amaranthine_syrups