Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana Nino.
Hi Diana, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve spent my whole life between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, but Miami has always been the center of it all. I was born in Hialeah, my family is in Westchester, I went to Florida International University, and I lived in Brickell before it became what it is today. Even when I wasn’t living there full-time, I always found my way back.
I was going out a lot, trying new spots, keeping tabs on what was opening and closing, finding the best croquetas or matcha (yes, both can be enjoyed), and I’ve always been the friend sending “you have to try this” texts and booking the dinner reservation.
At some point, I decided to just put that energy somewhere and started @girlwithcroqueta on TikTok and Instagram. It wasn’t meant to be anything serious, just a running log of the Miami I was experiencing in real time. Around the same time, I started noticing how much the city was changing, for better or for worse. More people, more noise, more traffic. I started hosting community socials and it became very obvious that people are craving connection. Not just going out, but actually being present in it.
That’s really where the idea for salsi came from. It’s an agave-based canned cocktail made with 100% blue agave spirit and mindful ingredients like coconut water and sea salt. salsi is rooted in that push and pull of wanting to go out and still feeling like yourself the next day.
We’re still early, self-funded, and building this slowly and intentionally, starting in and inspired by Miami.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, but I also don’t think it’s supposed to be!
We’re building salsi self-funded while my husband and I still work full-time. From what we’ve learned, I can say with confidence that the alcohol space is not beginner-friendly. There are layers of compliance, like getting formulas approved and navigating label requirements, where one small detail can set you back months.
Even things that seem straightforward, like finalizing a can design or getting a production run scheduled, end up involving a dozen partners, long timelines, high minimum order quantities and a lot of back and forth. You’re also not just building a product, you’re managing a supply chain, a brand, a community, and a regulatory process all at once.
I think the biggest challenge for us has been balancing urgency with intention. There’s always pressure to move faster, launch sooner, do more. At the same time, building this in Miami has been really grounding. The community here shows up in a real way, and that has made it all feel worth it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
salsi is a premium agave-based canned seltzer made with 100% blue agave spirit, which already puts it in a different category than most of what’s out there.
A lot of drink options are built around how far you can take it, maximizing ABV while minimizing calories and sugar… that was never really the point for us with salsi. We are much more interested in something that feels good to drink all night long, a lighter, more balanced buzz where you’re still present.
We’ve formulated salsi with simple, but effective ingredients like coconut water, green tea, and sea salt, so that you can savor the moment and enjoy the next day.
Our concept is pretty straightforward, but done with a lot of intention. We are planning to be available in Miami this summer!
What makes you happy?
Mindfulness really fills my cup. Especially after 2020, I try to be super intentional with how I spend my time. I love a long dinner with friends that leaves you gushing afterwards, or when plans you were wary about go way better than you expected. An unexpected chat with a stranger in line at El Bagel, the most beautiful beach day you’ve ever seen, or simply the use of a turn signal.
There’s so much pressure to always be onto the next thing, so when something makes you slow down a little, it sticks with me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sipsalsi.com
- Instagram: @sipsalsi
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@sipsalsi
Image Credits
Can designed by JanesHaus: https://www.janeshaus.com/
