We were lucky to catch up with ANA ROCHA recently and have shared our conversation below.
ANA, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
Hello! I’m Ana Rocha, the founder of the Book and Sip Club, a global movement redefining what it means to be part of a book club. With chapters in over 30+ cities around the world, the Book and Sip Club combines my love for literature with my passion for creating spaces where people can come together, connect, and thrive.
Growing up, books were my constant—offering escape, guidance, and inspiration. But as an adult, I realized something profound: books have the power to transform individuals, but community transforms lives. That’s when I decided to reimagine the traditional book club into something fresh and exciting—a place where young adults could experience books in a way that’s social and meaningful.
At the Book and Sip Club, we don’t just read books; we celebrate them with book parties—yes, book club at the club! From discussing romance novels over cocktails at trendy lounges to hosting wellness events inspired by bestsellers, we turn reading into an experience. We offer members a dynamic way to engage with stories while fostering authentic connections.
ANA, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
<b>A Visionary Take on Books, Connection, and Community “Book Club at the Club” </b>
<b>About the Founder
</b> I’m Ana Rocha, born and raised in Houston, and the proud founder of the Book and Sip Club. I’m a lifelong book lover who believes that books allow you to live a thousand lives in one. I graduated from Texas A&M University (May’s Business School), where I learned to balance my love for literature with a passion for creating meaningful connections.
Like many, during the pandemic, I found myself feeling disconnected and craving something more. I realized I wasn’t meeting new people the way I used to, and I knew I had to be intentional about changing that. I wanted to get back into reading, but this time with a new group of friends. That’s when the idea for the Book and Sip Club was born—combining my love for books with my desire to meet other like-minded individuals.
Beyond books, I’m a girl who loves to romanticize life—whether it’s turning a simple car ride with the windows down and music blasting or taking a nice morning stroll with coffee in hand. I believe in making everyday moments special, and that’s the energy I bring to the Book and Sip Club. It’s about more than just reading; it’s about creating a space where people can connect and celebrate life together.
<b>Who We Are</b>
Welcome to the Book and Sip Club, not your average book club. We’re a global community with a mission to promote literacy and create a third space for young adults to come together. With chapters in over 30 cities worldwide, we’re redefining what it means to be in a book club. Imagine book discussions that spark friendships, socials that celebrate stories, and book parties that combine the love of literature with unforgettable experiences while exploring your city. This is where books meet social community—book club at the club! Join us as we raise our glasses to good books, tasty drinks, and amazing company.
<b>Problems We Solve
</b>Let’s be so real—making friends as an adult is hard. Many of our members join because they’re looking for meaningful connections but don’t know where to start. We solve that by providing a welcoming, safe-space where strangers become friends and lifelong bonds are formed. Additionally, we meet the growing need for experiences that nurture not just the mind, but also the body and spirit, while offering ways to give back to the community.
<b>
What Sets Us Apart</b><b>
</b>What truly sets us apart is our ability to make books and community fun. The Book and Sip Club redefines what a book club can be by combining literature with vibrant social experiences. We’re not just about the books—we’re about the lifestyle. We’re a community who find joy in celebrating stories, connecting with others, and making a difference. With our non traditional events, wellness focus, and philanthropic heart, we bring an unmatched energy to the world of book clubs!<b>
What We Offer</b>
Our “products” are experiences. We host monthly book parties, (book club at the club) wellness-focused events, and philanthropic initiatives that create a space for joy, growth, and giving back. Our events align with our pillars: good books, tasty drinks, amazing company, wellness, and philanthropy. Whether it’s a Britney Spears music Pilates session inspired by her memoir or a back-to-school book drive, we curate activities that bring people together and make an impact.
<b>Problems We Solve</b>
Let’s be so real—making friends as an adult is hard. Many of our members join because they’re looking for meaningful connections but don’t know where to start. We solve that by providing a welcoming, safe-space community where strangers become friends and lifelong bonds are formed. Additionally, we meet the growing need for experiences that nurture not just the mind, but also the body and spirit, while offering ways to give back to the community.
<b>What I’m Most Proud Of</b>
I’m incredibly proud of the space we’ve created for young adults to connect and thrive. Seeing the Book and Sip Club expand to over 30+ cities worldwide is humbling, but what fills my heart the most are the stories from members—how they’ve found their best friends, started new chapters in their lives, or felt empowered to take on challenges after a thoughtful book discussion.
<b>What I Want You to Know</b>
The Book and Sip Club is more than just a book club—it’s a community. It’s a place where you belong, where you can grow, and where you can have fun while making a difference. Whether you’re sipping on a espresso martini at a rooftop book party or dropping off books for a local drive, you’re part of something bigger: a movement built on the power of stories and human connection.
<b>If you’re looking for good books, tasty drinks, amazing company, and the chance to give back while having fun, we’d love for you to join us. Welcome to the Book and Sip Club—a book club like no other.</b>
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
Building an engaged audience on social media for the Book and Sip Club was a journey fueled by consistency, and tapping into trends. Early on, we knew that in order to stand out and really connect with our community, we had to create content that was not only visually captivating but also interactive and engaging.
We leaned heavily into<b> trending topics</b>, especially around the book of the month. Whether it was a viral TikTok trend or a popular Instagram challenge, we made sure to incorporate these elements into our content. We also focused on incorporating a call to action in every post—asking questions like, “Where are you in the book?” or “Which character do you relate to most?” This encouraged our followers to engage with us and share their opinions, building a two-way conversation that felt more like a community than just a follow-and-scroll interaction.
<b>Fan art</b> also became a powerful tool for engagement. We’d invite our community to create and share fan art based on our books of the month, celebrating their creativity while deepening their connection to the story and the club. It made them feel like active participants, not just passive followers. This strategy not only fueled engagement but also helped spread our mission organically, as people who were invested in our content began sharing it within their networks.
For anyone just starting to build a social media presence, my advice is simple:
<b>Leverage trends</b> – Tap into what’s trending, but make sure it’s aligned with your brand and community.
<b>Engage your audience </b>– Ask questions, encourage participation, and use calls to action to keep the conversation flowing.
<b>Celebrate creativity and individuality</b> – Whether through fan art or member spotlights, make your followers feel like they’re a part of your story.
<b>Consistency is key</b> – Regularly show up with fresh, engaging content that speaks to the heart of your brand.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
<b>Two books</b> that shaped how I approach entrepreneurship are “<b>The Mountain Is You”</b> by Brianna Wiest and <b>How to Talk to Anyone</b> by Leil Lowndes. The Mountain Is You taught me the importance of just taking that first step—even when things feel scary. It helped me understand that the hardest part is starting, and once you do, everything else starts to fall into place.
On the other hand, “<b>How to Talk to Anyone”</b> helped me learn how to build real relationships and foster a sense of community. It taught me how to connect with people in a way that feels authentic and meaningful. Both books have been huge in shaping my leadership style and how I manage the Book and Sip Club.
Contact Info:
- Website: bookandsipclub.com
- Instagram: @bookandsipclub and @houstonbookandsipclub
- Other: Check out our other chapters!