We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kristen Suraci. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kristen below.

Alright, Kristen thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

When I decided to turn Saucy Suraci from just a passion project into a formal business, I knew it meant taking on real risk. For years, Saucy Suraci had been my creative outlet—a place to share food, coffee, and small business spotlights in a fun, authentic way. But as the page grew, I started to see the potential to build it into something bigger. At the same time, the idea of officially forming an LLC felt intimidating. It wasn’t just about paperwork; it was about committing to myself and to this vision in a way that left no room to hide behind “it’s just a hobby.”

The risk was both financial and personal. There are upfront costs to starting a business, and I knew once I put my name on those documents, I was holding myself accountable to deliver, to take opportunities seriously, and to put myself out there in ways that could fail—or succeed beyond what I imagined. I worried about questions like: What if people didn’t take it seriously? What if I couldn’t grow it enough to justify the expense? But I also knew that if I wanted Saucy Suraci to be more than just a social media account, this was the leap I needed to take.

So, I did it—I filed for the LLC. That act alone shifted how I thought about myself and my brand. It made me more confident in reaching out to local businesses, negotiating collaborations, and investing in new projects. What felt scary at first has turned into the best decision I could have made. Having the LLC gave me credibility, opened doors to partnerships, and pushed me to treat Saucy Suraci as a real, sustainable venture.

Looking back, the risk wasn’t just about money or legal paperwork—it was about betting on myself. And so far, that bet has paid off.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Kristen Suraci, and I’m the founder of Saucy Suraci, a brand that started as a fun food page and has grown into a platform where I highlight local businesses, food, coffee, and lifestyle content. My background is in business—I have an MBA and professional experience in marketing—which gave me the tools to understand strategy, branding, and storytelling. But Saucy Suraci was born from something more personal: a love for connecting with people, supporting small businesses, and creating content that feels authentic and approachable.

I got into this work almost by accident. I’ve always been the friend recommending a new restaurant or sharing a “hidden gem” coffee shop, and when I started posting more intentionally, I realized there was an audience hungry for exactly that. Over time, my page evolved from a food diary into a creative business. Today, I provide social media content creation, marketing support, and influencer collaborations. For clients, that means I help tell their story in a way that resonates with real people—through photos, videos, captions, and campaigns that feel genuine, not cookie-cutter. For my followers, it means I’m a trusted source for discovering new places, products, and experiences.

What sets me apart is the mix of business expertise and personal connection I bring to the table. I don’t just post pretty pictures; I think about strategy, audience engagement, and long-term growth for the brands I work with. At the same time, my content always stays grounded in storytelling and authenticity—I want people to feel like they’re coming along with me, not just being marketed to.

I’m most proud of the community Saucy Suraci has built. It’s not just about me; it’s about shining a light on local entrepreneurs, creators, and businesses that deserve recognition. Some of my favorite moments have been when a small business owner tells me, “People came in because they saw your post.” Knowing that I can make that kind of impact keeps me motivated.

The main thing I want people to know about me and Saucy Suraci is that this brand is rooted in passion and purpose. Whether I’m creating social media content for a client, spotlighting a local business, or experimenting with new series like coffee collaborations or monthly roundups, my goal is always the same: to connect people and help businesses grow through authentic, creative storytelling.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

For anyone starting out, my advice is simple:
1. Start with passion. People can tell when you’re genuinely excited about what you’re sharing.
2. Be consistent. It’s better to show up regularly than to post sporadically and disappear.
3. Engage, don’t just broadcast. Reply to comments, interact with others, and build connections—this is social media, not just media.
4. Don’t chase perfection. Some of my most popular posts weren’t the ones I spent the most time planning; they were the ones that felt the most real.
5. Learn and adjust. Pay attention to what resonates, but don’t be afraid to evolve as you do.

Building my audience wasn’t an overnight thing—it was a mix of passion, consistency, and a willingness to show up as myself. That’s what I think ultimately sets the foundation for sustainable growth.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

the biggest factor has been my focus on community over competition. I always try to spotlight businesses in a way that feels collaborative and supportive. I’m not just highlighting the food on the plate—I’m telling the story of the people behind it, whether it’s a chef, a small business owner, or a bartender who’s been there for years. That human connection has made the content more meaningful and helped me stand out in a crowded space.

At the end of the day, my reputation has grown because people know that when I share something, it’s thoughtful, honest, and rooted in a desire to uplift others. And that’s exactly what I want Saucy Suraci to continue to be known for.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.saucysuraci.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saucysuraci
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-suraci-?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Image Credits

Taylor Wetsky, The Media Muse