Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Suzette Bologna. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Suzette, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?
The name “Rockin This Kitchen” came to me while baking in my own kitchen. I love to sing and play instruments. It was the year 2020, during the height of the pandemic, when I decided to bake a batch of Italian “S” cookies to spread joy, smiles and bring comfort to people who were feeling down and my workplace at the time. My kitchen became my escape, canvas and my stage. I’d crank up my favorite music—Prince, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison—and completely lose myself in the rhythm while baking. Sometimes, I’d pick up my guitar or sit at the piano, or paint between batches, singing and jamming while waiting for the timer to go off. It wasn’t just baking; it was a whole experience of creativity, love, and energy.
One dau, while dancing and singing as I pulled a tray of cookies from the oven, I thought to myself, -I’m rockin’ this kitchen! That moment perfectly captured the spirit I wanted to bring into my baking: the combination of soulful music, joyful energy, and creative artistry. It felt like the perfect way to describe what I do, so I decided to name my bakery Rockin This Kitchen.
The name also reflects my belief that baking and cooking should be fun, expressive, and full of life—just like performing music. It’s about connecting with people, sharing love, and making something beautiful, whether it’s a song, a cake, a painting or a memory. Every time I bake, I want others to feel that same energy and passion I feel when I’m rockin’ my kitchen.
Suzette, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Hi, I’m Suzette, the creative force behind Rockin This Kitchen! My life is a beautiful symphony of music, baking, and art, and I’ve poured my heart and soul into blending these passions to bring joy and connection to others. My journey began in the warmth of my family’s Italian kitchen, where my father—a poet, songwriter, and chef—became my mentor. When he invited me to help open and run his Italian restaurant in Indiana, I didn’t just learn to cook; I learned how to pour love, soul, and storytelling into every dish.
In 2020, when the world was in lockdown, I saw how much people were craving comfort, connection, and something to lift their spirits. I started baking Italian S cookies for my coworkers, and the response was overwhelming. Those little cookies sparked joy in ways I hadn’t imagined, and I knew I had to do more. That’s when Rockin This Kitchen was born—a way to combine my love of baking, music, and creativity to spread happiness to as many people as possible.
Now, Rockin This Kitchen isn’t just a bakery; it’s a movement, a vibe, and an experience. My offerings include everything from artisan breads and indulgent pastries to custom birthday and wedding cakes—and even Italian catering for businesses. I create gluten-free, vegan, low-sugar options too, because everyone deserves a treat they can enjoy without compromise. What sets my work apart isn’t just the quality of ingredients or attention to detail—it’s the passion, artistry, and soul I infuse into every bite.
When I’m in the kitchen, it’s more than just baking—it’s a performance. Music fills the air as I jam out to Prince, Janis Joplin, or Jim Morrison while whipping up creations that aren’t just delicious but deeply personal. My cakes often reflect my love for painting, turning flour and sugar into edible masterpieces. I want my clients to feel something when they see and taste my work—whether it’s nostalgia, joy, or pure delight.
The thing I’m most proud of is the connection I’ve been able to create with people. From the grandmother who cried when my cookies reminded her of her childhood to the couple who said their wedding cake was the highlight of their special day—those moments fuel everything I do.
What I want everyone to know about Rockin This Kitchen is this: it’s more than a bakery. It’s a celebration of life, creativity, and connection. I want to inspire people to bring music, art, and joy into their own kitchens, to savor the sweet and soulful moments that make life beautiful.
When you choose Rockin This Kitchen, you’re not just getting a cookie, a cake, or a loaf of bread—you’re getting a piece of my story, my family’s heritage, and the rhythm of my heart. Let’s rock your kitchen together and make something unforgettable!
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
Building my audience on social media has been one of the most exciting and rewarding parts of my journey with Rockin This Kitchen. It all started with the realization that if I wanted to reach people and share my passion, I had to connect with them where they were spending their time—online. Thankfully, I studied marketing in college, so I had a solid foundation in understanding branding, audience engagement, and content creation. The rest came down to creativity, consistency, and a whole lot of heart.
I began by sharing stories, because that’s what connects people the most. Whether it was the story of how I started baking during the pandemic, a memory of baking with my father, or behind-the-scenes videos of me rocking out in the kitchen while making a cake, I wanted my audience to feel like they were right there with me. I wasn’t just selling baked goods; I was sharing a piece of myself, my passion, and the joy that goes into every creation.
Photos and videos were key—I learned how to make my baked goods visually irresistible by combining artistic presentation with vibrant, warm lighting. I’d snap pictures of freshly baked bread or cookies in a way that captured their texture and aroma, paired with captions that told their story. For cakes, I’d share time-lapse videos of me decorating, and for catering dishes, I’d plate them as if they were on a table for a celebration.
I also made music a part of my brand. I’d post videos of myself singing, playing guitar, or drumming while baking, pairing recipes with my favorite songs. This added a personal and unique touch that helped me stand out.
Engagement was another big focus—I made it a priority to respond to comments, share customer photos of my products, and start conversations with my followers. I wanted them to feel like part of the Rockin This Kitchen family. Word of mouth amplified this connection—when someone tagged a friend or shared my posts, my audience grew organically.
Here’s my advice for anyone just starting to build their social media presence:
Tell Your Story: People connect with people, not products. Share why you do what you do, the challenges you’ve faced, and the moments that inspire you.
Create Eye-Catching Content: Invest in good lighting, play with angles, and learn basic photo or video editing. If your content looks professional and inviting, it’ll grab attention.
Be Consistent: Post regularly and maintain a cohesive style. Consistency helps people recognize and remember your brand.
Engage Authentically: Respond to every comment or message like you’re talking to a friend. Social media is a two-way street, and people appreciate genuine interactions.
Use Music or Hobbies to Stand Out: If you have another passion, incorporate it. For me, it’s music, but for you, it could be painting, fitness, or storytelling. Let your personality shine.
Leverage Stories and Reels: Short-form videos are incredibly engaging. Share tips, behind-the-scenes moments, or quick tutorials to give value to your audience.
Stay True to Yourself: Authenticity always wins. Don’t try to be like everyone else; let your unique voice, passion, and creativity guide you.
Social media is your stage—so step into the spotlight, connect with your audience, and let your passion shine. If I can do it with a guitar in one hand and a rolling pin in the other, you can too!
Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?
Keeping in touch with clients and fostering brand loyalty is all about building relationships and creating a sense of community. At Rockin This Kitchen, I focus on making every customer feel valued, appreciated, and connected to my brand. Here’s how I do it:
1. Personalized Interactions
I make it a priority to know my clients and their preferences. Whether it’s remembering their favorite pastry, a specific dietary need, or a special occasion they’re celebrating, I try to add personal touches to their experience. For example, I’ll include a handwritten thank-you note with every delivery or send a message to check how they enjoyed their order.
2. Active Communication
I stay in touch with clients through social media, email newsletters, and direct messages. I use these platforms to share updates, new product launches, behind-the-scenes content, and even music playlists that inspire my creations. By keeping the communication lines open, clients feel like they’re part of my journey.
3. Exclusive Offers and Rewards
I reward loyalty with exclusive offers, discounts, and first access to new products or services. For example, repeat customers might get a free treat with their order or a discount during their birthday month. These gestures show my appreciation and encourage them to keep coming back.
4. Engaging Content
On social media, I create content that resonates with my audience—like live baking sessions, fun music pairings for recipes, or tips for rocking their own kitchens. I also encourage clients to share photos of their Rockin This Kitchen treats and feature them on my page, making them feel like part of the brand.
5. Events and Community Building
Whenever possible, I host pop-ups, live cooking or music events, and online Q&A sessions. These events allow me to connect with clients on a more personal level and build a sense of community around Rockin This Kitchen.
6. Genuine Care
I truly care about my clients and their feedback. If there’s ever an issue with an order, I address it immediately and go above and beyond to make it right. I want every experience with my brand to feel special and memorable.
7. Share the Story Behind the Brand
People love being part of something meaningful. By sharing my journey, Italian roots, passion for music, and the joy that drives Rockin This Kitchen, I create a deeper connection with my clients. They’re not just buying baked goods—they’re supporting a story they believe in.
Building Brand Loyalty in Action
One example that stands out is a customer who started ordering cookies during the pandemic and later asked me to bake a custom wedding cake. Over the years, they’ve become a loyal supporter who shares my posts, refers friends, and even sends me updates about how my treats bring happiness to their family gatherings.
Advice for Others:
To foster loyalty, it’s all about relationships. Show your clients that they’re not just transactions—they’re part of your journey. Listen to their feedback, celebrate their milestones, and let them know how much they mean to you. When you care about your customers, they’ll care about your brand in return.
At the end of the day, loyalty comes from trust, connection, and love—and those are the foundations of everything I do.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: rockin_this_kitchen
- Facebook: rockin this kitchen
