So nice to meet you! First off, what’s your name? Tell our readers a bit about yourself—where you’re from originally and where you live now.

My name is Susan Mungai. I am from Kenya but have grown up internationally. I am currently based in Atlanta, Georgia. Growing up across three continents shaped not just how I eat, but how I experience the world. Food, for me, has always been more than what’s on the plate—it’s memory, culture, connection, and creativity all wrapped into one.

My journey in the kitchen started young. At nine years old, I baked my very first cake for my little sister’s birthday. What began as a simple act of love quickly became something more. By thirteen, I was creating a tiered wedding cake for a family member—something that felt both exciting and surreal at that age. From there, it became a tradition in our home—my parents would have me make all the birthday cakes for my siblings, along with our holiday desserts, cookies, and sweet treats. The kitchen became my space, and baking became my language of love.

Around eleven or twelve, my curiosity shifted to spices. I became fascinated with how a pinch of this or a dash of that could completely transform a dish. I started experimenting, blending, and trusting my instincts—but there was one moment that truly changed everything for me. One Saturday morning, my mum casually told me we were having guests over for lunch—and that I would be cooking the meal. No warning, no backup plan… just “trial by fire.” I remember feeling completely overwhelmed. I had cooked before, but this felt different. This felt real.

I pulled together the spices we had, leaned into my senses, and started building a dish—tasting, adjusting, second-guessing, and hoping for the best. When it was finally time to serve, I was so nervous. I watched quietly as everyone took their first bites, waiting for a reaction.

Then I heard someone ask, “Who made this?”

I held my breath as my mum smiled and said, “She did.”

What happened next is something I’ll never forget. The room filled with excitement—people asking questions, going back for seconds, talking about the flavors. They couldn’t believe the combinations, and honestly… neither could I. That moment sparked something deep in me. It gave me confidence, and it’s where my true love for blending spices and creating bold flavors was born.

At fourteen, I moved to India on my own for boarding school—an experience that shaped me in ways I couldn’t have imagined. It pushed me to grow up quickly, to be independent, curious, and fearless. It taught me to embrace the unknown, to step outside my comfort zone, and to keep learning in every environment I found myself in. Those lessons have stayed with me in everything I do.

Tell us one thing you love about where you live now?

The Diversity and Hospitality!

Tell us a little bit more about what your company does and how it started? How does it help your customers?

Living across different cultures exposed me to a world of flavors—from the vibrant, layered spices of Asia to the comforting dishes of Europe and the bold, soulful tastes of Latin America. With every place I lived, my palate evolved—but so did my longing to recreate the flavors that felt like home, while embracing new ones along the way.

That’s when I truly understood: food is more than sustenance. It’s a universal language. It brings people together. It tells stories. It connects us.

That realization led me to create something deeply personal—my spice blends. I wanted them to reflect not just where I’ve been, but who I am. I was intentional about making them pure, natural, and clean—low in sodium, with no added sugar. It was especially important to me that even my mum, who faced diabetes and high blood pressure, could enjoy them without worry.

I also wanted to make cooking easier. Life is busy, and not everyone has time to measure ten different spices. So I created all-in-one blends—something simple, but powerful. One blend that could transform a dish and take your taste buds somewhere new.

And that’s how Saffron & Sands by Suzi was born.

Through my brand, my goal is simple: to take people on a global culinary journey—no passport required. Every dish I create is a reflection of cultures coming together, flavors blending, and stories being told. Whether I’m fusing Asian and European influences or reimagining Latin dishes, I want every bite to spark joy, curiosity, and connection.

At its core, Saffron & Sands by Suzi helps people bring bold, global flavors into their kitchens with confidence, ease, and authenticity. Our all-in-one spice blends eliminate the guesswork of cooking by combining carefully selected herbs and spices into one convenient blend, allowing home cooks to create flavorful, restaurant-quality meals without needing a pantry full of seasonings.

We help customers save time, reduce complexity, and explore new cuisines from around the world—all while using clean, high-quality ingredients. Every blend is crafted to take consumers on a culinary journey inspired by cultures and flavors from across the globe. Our philosophy is simple: exceptional flavor should be accessible to everyone.

But over time, my company has evolved into something even deeper.

With my background in Food Science and over 17 years of experience in food quality, safety, and innovation, I have always believed that food should not only taste good—it should support overall well-being. That belief became even more personal following my mother’s health challenges with diabetes and high blood pressure. It inspired me to create blends that are low in sodium, contain no added sugar, and focus on pure herbs and spices without unnecessary fillers.

Then, life gave me another perspective.

Following my own cancer diagnosis, surgery, treatment, and recovery journey, my relationship with food changed in profound ways. I experienced firsthand how important nutrition, flavor, and nourishment become when your body is healing. There were days when eating felt challenging, when energy was limited, and when food became less about indulgence and more about supporting recovery.

That experience reinforced something I had always believed: food has the power to nourish both the body and the soul.

Today, Saffron & Sands by Suzi represents more than flavor—it represents resilience, wellness, and living life fully. While we don’t make medical claims, we are passionate about helping people create wholesome, flavorful meals that encourage healthier lifestyles without sacrificing taste.

My cancer journey has given the brand an even greater purpose. It has strengthened my commitment to developing products that help people enjoy food, gather around the table with loved ones, and embrace wellness through simple, flavorful cooking.

Ultimately, I want every customer to feel empowered in their kitchen. Whether they are a busy parent, an adventurous foodie, someone managing health concerns, or simply someone looking to make cooking easier, I want them to know that great flavor and mindful living can go hand in hand.

Through every jar of Saffron & Sands by Suzi, I am sharing not only spices, but a story of culture, resilience, healing, and connection—one delicious bite at a time.

This summer, I’m also launching something very close to my heart—my YouTube series, Savor the Journey: Cooking with Suzi. It’s a space where I get to share these flavors, stories, and experiences with the world, alongside some incredible guests. Passport… NOT Required.

If someone wants to start a business, what advice will help them?

If there is one piece of advice I would give someone starting a business, it is this: believe in your vision, but be prepared to work for it long before anyone else sees what you see.

Starting a business is exciting, but it is also one of the most challenging and rewarding journeys you can undertake. There will be moments when you question yourself, your decisions, and whether all the hard work is worth it. During those times, your passion and purpose become your anchor.

Don’t wait for everything to be perfect before you begin. Start where you are, with what you have, and continue learning as you go. Some of the most valuable lessons come not from success, but from mistakes, setbacks, and unexpected challenges. Every obstacle teaches you something that will make you a stronger entrepreneur.

I also encourage aspiring business owners to invest time in understanding their customer. Fall in love with solving a problem, not just with your product. The businesses that endure are those that create real value for the people they serve.

Be patient with growth. Success rarely happens overnight. Building a brand, earning trust, and creating awareness takes time. There will be seasons when it feels like you’re putting in tremendous effort without seeing immediate results. Keep showing up. Consistency matters more than perfection.

Most importantly, don’t be afraid to do something that hasn’t been done before. Some of the greatest innovations come from people who were willing to challenge conventional thinking and create their own path. My mother taught me a lesson that has stayed with me throughout my life: just because you haven’t seen someone do something before doesn’t mean it can’t be done.

Trust yourself. Stay curious. Be willing to adapt. Celebrate small wins along the way. And remember that every successful business started with someone who simply decided to take the first step.

The journey won’t always be easy, but if you remain committed to your purpose, the rewards—both personal and professional—can be extraordinary.

Where do you see your company in the future?

I see Saffron & Sands by Suzi evolving far beyond a spice company into a globally recognized culinary lifestyle brand—one that brings culture, story, wellness, and heritage into every home it touches.

From the beginning, my mission has never been simply to season food. It has been to create an experience that allows people to travel the world through flavor. That is why our tagline, “Passport… NOT Required!”, sits at the heart of the brand. Each blend is designed to spark curiosity, bring people together around the table, and introduce home cooks to global flavors and traditions they may not have experienced before.

As we grow, I envision Saffron & Sands by Suzi on the shelves of leading premium retailers across the United States and internationally, while continuing to develop innovative all-in-one spice blends inspired by authentic global cuisines. Wellness will also remain central to our growth. My own health journey deepened my belief that food can be both flavorful and nourishing, and I want our brand to help people create meals that comfort, connect, and support a more intentional way of living.

But retail is only one part of the vision. Through Savor the Journey, our YouTube cooking show, future podcast work, chef collaborations, live events, festivals, and immersive culinary experiences, I see Saffron & Sands becoming a platform for cultural storytelling. I want people to cook with our blends and feel transported—to experience the richness of global cuisine without needing a passport.

What drives this vision most deeply is my mother, Dr. Anne G. Mungai, Kenya’s first female feature filmmaker and a woman who dedicated her life to telling African stories with dignity, beauty, and purpose. Saffron & Sands is my continuation of that legacy. It is a different medium, but the mission is the same: to honor culture, celebrate identity, and share meaningful stories with the world. Different medium, same mission.

When I picture the future, I see Saffron & Sands by Suzi becoming a genuine cultural voice—in retail, media, television, culinary education, and global food experiences. More than anything, I see it as a living tribute to my mother’s legacy and a brand that brings people together through flavor, heritage, storytelling, wellness, and the universal language of food.

What is the biggest misconception about your industry?

One of the biggest misconceptions about the spice industry is that it is simply a commodity business driven entirely by price. Many people assume that consumers view all seasonings as interchangeable products, choosing whichever option is least expensive or most familiar. While that may have been true decades ago, today’s food landscape tells a very different story.

Modern consumers are increasingly seeking authenticity, wellness, convenience, and meaningful connections to the products they purchase. Food has become much more than nourishment—it is a way to experience different cultures, prioritize health, and create memorable moments around the table. As a result, spices and seasonings have evolved from pantry staples into tools for exploration and discovery.

Another common misconception is that the spice industry is too crowded for emerging brands to succeed. While established companies occupy significant shelf space, consumers continue to gravitate toward brands that offer distinctive flavors, transparent ingredients, and compelling founder stories. Smaller companies often have the ability to innovate more quickly, respond to changing consumer preferences, and build stronger relationships with their customers.

There is also a long-standing belief that healthier products require sacrificing flavor. In reality, thoughtfully crafted spice blends can deliver bold, complex taste while reducing sodium, sugar, and artificial ingredients. Today’s consumers want products that support healthier lifestyles without compromising the enjoyment of food.

For Saffron & Sands by Suzi, perhaps the greatest misconception is that we are simply another seasoning company. We view our products as a bridge between cultures, bringing together flavors and culinary traditions from around the world in a way that is approachable for everyday home cooks. Our mission extends beyond seasoning food—we aim to inspire curiosity, encourage exploration, and make global flavors accessible without requiring consumers to leave their kitchens.

As consumer preferences continue to evolve, the future of the industry will belong to brands that offer more than ingredients alone. Companies that can combine authenticity, wellness, cultural storytelling, and convenience will be best positioned to lead the next generation of food innovation.

At its core, the spice industry is not merely about what is inside the bottle. It is about the stories behind the flavors, the cultures they represent, and the experiences they create. That is where the true opportunity lies.

What has been one of your biggest struggles building your business and how did you deal with it?

What has been your biggest challenge, and how have you addressed it?

One of the biggest challenges I have faced as a founder has been building brand awareness and increasing visibility for Saffron & Sands by Suzi. I have tremendous confidence in our products and our mission because whenever people taste our blends, the response is overwhelmingly positive. The challenge has never been the quality of the product—it has been ensuring that more people have the opportunity to discover it.

As an emerging brand, gaining visibility in a crowded marketplace can be difficult. You can have an exceptional product, a compelling story, and a clear mission, but if consumers and buyers are unaware of your brand, growth becomes much more challenging. While I am still navigating this journey and do not claim to have all the answers, I have learned that consistency and relationship-building are essential.

To address this challenge, I have intentionally focused on putting myself and my brand in front of new audiences. Attending food industry events, participating in trade shows, networking with fellow entrepreneurs, and building meaningful relationships have all become important parts of my growth strategy. I have also actively pursued collaborations and partnerships that align with our values and mission.

For me, collaboration is not simply about exposure—it is about building credibility, fostering community, and creating opportunities for people to experience the brand firsthand. Every event attended, every conversation initiated, and every partnership developed helps expand awareness and establish trust.

At this stage of the business, visibility remains one of my highest priorities. I believe that continuing to share our story, connect with consumers, and seek opportunities to showcase the brand will ultimately create long-term growth. Features such as this business magazine are another valuable avenue for increasing awareness and introducing Saffron & Sands by Suzi to new audiences.

Building a brand takes time, and while the journey has not always been easy, it has reinforced the importance of perseverance, authentic relationships, and consistently showing up. I believe that visibility is earned one connection at a time, and I remain committed to continuing that work.

Who was your favorite music artist and athlete growing up?

Growing up, there were several music artists who influenced me, but if I had to choose one who has remained a constant inspiration throughout my life, it would be Whitney Houston. I may be showing my age, but Whitney was, and always will be, one of my favorite artists. Beyond her incredible voice and musical talent, she was a true pioneer who changed the landscape of the music industry. As a woman of color, seeing someone who looked like me achieve such extraordinary success, break barriers, and inspire millions around the world was incredibly impactful. She demonstrated that talent, determination, and grace could overcome obstacles and open doors for future generations.

When it comes to sports, Michael Jordan was one of my greatest inspirations growing up. I admired his relentless work ethic, perseverance, and competitive spirit. His story taught me that setbacks and failures are often stepping stones to success. His ability to continually push himself, overcome challenges, and perform at the highest level left a lasting impression on me.

Allen Iverson is equally important to me and is tied with Michael Jordan as one of my favorite athletes. Despite being considered undersized by NBA standards, he refused to let others define his potential. He proved that determination, confidence, and talent can overcome perceived limitations. His resilience, authenticity, and willingness to challenge expectations made him one of the most memorable and influential players of his generation.

Looking back, each of these individuals inspired me in different ways. Whitney Houston showed me the power of representation and breaking barriers, while Michael Jordan and Allen Iverson demonstrated the importance of perseverance, resilience, and believing in yourself despite the odds. Those lessons continue to influence both my personal life and my entrepreneurial journey today.

Any shoutouts you want to make?

The one person I would like to give a special shoutout to is my Mum. Although she passed away about eight months ago, she remains my greatest inspiration, guiding light, and biggest cheerleader. Her unwavering love, kindness, resilience, and perseverance shaped the person I am today.

Much of who I am—both personally and professionally—is a reflection of the values she instilled in me. She taught me the importance of hard work, compassion, determination, and always believing in myself, even during life’s most difficult moments. Her strength and grace continue to influence how I lead, how I approach challenges, and how I pursue my dreams.

I truly would not be where I am today without her love and support. While I miss her deeply every single day, I carry her with me in my heart and spirit. Her legacy lives on through me, through my work, and through the values that guide both my life and my business. Everything I continue to build is, in many ways, a tribute to the incredible woman who taught me to dream boldly and persevere through anything.

Where can our readers learn more about you and your company?

Readers can learn more about me, my culinary journey, and the Saffron & Sands by Suzi brand through the following platforms:

• Website: Saffron & Sands by Suzi – saffronandsandsbysuzi.com

• Instagram: INSTAGRAM @saffronandsandsbysuzi, where we share recipes, cooking inspiration, product updates, and behind-the-scenes moments from our entrepreneurial journey.

• YouTube Cooking Show: Follow along as I bring global flavors to life through cooking demonstrations and culinary storytelling: YOUTUBE Savor the Journey, Cooking with Suzie