Navigating Entrepreneurial Success with Saucy Suraci, Kristen Suraci Ep. 180

Ever wondered how passion and dedication can turn a simple idea into a thriving platform? Join me, Lisa, as I chat with Kristen, the spirited force behind Saucy Suraci, who has redefined what it means to be a local influencer and small business advocate in the 518 area. Kristen's journey from accidentally starting a social media page to crafting an empowering venture for local businesses is a testament to her hard work and unique flair. In our engaging conversation, Kristen offers a candid glimpse into her world, balancing a full-time job alongside her business, and the sacrifices she makes to keep her dream alive. Her story shines as an inspiring beacon for women eyeing the entrepreneurial path.

But the road to entrepreneurship has its own set of challenges, especially in the realm of personal relationships. Kristen and I discuss the intricate dynamics women face in the dating scene when their professional success comes into play. With societal expectations often at odds with personal achievement, finding a supportive partner can be a tricky balancing act. Kristen shares her experiences since launching her saucy page in January 2023, painting a vivid picture of the relentless effort behind the scenes. It’s not all glamorous meals and easy wins; it’s a demanding job that requires grit and resilience, proving that success is earned, not given.

Takeaways

• Passion is crucial in starting and running a business. It fuels motivation and success.
• Having a strong support system, including like-minded individuals and networking groups, is essential for encouragement and guidance.
• Balancing a full-time job and a side business requires dedication and time management.
• The impact of supporting small businesses goes beyond personal gain and contributes to the success of the community.
• Obstacles and criticism are inevitable, but staying true to oneself and the mission is key.
• Defining success is subjective and can be measured by the positive impact made on others.
• Starting a business requires continuous learning, adaptability, and perseverance.
• Women entrepreneurs may face unique challenges, such as societal expectations and dating dynamics, but staying true to oneself and finding a secure partner are important.
• Surrounding oneself with supportive and like-minded women can create a positive and empowering environment.

CONNECT WITH KRISTEN

WEBSITE
INSTAGRAM
TIKTOK
518 Get Together *The network group Kristen and I were discussing. 

Chapters

• 0:00 Building a Business Journey for Women
• 12:32 Navigating Relationship Dynamics as an Entrepreneur
• 18:39 Entrepreneurial Surprises and Success
• 22:32 Empowerment Through Networking and Support

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:00

Hey everyone, this is Lisa with the Elegoo podcast. This season I wanted to spotlight more local 518 guests to the podcast and I am thrilled to have Kristen, also known as Saucy Sarasi, joining us today. Kristen is at a very exciting point in her business journey. She's gaining significant momentum as she builds her success and I wanted other women to hear what it takes to build a business. So in this episode we dive into the realities of entrepreneurship, especially for women who are just starting or considering launching their own businesses launching their own businesses. Kristen was really authentic and I got to say I respect her vulnerability. It was a raw conversation. She talks about what it looks like to juggle a full-time job dating, what her dating life looks like and what she sacrifices in her personal life for her business and how she navigates the day-to-day challenges of building a business from the ground up. Check it out.

Speaker 1: 1:21

Welcome to Ella Go. My name is Lisa. Join me on the journey in having real, raw and uncomfortable discussions about fitness, health and everything in between, because, let's be honest, this journey would suck if we don't get our shit together together. Back to the Elego podcast. My name is Lisa and today we have a special guest. Her name is Kristen and she is the creator of Saucy Sarasi. Welcome, kristen.

Speaker 2: 2:00

Thanks so much for having me. I'm so excited.

Speaker 1: 2:03

I'm excited to have you on. I know you're like one of the local 518 up and coming women. Look at her. Yes, you are, and I am just so curious about you and what you're about. Obviously, there are tons of women that are listening to this podcast and they want to be empowered by you, so let's get to it, okay. So, first of all, what is it that you do?

Speaker 2: 2:29

Well, I don't like to use the word influencer, but I do think I influence a lot of people, so I need to get used to that. I like to say I'm more of like a small business supporter and cheerleader, because that's what I'm really passionate about. It's more about me going out to these businesses, showing what they do, what they offer and why they're special, and obviously I'm part of it. And I think you know now people see me and they're like, oh my gosh, you're saucy and I'm like but really it's not about me, it's about these other people.

Speaker 1: 3:00

So For those of you who may not be listening, in the U? S or in the state of New York, um, Kristen has a social media page. That's why she said she didn't want to call herself an influencer. And what she does is she highlights all these small business owners on the on her social media page and just letting the community know, like look at this gym, look at this new you know florist, or look at this new restaurant, and she highlights them and as a business, small business owner, we need that Right. So she's doing the good work for us small business owners. Ok, and I will provide you all her links so that you can look her up and see what it is that she does. Ok, so, Kristen, the name. How did that happen?

Speaker 2: 3:50

Well, sarasi is my last name, so obviously that was kind of a given Saucy actually came from. So growing up I have an older brother and a lot of people call him Sauce and when I was trying to think of what I could name this page, I love the term saucy as kind of like like spicy, sassy, like it doesn't really mean saucy. There's so much more to it and I think I am pretty sassy and spicy sometimes. Sassy and spicy sometimes, so saucy, srossy. It just like sounded good together. It all kind of flowed. It had that history to it.

Speaker 1: 4:31

So it just it felt like it worked. I like it. It does Okay. So let's talk about the business. Like how did you get started? Like how did that come about out?

Speaker 2: 4:40

So I mean not on purpose, which I know people are like seriously. But yeah, I mean, when I started the page it was really just because I was the person that everyone would go to when they wanted to know a good place to go out to eat or to get a drink. Like so many of my guy friends would be like Kristen, I'm going on a date tonight in Schenectady when should I take them? I want to go get drinks in Troy. Where do you recommend?

Speaker 2: 5:09

And I was like so many people are reaching out to me every week, maybe I should just post about it and share where I'm going and then maybe people will stop calling me all the time. That didn't really work, because now I feel like even more people are reaching out to me. But that's kind of how it started and it just like kept growing and growing and growing. And then it got to a point where, like restaurants would ask me to come in and then like a small business would ask me to come in and at first it was just kind of food and I was like, oh, why can't I do all small businesses like I guess I can, and so it's just been like a domino effect, I guess, of sorts, but the best kind.

Speaker 1: 5:52

That's pretty cool. So when you were going through this transition so you were probably were you working like a full-time job and then building this side business?

Speaker 2: 6:03

Yeah, I still am. I'm still working full time and doing this on the side. It's a lot, a lot.

Speaker 1: 6:10

Yeah, and I want to talk a little bit more about that, because I think that when we think about being an entrepreneur and other women listening and they want to do it too and there's always the like, how do you balance? Like, how do you have your me time? And how do you like, how do you do it? Do you hire people? I mean, what does that look like to you?

Speaker 2: 6:36

I mean I think I can be very relatable in this answer because I still don't know what I'm doing every day, like I'm still learning every single day. To say it's easy would be a lie. I think you have to really love it, like I love this saucy community, I love the page, I really love talking to these different business owners. Like that is what fuels me, like to go in and meet them and hear their story. That makes it all worth it for me. So I think you have to love it and I think when you love it, then like the rest comes.

Speaker 2: 7:14

And I've also had to be patient because I've learned it's not going to happen overnight and it can be really frustrating and a lot of work. But it's like, how, how bad do you want it? How much are you willing to work? And like, yes, my personal life has suffered a little bit but like to me it's worth it and some people it might not be. So I think you know you kind of have to make those decisions.

Speaker 2: 7:39

But also I have great friends that can come to these restaurants with me and kind of enjoy it with me, and I'm lucky in that way that I can like take my friends to work, even though it doesn't really feel like work. It just feels fun. But yeah, I think, like day by day, I'll continue figuring it out, and I haven't hired anyone yet, but that is probably going to be my next move. I'm starting to get to that point where I'm like we're almost there and I'm realizing as much as I want to do it all myself, I can't. So I'm going to have to ask for help and we're going to have to see what that looks like, and that'll be a whole new journey of things that I'm going to need to learn and figure out.

Speaker 1: 8:28

I'm going to need to learn and figure out. I love the answer because it's honesty, right, because we're going after the things that we want, but we're keeping it real, because half the time I'm like okay, are we on the right path? Are we making the right? I mean, do I know what I'm doing? It's always that imposter syndrome right.

Speaker 1: 8:41

Like you know, am I supposed to be doing this? But you know, listening to you say it, I can tell just by the way you're talking about it that you love it and that you have passion for it and that you almost feel like you're aligned with your purpose, right? It almost feels like it looks feels good, right? Yeah, it does.

Speaker 2: 9:00

And I just think like, like, and eventually it's all going to work out, and I always say I want another form of income to be coming from this, and I don't know what that's going to look like or what it's going to be, but I'm like it's coming, I know it's coming. I believe in everything happens at the right time and sometimes you have to be patient and you can't force it and I'm just kind of willing to go on the ride and see what happens. I don't know.

Speaker 1: 9:35

Hey, that's all you need to do, right? So tell the listeners how many followers you have so far.

Speaker 2: 9:42

I think I am almost at 22,000.

Speaker 1: 9:47

That's a big deal, right. So you're starting to get some traction, you're getting a lot of followers, and that's when you're like okay, this is real right, this is happening, right. So let's talk about your life, your personal life, your family life. So what did your parents think about this venture that you're going on with this business? What were their thoughts?

Speaker 2: 10:12

I think at first they didn't really understand it. They're both on Facebook. The majority of my followers are on Instagram and I think the first time they really realized that I was making any sort of actual impact was my dad and I were going out to dinner and the hostess at the restaurant was seating us and she was like wait, are you saucy? And my dad's looking around and he was like what is she talking about? What's going on? And I was like I told you dad, like I have this Instagram page, what's going on? And I was like I told you dad like I have this Instagram page.

Speaker 2: 10:49

And he was like but how does she know? Like it did not compute in his head. Like how does she know who you are? Like this is so weird. So, like the rest of that dinner, I'm like explaining to him like how social media works and like, yeah, my face is out there, like people see me. And now my dad's in my videos and people come up to him and he's like they're like you're Papa Sauce and he's like he loves it, like he's all about it. It's so funny.

Speaker 1: 11:14

That's good and I'm glad you had that positive experience because there's that you know a lot of us who are going into this small business and we're working full time. Many of our parents are still old school and they're like thinking what are you doing? Like that doesn't make sense. Like I remember talking to my mother about podcasting. She goes I don't understand it, so it's not on the radio. Like it's like you know, they don't understand it and sometimes it's hard to get that support. So it's nice that you're getting that support from your family. So let's talk about your personal life, you being this entrepreneur, and from the outside you're looking like this real strong, empowered woman. So when it comes to even dating and things like that, what does that look like for you?

Speaker 2: 12:08

Not great, lisa, not great. I mean, I feel like dating in 2024 is hard regardless. So you know, that's just like another whole thing. But I have been told quite a few times on first dates that I'm I have a very strong personality. I'm intimidating.

Speaker 2: 12:32

Um a couple of months ago I was talking to a guy and we had gone on a few dates and you know he follows the saucy page and he seemed all about it and really excited about it and I was like this is great, like someone that's supportive and like knows what I do and appreciates it. And then it became very clear very quickly that like he actually wasn't about it. I think part of him was like it made him like insecure in a way. Like I would tell him about little wins or certain things that I was doing and you could just tell that like he wasn't happy for me, like it just was so obvious that like wasn't genuine or he would just be like oh nice, like just like short answers to like move on in the conversation and I was like this kind of sucks, like you have your career and you're so successful and like you make good money and all these things, like why can't I have my thing, like just because I'm kind of like public facing and more people like recognize me, that doesn't mean like the work you're doing isn't great too.

Speaker 2: 13:35

And I think, like just in society and in history, like men want to be the providers, they want to be the ones that are like doing everything for the family or whatever, and that's amazing, like. But I think like there's room for both right, like why can't I do great too? But also like you're not losing your masculinity just because I'm successful, right Like that's the part I I don't understand, and I think that's maybe why I haven't been successful in dating and maybe that's something on me too.

Speaker 2: 14:11

Maybe I need to make these men feel more special in a different way, I don't know, because I love this page and it's going to stay with me. So if you're getting me, you're getting the whole saucy gang too.

Speaker 1: 14:27

Well, I don't think you need to make anyone feel special. That's on them. And this is actually this is a discussion that I have with a lot of my friends. So not even entrepreneurs, women who are very successful in their careers and not having good luck with meeting somebody and it does take a secure man.

Speaker 1: 14:48

I always say it's going to take a secure man to be with me. Like it's not my job to make you secure. You know it's going to. You're going to have to be coming into this team, being secure and but I know that you're not alone in this having to, you know, deal with these obstacles, especially with dating. When it comes to dating and being a strong woman and I don't, I don't even want to say we're strong, I mean we're just being who we are Like, why we're not intimidating you Like we're not. That's not our MO, we're not coming in here like you know we're going to be like I'm a man. No, we're women and we're you know we're going to be like I'm a man. No, we're women and we're you know we're doing our thing and we're relying on ourselves.

Speaker 2: 15:32

Well, yeah, and it's like why can't you do your thing and I'll do mine? And like we're both being amazing why does it have? To. It's almost feels kind of like a competition and I'm like I'm not competing with anybody. There's room for both of us here to succeed. Let's grow and be a team together.

Speaker 1: 15:52

Ooh, gem dropping here. Okay, kristen, I'm going to take you off the hot seat here, because we could be talking about this for hours.

Speaker 2: 16:00

I agree. Yes, just saying You're getting me on my soapbox now, yeah, all right.

Speaker 1: 16:05

So obviously those are some of the obstacles, but what are other obstacles that you came across as an entrepreneur Like you know? When did you start the page? Was this before, after or during COVID?

Speaker 2: 16:18

It was after, so it was January of last year, of 2023. So it's only been about a year and a half-ish. So, again, still learning, and I think you know that, like so many obstacles come with that of just like talking to different business owners learning. Like you know, there's the financial aspect of it and I'm totally new to this world and I'm like what feels fair to charge people for certain things, and I think also a lot of people don't realize that I'm not just like going out and getting free meals and running around and like having a field day, like yeah, that's part of it and it's really fun.

Speaker 2: 16:59

But what you don't see behind the scenes is like all the taking a video, the negotiating beforehand, the planning a time to go in, and then I have to go home and I have to go through all my video the negotiating beforehand, the planning a time to go in, and then I have to go home and I have to go through all my video, figure out what video I want to use, edit all the video, do my voiceover, write the caption, like from start to finish. This is like a five hour process that you're seeing less than 60 seconds of in one video. So, and then I post three videos, usually a week. So that's 15 hours for three videos.

Speaker 1: 17:33

Yeah, and I'm glad you mentioned it, I'm glad you described it, because I don't think people understand that, oh, you just shoot a video and then you post it. No, you got to edit. You got to edit voices, you got to edit captions. You got to. You know you have to have catchy captions. You want people to look at it. You want people, you know you're marketing a small business owner, you're marketing their business. So there's a professionalism that comes with that. And here you are solopreneur, because that's what you are solopreneur doing this on your own and working a full-time job and dealing with life. So it's a lot.

Speaker 2: 18:13

Yes, it is. When you say it, I'm just like, yeah, I don't Everybody's like, how do you do it? I'm like I don't know I don't know, just keep doing it.

Speaker 1: 18:23

You just keep going.

Speaker 2: 18:25

You just keep getting up every day and I always tell people I'm just like I'm always walking around, or actually running around like a chicken with my head cut off, Like that is how I feel a lot of the time, but like it always all comes together.

Speaker 1: 18:38

It does. So let's talk about any surprises that came about with you being an entrepreneur because, like you said, this is all kind of new to you and you may have had some, you know, preconceived notions of what it was to be on social media, even being on social media. So what are some? Some surprises that may have come up that you're like wow, I never thought that that would have happened.

Speaker 2: 19:03

Um, I mean, the impact is crazy to me. Like hearing from business owners and just hearing like, because of one video I posted, they're getting like 100 new customers or something like that's insane to me and I like that's what keeps me going. There's also like a lot of criticism being on social media too, right. So, like everybody has an opinion and everybody loves to share it. The little keyboard warriors, they have no shame. So as the page grows, I've definitely gotten some interesting comments and messages that I try to filter out. I do try to make it pretty positive, but I think I've learned that, like I am my brand and so, even if people are posting something that, like, really has nothing to do with me, it really still feels like a personal attack because I'm like I'm the one person doing all of this and you're like getting mad at me for forgetting your favorite restaurant on a list I'm making or something, and I'm just like I'm like what do you want me to do? Like, I'm sorry.

Speaker 1: 20:12

Well, you know, they say, when you get the hate, that's when you know you made it, because I guess so, um, but it's, it's hard, it is hard. It is hard. Yeah, it is hard because, like you said, you know the name, even the name. It's you right, even though you're marketing other businesses. At the end of the day, you're doing the work.

Speaker 2: 20:37

I mean, it's my voice you hear behind the videos. I'm sharing my experience there. So it's just, it's all very personal, which I love, like I do love that aspect of it, but with it just comes really set myself up to get some shots fired at me.

Speaker 1: 20:53

Yeah, well, I'm sure you get a lot more positivity than the negative, and the negatives are just, you know, people in their basement, um, anyways, uh, so let's talk about defining success, like how does it, like, what success look like for you and do you think you're you're on that path?

Speaker 2: 21:12

I definitely think I'm on that path and I feel like this is like the worst business mindset to have.

Speaker 2: 21:19

But like success to me looks like these other businesses succeeding. So it's like, even if they didn't like I'm not getting paid to go there and do a video, like if they're getting more customers and like now it's benefiting like the greater community because these small businesses are thriving over these like big chain type corporations. Like that to me is success. So, like I was just saying to a friend yesterday, like if I shut down the page tomorrow, I would be okay with that because I would feel like I've done so much good for you know however many small businesses I've been able to go and visit so far, which is like probably a couple hundred or something, I don't know.

Speaker 2: 21:59

I should probably go back and look at that. But like that to me is it just like makes me so happy. Like nothing fuels me more than a business owner reaching out to me after I posted their video. Being like we got X amount of customers, or like all these people followed our page or whatever. Like that to me means so much more to let than like any money or followers that I get or anything like that Cause it's like, yeah, it's about me, but it's not about me.

Speaker 1: 22:27

You know, this is why you're successful, Kristen. This is exactly why. Okay, so let's talk about some of the things that you know, you going into it and having to say to yourself, wow, I wish I knew that. Like, do you have that moment where you're like, wow, I wish I knew before I started this that I did X, Y and Z?

Speaker 2: 22:53

That's tough. I feel like I have these moments all the time. But now that you're asking, I'm like what do I wish I knew? I mean, I guess I wish I knew how small the area really is, Because it's like once you meet one person, then it's like 20 other people are involved, which is not always a bad thing. Sometimes it leads to like really great connections and I love that. I wish I knew how much work I was going to be putting into this and how many hours. But also, like I don't regret any of it because of the impact that it's made. So I don't know if I would want to know the hours I'm going to be putting into it, Cause I was like, wow, if I could see a year ago how tired I would be today, I don't know if I would have started, but yeah that's what coffee is for.

Speaker 1: 23:43

So what is coming up for you Like, is there any new like projects that you're super excited about? Like, what are things that are in the the upcoming months?

Speaker 2: 23:54

Yeah. So I have a couple things coming up that I'm really excited about. One of them I can't share yet, which I hate when people do that, but I just the contract is not signed, so we can't just put all the good vibes out there for me, even though you guys don't know what it is, because it would be really, really exciting. Um, but outside of that, I feel like the page started very food and bev focused and we're definitely continuing to expand on other things than just food and beverage, like more things local.

Speaker 2: 24:28

I I also I'm going to be traveling a little bit in the coming months and I'm really excited to share all things local, but in other cities. So, like, if you're traveling somewhere and you're like, oh, I feel like you know, I don't want to go to the local chain restaurant, like, what are the good? Like what's a good coffee shop, what's a good lunch spot, a good dinner spot? I want to show people that so, even when they're traveling, I can still be like their go-to person Also. So I currently have my name on a couple menus in the capital region, which is so fun and cool to me.

Speaker 2: 25:02

Like I just again, like if the page dies tomorrow, I'm like I have a cocktail named after me at 353 in Troy and like I can die happy knowing that I'm in talks with a couple restaurants about doing some saucy cocktails outside of Troy, maybe one in Albany, maybe one in Schenectady Okay, that's exciting.

Speaker 1: 25:26

I'm very excited about that.

Speaker 2: 25:27

Maybe a couple of cocktail launch parties that everyone will be invited to.

Speaker 1: 25:32

Oh, who wouldn't want to do that? That is fun and I, you know, that is such a great idea that you will now be like the go-to person. If, oh, hey, I'm going to New York City, do you know any places I could go to have good pizza? Or I'm going to Cincinnati, or whatever, I mean, that is really cool for you to be that person, that go-to person, so you're venturing out.

Speaker 2: 25:58

I've always said this is so silly. But I want to be like the girl version of Guy Fieri, like hitting up all the local like hidden gem spots in these cities all over the country and helping them succeed. And I want to drive a pink car around. Instead of he drives his convertible, I want to drive some sort of pink SUV. That's the dream. That is the dream.

Speaker 1: 26:25

So I know there are women listening to this and they're like, wow, maybe this is something I want to do or maybe it's something different that I want to do. What are some tips for that woman who's thinking of opening her own business? What are some tips that you would give them to help them start out?

Speaker 2: 26:50

to help them start out. I would say, if you absolutely love it, you definitely need to go for it, because I think with passion then comes success and that means, like money, happiness, all the things I also think I mean. Look at how you and I met from a networking group, right, I think, to be surrounded by other people who have done things that you want to do or like even just like-minded women. I know like the group we met through has been substantial in helping me grow and my success. And having people to support you and cheer you on when you have those days that you're like I'm working so hard, I'm so tired, is it worth it? We all have those moments and you need a really good group of women around you to be like keep going, we got you. How can I help you? What do you need? And they're there to give advice and guidance. I think that's crucial, that support system.

Speaker 1: 27:44

Let's say what networking group we're talking about, because I want to give them a shout out.

Speaker 2: 27:49

Yes, it's called 518 Get Together. Gabby Fisher is one of the three that started it. She's one of my best friends. Her, Jess and Rachel all have their own businesses. They've all had their own journeys. I have so much love and respect for those three women. They're just incredible. The community they've created is truly unlike. I've been to a lot of networking events. It's unlike anything I've been a part of. I could talk till I'm white in the face about it. I love them so much. I really do.

Speaker 1: 28:29

Yeah, for sure. I mean I think that um and I said this to Gabby I it's a different feel, it's um, very much a empowerment community of women and everyone is so down to earth and open and honest and friendly and it doesn't feel like fake, it feels so comfortable.

Speaker 2: 28:53

Let's be real about this Women can be. We can be each other's own, like enemies, right, like right. Women can sometimes be really tough. I also think if we all could come together and support each other, like we could be ruling the world. So I feel like I don't know how Gabby, rachel and Jess did this, but they somehow have created this community of women that, like there are so many women in the group that are in the same career. We're all in the same area and none of them are competing with each other. None of them are mad that one person's getting business over the other. Like they're all still supporting each other and even referring people to each other's businesses, which I think is amazing. And it's like again I say I say this every day there's room for everyone. Like one person would not be able to take on all the business in the area anyway. So why not like share and spread?

Speaker 1: 29:52

the love, right? Yeah, no, I I totally agree and, um, that's obviously why I'm in that group and I think it's just them setting up the energy when you walk in and the activities they have us do to get to know each other. Um, I think that it's definitely a it's a different feel than a lot of other networking group. I wanted to give them a shout out because they deserve it and I'm happy to be part of that group and it's just a different energy. I'll actually put the link on how to get ahold of them if you wanted to be part of this group so that you can get a taste of what Kristen and I are experiencing with other women. Kristen, thank you so much for being a part of this. Thank you.

Speaker 1: 30:38

I know you in a different way now. I'm seeing a lot more of who you are with this conversation and I want to tell you that I'm very proud of you as a woman to do what you're. You know you're doing the work and you are balancing so much, but you are a force to be reckoned with and do not dim that light. You are successful as it is right now, and for you to only be doing this one year, I didn't know that. I thought I was like, okay, well, how long she's been doing this? But you've been doing this one year Working your ass off. It's paying off. Okay, don't stop, keep doing it. I'm so proud to know you. I can't wait to see what's to come. Just I'm so happy to have you on.

Speaker 2: 31:21

Thank you so much and stay saucy.

Speaker 1: 31:24

All right, everyone until next time.

Speaker 2: 31:26

Bye Bye. Until next time, bye Bye.