Hidden Gems: Meet Susan Mungai of Saffron & Sands by Suzi

Today we’d like to introduce you to Susan Mungai.

Hi Susan, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My name is Suzie Mungai, and at the heart of everything I do is a deep passion for food, science, and innovation. I am the CEO and founder of Saffron & Sands by Suzi, a brand dedicated to creating all-in-one, one-of-a-kind global spice blends that are pure, thoughtfully crafted, and designed to transform everyday cooking into an extraordinary experience. Each blend is created to take your taste buds on a global journey — ‘Passport…NOT required’.

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 love, 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 expanded to include 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. This all started when, 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 and uncertain but I was determined. I gathered the spices we had on hand, relied on instinct, and carefully built a dish through tasting, adjusting by gut and trusting my palate. And then, I just hoped 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, “Suzie did.”

What happened next is something I’ll never forget. The room filled with excitement—people asking me questions on how I came up with the flavors. I was dumbfounded, 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.

Living and traveling 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 or visited, 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 per our tags line—‘Passport NOT required’. Every dish I create is a reflection of cultures coming together, flavors blending, and stories being told. Whether I’m fusing Asian, African and European influences or reimagining Latin dishes, I want every bite to spark joy, curiosity, and connection.

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.

The journey to this moment hasn’t been easy. The show was originally set to launch last fall, but I paused everything after losing my mum—my greatest inspiration. That loss changed me deeply.

In honoring her, each episode of Season One is dedicated to her—the woman who shaped my love for food, my strength, and who I am today.

Not long after, I received news that would change my life again: a cancer diagnosis. Words you never expect to hear. And yet, even in the midst of treatment, I’ve chosen to keep going. To keep creating. To keep sharing. To keep honoring her—and my purpose.

Because this journey is bigger than me.

It’s about resilience. It’s about culture. It’s about flavor. It’s about connection.

So I invite you to join me—one bite at a time—as we explore the beauty of our global palate, celebrate our shared humanity, and experience the magic of food without boundaries.

Passport… NOT Required.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Losing my mum at the end of October has been the most difficult experience of my life. We were incredibly close—she was not only my mother, but also my mentor, my best friend, and my greatest cheerleader. Her loss has been deeply devastating, and it’s something I am still learning to process. Yet, even in the midst of that grief, I find strength in continuing to move forward—honoring her and striving to make her proud in everything I do.

Her passing came at a pivotal moment in my journey. I was preparing to launch Season One of my YouTube series and had just completed production of my spice blends, ready to introduce them to the world. Suddenly, everything came to a pause.

A few months later, I experienced another major shift—my corporate career of over 17 years came to an unexpected end. And just as I was beginning to regain momentum and prepare for a full launch of my business and show, I was faced with yet another life-altering moment: a cancer diagnosis.

Navigating these deeply personal and transformative events—all within the span of just a few months—has been incredibly challenging. Each moment has required me to dig deeper, to find resilience I didn’t know I had, and to keep moving forward even when it felt overwhelming.

Alongside these personal challenges, building my business has come with its own set of obstacles—particularly when it comes to funding. Like many entrepreneurs, I have invested significantly in my vision without yet seeing financial return. It hasn’t been easy, but I believe wholeheartedly in what I’m building. I know this is just the beginning, and as awareness of my brand continues to grow, so will its impact.

What continues to reassure me is the response I receive whenever I share my products. At every industry event where I’ve showcased my spice blends, the reception has been overwhelmingly positive. People connect with the flavors, the authenticity, and the story behind them—and that gives me confidence that I am on the right path.

So today, I move forward with faith. I choose patience, positivity, and hope as I navigate both personal and professional challenges. I remain committed to my purpose—to share my passion, my story, and my flavors with the world—and I trust that everything I am building will come to fruition in time.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Saffron & Sands by Suzi?
Saffron & Sands by Suzi is more than a spice brand—it is a celebration of culture, flavor, and global connection. Founded on a passion for food, science, and innovation, the brand is dedicated to creating all-in-one, one-of-a-kind spice blends that simplify cooking while elevating it into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Each blend is thoughtfully crafted using pure, clean ingredients—free from unnecessary additives, with a focus on balance, depth, and authenticity. Designed to remove the guesswork from cooking, these blends allow both seasoned cooks and everyday home chefs to create bold, layered flavors with ease.

What sets Saffron & Sands by Suzi apart is its global perspective. Inspired by diverse culinary traditions from around the world, every blend tells a story—bringing together spices, techniques, and influences that transcend borders. The result is a collection that invites exploration, creativity, and connection through food.

At its core, the brand is rooted in the belief that great flavor should be accessible to everyone. With just one blend, a simple dish can be transformed into something vibrant, memorable, and deeply satisfying.

Through Saffron & Sands by Suzi, Suzi invites you to experience the world one bite at a time—because when it comes to flavor, Passport… NOT Required.

https://saffronandsandsbysuzi.com

What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was always full of life—bubbly, energetic, confident, and naturally drawn to leading and creating my own path, much like my mum. I was that child who would climb onto a table in the middle of a busy restaurant and sing my heart out, completely unbothered… and yes, completely embarrassing my family at the same time.

I’ve always had a curious mind. If something didn’t make sense to me, I questioned it. I wasn’t afraid to challenge the status quo or do things differently. I also developed my own sense of style early on—one that evolved many times over the years, but always reflected my desire to express who I was.

Creativity was a constant in my life. Whether it was through art, baking, or cooking, I found joy in making things with my hands and bringing ideas to life. At the same time, I was deeply fascinated by the human body, health, and healing. For a long time, I dreamed of becoming a doctor—someone who could help people feel better and truly make a difference in their lives.

That desire to help others has never left me.

In many ways, I was inspired by my mum, who was a trailblazer in her own right—paving the way for many women in her industry. She instilled in me a belief that has stayed with me ever since: just because you haven’t seen something done before doesn’t mean it can’t be done.

As a child, I would even create my own “doctor” business cards out of lined notebook paper and proudly hand them to guests who visited our home. Even then, I knew I wanted to serve, to create, and to heal—I just wasn’t sure how all those passions would come together.

For a long time, I wrestled with that question: how could I pursue medicine while also honoring my love for creativity, food, and art?

Looking back now, I realize I’ve come full circle.

Through my work, I’ve found a way to blend all of those passions into one. By creating unique, thoughtful spice blends, I’m able to help people experience food in a way that is both joyful and nourishing. Because to me, food is more than flavor—it has the power to comfort, to connect, and even to heal.

And in its own way, that’s a different kind of medicine.

Pricing:

• $12.99 for each of spice blends

Contact Info:

• Website: https://saffronandsandsbysuzi.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saffronandsandsbysuzi?igsh=MXh3b2dodGI0Y21uNg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: Saffronandsandsbysuzi
• Youtube: @cookingwithsuzi
• Other: https://youtu.be/64ouaR5NTDo?si=fYGxbOwczrWhFh0U